The Ohio State University

Ohio State admitted about 49.2% of applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing roughly 81,000 applications and enrolling around 8,200 first-year students. The overall rate has tightened notably for a school this size, and admission to competitive majors and the honors program runs tighter than the headline number suggests.

Surprisingly, out-of-state applicants are admitted at nearly the same rate as Ohio residents. In the most recent CDS data (Fall 2023), Ohio State admitted 49.1% of in-state applicants and 49.7% of out-of-state applicants — essentially identical, with out-of-state very slightly higher. International applicants were admitted at the highest rate, 57.3%. Geographical residence and state residency are listed as 'considered' factors in Ohio State's holistic review, but the data show no meaningful residency penalty at the point of admission.

Ohio State does not publish an average high school GPA in its Common Data Set, but academic GPA, class rank, and the rigor of your course load are all weighed as very important factors. As a proxy, 73% of enrolled first-years ranked in the top tenth of their high school class and 96% in the top quarter, so competitive applicants carry strong grades in a demanding schedule.

A 1400 is competitive at Ohio State: it falls within the middle 50% of enrolled first-years, just below the 75th-percentile mark of 1440. Enrolled first-years scored 1300–1440 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT, so a 1400 puts you right around a typical admitted student's score.

Not going forward. Ohio State's most recent entering class was test-optional, but its Common Data Set now lists the SAT or ACT as required to be considered for admission, with an exception for applicants more than two years removed from high school. Among recent first-years who submitted scores, the middle 50% scored 1300–1440 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT, and scores are weighed as a very important factor alongside GPA, class rank, and course rigor.

Yes. Ohio State rates the application essay as an important factor in its holistic review — below academics, class rank, and test scores, but on par with recommendations and extracurriculars. A specific, well-revised essay is a real chance to add context to your grades and scores and stand out in a large applicant pool.

Annual tuition and required fees are approximately $13,641 for Ohio residents and $42,423 for out-of-state students. About 36% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average package near $20,792, and the Buckeye Tuition Guarantee locks each entering cohort's tuition and fees for four years.

Business and marketing is the largest field at about 20% of bachelor's degrees, followed by engineering at 15% and the health professions at 11%. The social and life sciences round out the top areas, and as a land-grant university Ohio State also offers a wide range of agriculture, education, and communication programs.