When deciding between two universities, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic offerings, and student outcomes. In this article, we will compare Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of Alabama (UA) to help you make an informed decision about your educational future.
OSU Overview
Ohio State University, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a public research university established in 1870. OSU is well-known for its strong emphasis on research, a diverse range of degree programs, and an active student life with numerous extracurricular activities. With over 200 undergraduate majors, OSU provides students with numerous options to pursue their interests and career aspirations.
OSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state students at OSU are approximately $11,518 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $33,502 annually. Room and board are estimated at $12,708, with additional expenses such as books, transportation, and personal costs bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to around $27,000 for in-state students and $49,000 for out-of-state students.
OSU Admissions
OSU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 54%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.77, while the average SAT score ranges from 1210 to 1420 and the average ACT score ranges from 27 to 32.
OSU Degrees Offered
Ohio State University offers over 200 undergraduate majors, spanning a wide range of academic disciplines. Popular programs include business, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, social sciences, and health professions.
OSU Academics
OSU boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, and about 39.7% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. The university’s four-year graduation rate is around 67.2%, while the six-year graduation rate is approximately 84.3%.
OSU Diversity
Ohio State University has a diverse student body, with approximately 23% of the undergraduate population identifying as students of color. Additionally, about 8% of the student body identifies as international students, further contributing to the university’s inclusiveness and global perspective.
OSU Students
OSU has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 46,818 students. The campus is known for having an active and engaged student body, with many opportunities for students to participate in clubs, organizations, and sports.
OSU Campus
OSU’s campus covers over 1,600 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The university is known for its beautiful green spaces and recreational facilities, as well as a strong sense of community among students.
OSU Alumni
Notable OSU alumni include George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees; author R.L. Stine; and astronaut John Glenn.
OSU Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, OSU is ranked #49 in National Universities, #23 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #17 in Top Public Schools.
OSU Outcomes
The median starting salary of OSU graduates is around $54,000, and the university has a strong network of over 580,000 living alumni worldwide.
UA Overview
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a public research university founded in 1831. UA is known for its strong academics, vibrant campus life, and nationally recognized athletic programs. The university offers over 110 undergraduate degree programs across various fields of study.
UA Costs & Tuition
In-state students at UA can expect to pay around $11,620 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay approximately $31,710 annually. Room and board are estimated at $13,302, with additional expenses such as books, transportation, and personal costs bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to approximately $28,000 for in-state students and $48,000 for out-of-state students.
UA Admissions
The University of Alabama has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 59%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.71, while the average SAT score ranges from 1060 to 1280 and the average ACT score ranges from 23 to 31.
UA Degrees Offered
UA offers over 110 undergraduate degree programs, covering a diverse range of academic disciplines. Popular programs include business, health professions, engineering, communication and journalism, and education.
UA Academics
UA has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, and about 37.7% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. The university’s four-year graduation rate is around 49.1%, while the six-year graduation rate is approximately 71.9%.
UA Diversity
The University of Alabama has a diverse student body, with approximately 22% of the undergraduate population identifying as students of color. Additionally, about 4% of the student body identifies as international students, further contributing to the university’s inclusiveness and global perspective.
UA Students
UA has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 33,305 students. The campus is known for its active and engaged student body, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in clubs, organizations, and sports.
UA Campus
UA’s campus covers over 1,300 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The university is known for its beautiful green spaces and recreational facilities, as well as a strong sense of community among students.
UA Alumni
Notable UA alumni include Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird; Joe Scarborough, television host and former congressman; and Julio Jones, professional NFL player.
UA Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, UA is ranked #133 in National Universities, #65 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #61 in Top Public Schools.
UA Outcomes
The median starting salary of UA graduates is around $49,200, and the university has a strong network of over 270,000 living alumni worldwide.
OSU vs UA Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance, both OSU and UA have similar tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. OSU’s estimated cost of attendance is slightly lower than UA’s for in-state students, while out-of-state students can expect to pay roughly the same at both institutions. It is essential to consider factors such as financial aid and scholarships when comparing costs, as these can significantly impact the overall expense.
OSU vs UA Admissions Difficulty
Both OSU and UA have moderately selective admissions processes, with OSU having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 54% compared to UA’s 59%. The average high school GPA, SAT scores, and ACT scores of admitted students are also marginally higher at OSU than at UA.
OSU vs UA Academic Difficulty
While both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, OSU offers a larger variety of undergraduate majors and boasts a slightly better student-to-faculty ratio. Additionally, OSU has higher four-year and six-year graduation rates compared to UA.
OSU vs UA Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both OSU and UA enjoy successful careers following their education, with OSU’s median starting salary being around $54,000 and UA’s median starting salary being approximately $49,200. In terms of rankings, OSU consistently ranks higher in national and public school categories than UA.
In conclusion, both Ohio State University and the University of Alabama offer strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes for their graduates. Factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and personal preferences should be weighed carefully when deciding between these two institutions.
