Chances of Getting Into Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio • Public University • #43 National • Founded 1870
Ohio State Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Ohio State SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is one of the largest and most comprehensive public universities in the United States. Located in Columbus, Ohio's capital city, OSU offers over 200 majors, powerhouse athletics, and strong programs across business, engineering, nursing, and the arts.
Top Programs
What Makes Ohio State Unique
- One of the largest university campuses in the U.S. with 200+ majors
- Fisher College of Business is a top-20 undergraduate business school
- Located in Columbus — a thriving, growing city with major employers
- Wexner Medical Center is a top-ranked academic medical center
- Legendary athletics program — one of the most passionate fan bases in the country
Ohio State Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Ohio State Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Ohio State: Admission Tips
Apply Early Action for priority consideration — November 1 deadline
Direct admission to competitive programs (Fisher, Engineering) requires stronger stats
Ohio State considers the strength of your curriculum and GPA heavily
Strong extracurriculars and leadership roles boost applications
Out-of-state students are actively recruited — about 30% of students are non-Ohio
The Brutal Truth About Ohio State Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 53% acceptance rate, Ohio State rejected over 31,960 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Ohio State, having a 3.75 GPA and 1370 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Ohio State doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Ohio State genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 53%-acceptance-rate basket.
Ohio State Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Ohio State University?
Ohio State University has an acceptance rate of 53% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 68,000+ applicants, approximately 10,500 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Ohio State?
The average GPA of admitted students at Ohio State University is 3.75. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.60, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Ohio State?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Ohio State students is 1280–1460. The average SAT score is 1370. For ACT, the range is 28–33 with an average of 30.
Is Ohio State hard to get into?
Yes, Ohio State University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 53%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Ohio State cost?
Tuition at Ohio State University is $11,936 (in-state) / $36,722 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $29,696 (in-state) / $54,482 (out-of-state). However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $14,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Ohio State?
Your chances of getting into Ohio State University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 53% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
What Are Your Chances at Ohio State?
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Popular Majors at Ohio State
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