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Ohio State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as Ohio State

Ohio State University accepts 61% of applicants. It is a public university in Columbus, Ohio, with about 45,638 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,819 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $17,269.

61%Acceptance rate
1310–1480Middle 50% SAT
28–32Middle 50% ACT
$17,269Average cost after aid / year
87%Graduation rate
$56,889Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Ohio State?

Admitly estimates a typical Ohio resident needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 79%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Ohio State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1345, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAOhio residentOut-of-state
2.520% Reach7% Reach
2.720% Reach7% Reach
3.020% Reach7% Reach
3.330% Reach11% Reach
3.544% Target19% Reach
3.759% Target30% Target
3.973% Target45% Target
4.079% Target52% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Ohio State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,819 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$7,200$30,500
$50k – $100k$9,700$34,200
$100k – $150k$18,200$42,700
$150k – $250k$28,800$54,600
Over $250k$28,800$57,400

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

87%Finish their degree
94%Return for second year
$56,889Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Ohio State University

What is the acceptance rate at Ohio State University?

Ohio State University admits 61% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Ohio State University?

Admitly estimates a typical Ohio resident needs about a 3.6 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 79%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Ohio State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1310–1480 on the SAT and 28–32 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Ohio State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $28,819 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $17,269 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $7,200 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Ohio State University?

87% of students finish their degree, and 94% return for a second year.

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