The Ohio State University (OSU) Acceptance Rate

Ohio State University Admissions Requirements

A first-year student at the Ohio State Columbus and regional campuses must meet these college admission requirements:

• be a high school graduate (or will soon graduate)
• have never enrolled in a university or college (courses taken in high school are okay)
• be a U.S. resident - Columbus campus only
• complete minimum college prep criteria (English - 4 units, math - 3 units, natural science - 3 units, social science - 2 units, foreign language - 2 units of the same language, visual or performing arts - 1 unit, plus 1 additional unit) - Columbus campus only
• there are no college rank, minimum standardized test score, or minimum high school GPA requirements

If you want to apply as a graduate student, you should have:

• a four-year bachelor's or advanced degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college
• a minimum 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale) for the last bachelor's or advanced degree earned
• transcripts to show prerequisite academic work
• a GRE, GMAT, or other test scores (only if required under special circumstances)

International students must be (or will soon be) secondary school graduates. Students should have never enrolled at a university or college (college classes taken in high school don't count). Students can't be U.S. citizens, refugees, permanent residents, or people granted asylum.

Transfer students with 30 or more semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) are considered competitive with a 2.5 average GPA in college. For transfer students with fewer semester/quarter hours, the university makes an admissions decision based on college and high school records.

Military students should follow first-year or transfer admissions criteria. If required, they should also send ACE or JST/CCAF transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

How To Apply at Ohio State University

If you want to enroll at OSU as a first-time, international, or military undergraduate student, you'll follow this application process:

• Step 1: Take standardized tests early — no later than early October for the SAT and late October for the ACT. The testing agency must deliver your test scores to Ohio State.
• Step 2: Meet deadlines. The regular decision application deadline for the autumn term is in early February. The early action application deadline is in early November.
• Step 3: Fill out the Common Application. Students must create an account to apply. The Common Application typically opens in early August.
• Step 4: Submit all remaining materials. They might include high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and other test scores (ex. TOEFL).

Transfer students must fill out a transfer student admission application. They must also meet enrollment criteria for their major. Other materials like test scores should be submitted to complete the application. May is the deadline for the Columbus campus. July is the deadline for the regional campuses.

Graduate students can apply online using Ohio State's regular application or a third-party application service. Students should send transcripts, test scores, and other materials. Application deadlines vary by program.

Tips for Applying to Ohio State University

Here are some tips you can use to give yourself a better chance of getting into Ohio State:

• Submit letters of recommendation. These letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors explain why you would be a great Ohio State student.
• Write a personal statement. This statement lets you share what makes you a unique student and a great addition to OSU.
• Show you are a leader. Share your work experience or co-curricular activities.
• Let the school know about your outstanding talents whether you play an instrument or know a second language.

FAQs About Getting into Ohio State University

Want to learn more about getting into and attending Ohio State? Read the following frequently asked questions.

What Is the Cost of Tuition at Ohio State University?

Students paid these tuition costs in the 2023-2024 school year:

• First-year and transfer students (Ohio residents): $12,859 (Columbus), $9,212 (Regional campus), $9,167 (Ohio State ATI)
• First-year and transfer students (out-of-state): $38,365
• International students: $41,293
• Graduate students (Ohio residents): $13,901
• Graduate students (out-of-state): $13,901 + $28,838 non-resident fee

Ohio State students can benefit from The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee. It freezes tuition and fees for each entering class of first-year students for four years.

What Is the Graduation Rate at Ohio State University?

Ohio State's most recent graduation rate data highlights new first-year students who entered in the autumn of 2019.

• Total four-year graduation rate: 71.1%.
• Total female four-year graduation rate: 76.3%
• Total male four-year graduation rate: 65.7%

Does Ohio State University Prefer the SAT or ACT?

Ohio State accepts scores from the SAT and ACT. Here are test score numbers from the most recent class:

• 50% of admitted students had an average ACT composite score between 28 and 33
• 25% had an ACT score above 33
• 25% had an ACT score below 28
• 50% of admitted students had an SAT score (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) between 1340 and 1480
• 25% had an SAT score above 1480
• 25% had an SAT score below 1340

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average ACT composite score in the United States was 19.8 in 2022. In the same year, the average SAT score was 1050.