
Ohio State University is the largest single campus university in the US. It is located in Columbus, Ohio and is a public research university.
History
Ohio State University was established as a land-grant university in 1870. At that time it was eligible for a grant in accordance with the 1862 Morrill Act and was named Ohio Agriculture and Mechanical College. It was built in a farming community north of the City of Columbus. The university welcomed twenty-four students when it opened its doors.
Governor Rutherford B. Hayes saw that the college had potential to become an institute of higher learning. With that in mind, he influenced the original board of directors and the college's location in that direction. The name of the school was changed to The Ohio State University in 1878.
Ohio State University accepted its first graduate students in 1880. The following year, Moritz College of Law was established. Eventually, the school included colleges of commerce and journalism as well as dentistry and medicine.
The school's development slowed during the 1870s because of hostility from Ohio's agricultural interests as well as competition from Ohio and Miami universities. These problems were finally resolved and Ohio State became Ohio's leading university in 1906. It became a member of the Association of American Universities in 1916.
Main Campus Academics
The Ohio State University is the leading research and teaching institution in Ohio and the US. It ranks second in industry sponsored research and seventh among public universities in research expenditures.
Renowned colleges include:
- Moritz College of Law
- Fisher College of Business
- Glenn School of Public Affairs
- College of Medicine and Public Health
Majors include:
- Business Marketing
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Association of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Student Life
More than 50,000 students attend Ohio State University's main campus, which creates a vibrant and diverse life on campus. Students from a number of cultures and all walks of life are in attendance. Because the campus is so close to Columbus' downtown, students have ample opportunities in employment, enrichment and entertainment.
Ohio State has over 60 active fraternities and sororities. Fraternities include:
- Beta Theta Pi
- Chi Phi
- Lambda Chi Alpha
- Omega Psi Phi
- Kappa Sigma
Sororities include:
- Chi Omega
- Alpha Sigma Upsilon
- Kappa Delta
- Delta Zelta
A longstanding tradition at Ohio State is the Ohio State University Marching Band-the largest percussion and all brass band in the world.
Ohio State University has several media outlets and managed publications, including its official yearbook, The Makio. Since 1881, the school has published a daily newspaper-The Lantern.
Athletics
The intercollegiate teams of Ohio State University are the Buckeyes. The university's colors are Grey and Scarlett.
Men's Sports
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
- Swimming and Diving
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Pistol and Rifle
- Lacrosse
- Cross Country Skiing
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Equestrian
- Ice Hockey
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Fencing
- Track and Field
Women's Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fencing
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Swimming and Diving
- Synchronized Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Over the years some outstanding athletes have graduated from Ohio State. They include:
- Jack Nicklaus - golf
- Jesse Owens - 1936 Olympic gold medalist in track and field
- Chic Harley - football
- Jessica Davenport - basketball
- Katie Smith - basketball
Seven Heisman Awards have been presented to Ohio State athletes including:
- Eddie George - 1995
- Archie Gunn - 1974 and 1975
- Tony Smith - 2006
Hall of Fame Ohio State coaches include:
- Fred Taylor - basketball
- Woody Hayes - football
- Paul Brown - football
- Mike Peppe - swimming and diving
- Larry Snider - track and field
Local Community
There are several points of interest on the main campus of Ohio State University.
- Orton Geological Library
- Ohio Stadium
- The Oval
- Mirror Lake
Off campus there is much to see and do.
Stone Laboratory
Stone Laboratory was created in a Sandusky fish hatchery by Professor David S. Kellicott. The first students attended in 1900. The Laboratory is now located on Gibraltar Island at Put-in-Bay. The deed was given to Ohio State in 1925 by the descendents of Jay Cooke and the facility was named for his father, Franz Theodore Stone, who was an astronomical researcher and mathematician. The first students were welcomed to Stone Laboratory in 1929.
Thurber House
Thurber House was the home of New Yorker cartoonist, James Thurber, and is now a living museum dedicated to his life. The house is furnished as it was during the time that James Thurber lived there with his family between 1913 and 1917. Be sure to visit the Centennial Reading Garden and Thurber Center. The Center is next door to Thurber House and the Reading Garden is set between the two.
Short North
Just a few minutes from Ohio State University campus, is Short North, an urban neighborhood that offers a wide variety of activities that include art galleries, shopping and great restaurants. It is Columbus Ohio's most active playground. Be sure to take in a hockey game at Nationwide Arena or an event at Greater Columbus Convention Center.
German Village
German Village was established in 1841. Each year it celebrates German Village Octoberfest. Shop till you drop or visit a bar or coffee house. Enjoy bratwurst and jumbo cream puffs at Schmidt's Sausage Haus Restaurant. If you enjoy reading, be sure to visit The Book Loft, which was originally a pre-civil war general store and now is a thirty-two room book and music store.
Arena District
If you like to party and are looking for night life, visit the Arena District. Located close to Ohio State's main campus, it is Columbus' night life hotspot.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
If you love land and marine animals, you will love Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. See manatees, sharks, jellyfish, reptiles of all types, wolves, bald eagles. Omnivores, Herbivores and Carnivores from around the world can be seen here.
Whatever your tastes, there is something for you to enjoy in and around Columbus, home to Ohio State University.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may give you an idea of the candidates Ohio State University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Ohio State University is around 59,000 students. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 12% enrolling as graduate students and 77% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $18,500. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $60 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State Tuition: $9,200-$11,000
- Nonresident Student Tuition: $26,000-$31,800
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $380-$460 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $1,100-$1,300 per credit unit
- on campus dorms & meals are estimated to cost around $14,000
Financial Aid Details
The table listed below helps break down the types of financial aid students receive and the percent receiving aid, as well as the average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 86% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 79% | $9,228 |
Receiving Student Loans | 42% | $7,436 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Ohio State University may provide services including:- Online classes
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
- Day care
Graduation Rates
With a high graduation rate of around 83%, Ohio State University is among the most successful schools in the area.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 59% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 22% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 3% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dance Program
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Dietetics Program
- Coordinated Dietetics Program
- Endodontics Program
- Health Services Administration Program
- Law Program
- Medical (M.D.) Program
- Music Program
- Nurse Midwifery Education Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) Program
- Optometry (O.D.) Program
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Program
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Program
- Pediatric Dentistry Program
- Periodontics Program
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- Prosthodontics Program
- Master's in Public Health (M.P.H.) Program
- Radiation Therapist Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Ohio State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Big Ten Conference)
- Basketball (Big Ten Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Ten Conference)
- Diving
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Football (Big Ten Conference)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rifle
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Synchronized Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Other Sports
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Ohio State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Economics (B, D, M)
- Agriculture, Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences (B)
- Plant Sciences (B)
- Food Science (B, D, M)
- Horticultural Science (D, M)
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing (B)
- Agricultural and Extension Education Services (B)
- Dairy Science (C)
- Livestock Management (B)
- Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management (M)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
- Urban Planning (B, D, M)
- Landscape Architect (B, M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B)
- Neuroscience (B, D)
- Zoology (B, D, M)
- Microbiology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B, D, M)
- Molecular Genetics (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Science (B, D, M)
- Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences (D)
- Vision Science, Physiological Optics (D, M)
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (M)
- Anatomy (D, M)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (B, D, M)
- Ecology (D, M)
- Biophysics (D, M)
- Entomology (B, D, M)
- Botany (D)
- Biostatistics (D)
- Pharmacology (M)
- Pathology, Experimental Pathology
Business and Marketing Studies
- Finance (B, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Accounting (B, D, M)
- Business Administration (B, D, M)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (B)
- Operations Management (B)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (B, D, M)
- Human Resources (B, M)
- Risk Management and Insurance (B)
- Business Economics (B)
- Information Systems (B)
- International Business (B)
- Real Estate (B)
- Insurance (B)
- Commerce
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (B, D, M)
- Journalism (B)
- Communication and Journalism (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B)
Education
- Education (D, M)
- Physical Education (B)
- Elementary Education (B)
- Special Education (B)
- Middle School Teacher (B)
- Music Teacher Education (B)
- Elementary and Middle School Administration (B)
- Art Teacher Education (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B, D, M)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B)
- Technical Teacher Education (B)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education (B)
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education (B)
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Materials Engineering (B, D, M)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, D, M)
- Engineering (B, D, M)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (B)
- Engineering Physics (B)
- Nuclear Engineering (D, M)
Engineering Technology
- Survey Technology (D, M)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Women's Studies (B, D, M)
- Ethnic and Cultural Minority Studies (B)
- African-American Black Studies (B, M)
- East Asian Studies (M)
- Latin American Studies (M)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family Studies (B, D, M)
- Human Nutrition (B, M)
- Family Resource Management Studies (B, D, M)
- Apparel and Textiles (B, D, M)
- Business Family and Consumer Sciences (M)
- Foodservice Administration and Management (B)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
- Linguistics (B, D, M)
- Chinese Language and Literature (B)
- Japanese Language and Literature (B)
- French Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B, D, M)
- Russian Language and Literature (B)
- Korean Language and Literature (B)
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (B, D, M)
- Italian Language and Literature (B)
- Arabic Language and Literature (B)
- Middle Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (D, M)
- Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (D, M)
- Comparative Literature (B)
- Portuguese Language and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B, D, M)
- Medicine (D)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (B, D, M)
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Pharmacy (B, D)
- Dentistry (D)
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (B)
- Public Health (B, D, M)
- Optometry (D)
- Physical Therapy (D)
- Occupational Therapy (M)
- Radiology Technician (B)
- Dental Hygienist (B, M)
- Medical Records Administrator (B)
- Hospital and Healthcare Facility Management (M)
- Dental Clinical Sciences (D, M)
- Veterinary Sciences (D, M)
- Medical Technology (B, C)
- Dietetics (B)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (D, M)
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (D, M)
- Respiratory Therapy (B)
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Humanistic Studies (B, D, M)
- General Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (D, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Science (B)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (B)
- Environmental and Wildlife Management (B, D, M)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
- Religious Studies (B)
- Islamic Studies (B)
- Jewish and Judaic Studies (B)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Physics (B, D, M)
- Geology (B, D, M)
- Meteorology (B, M)
- Astronomy (B, D, M)
- Atomic, Molecular Physics (D, M)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, D, M)
- Public Administration (B, D, M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Sports Management (B)
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B, M)
- Sports Medicine (B, D)
Social Sciences
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- International Relations (B)
- Criminology (B)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, D, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Cartography and GIS (B)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation (B)
- Aviation and Airway Management (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Film Studies (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, D, M)
- Dance (B, D, M)
- Design and Visual Communications (B)
- Music (B, D, M)
- Music Performance (B)
- Interior Design (B)
- Industrial Design (B, M)
- Fine Arts and Art Studies (B)
- Arts Management (D, M)
- Art History (B, D, M)
- Jazz and Jazz Studies (B)
- Music Theory and Composition (B)
- Music History, Literature, and Theory
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Ohio State University.
- Ohio State University - Newark Campus in Newark, OH (30 miles away)
- Ohio State University - Marion Campus in Marion, OH (40 miles away)
- Ohio University - Chillicothe Campus in Chillicothe, OH (46 miles away)
- Central State University in Wilberforce, OH (50 miles away)
- Ohio University - Zanesville Campus in Zanesville, OH (52 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Compare schools and see a list of all colleges in Ohio
- Find out what other state universities are located in Ohio