In this article, we will compare two well-known universities, Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside), to help students and their families make informed decisions about their higher education choices. We will examine various aspects of both institutions, including costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus life, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
OSU Overview
Ohio State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. With a student population of more than 61,000, OSU is one of the largest universities in the United States. Founded in 1870, OSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 15 colleges, which include Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Business, and Agriculture.
OSU Costs & Tuition
In-state students can expect to pay approximately $11,084 in tuition and fees per year, while out-of-state students will pay around $32,061. Room and board costs are estimated to be around $12,708 annually. Additional expenses, such as books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, can add another $3,000-$5,000 to the total cost of attendance.
OSU Admissions
Admission to OSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 54%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.83, while the median SAT scores range between 1240-1450 and ACT scores range between 27-32.
OSU Degrees Offered
OSU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate and professional programs across various fields of study. Some popular majors at OSU include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Health Professions.
OSU Academics
Ohio State University is well-regarded for its strong academic programs, particularly in business, engineering, and the life sciences. OSU is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, which comprises 65 leading research institutions in the United States and Canada.
OSU Diversity
OSU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 26% of the student population is comprised of minority students, and the university has made a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of campus life.
OSU Students
OSU students are known for their Buckeye spirit and pride, and they can participate in over 1,000 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional clubs to cultural and recreational groups. The university also offers a vibrant Greek life, with more than 70 fraternities and sororities on campus.
OSU Campus
The OSU campus is spread over 1,665 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The campus is home to numerous research facilities, libraries, and recreational spaces. Additionally, the Ohio Stadium, known as the Horseshoe, is one of the largest and most iconic college football stadiums in the country.
OSU Alumni
Notable OSU alumni include Nobel Prize winners, astronauts, and CEOs of major companies. Some famous alumni are Jack Nicklaus, R. L. Stine, and Archie Griffin.
OSU Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Ohio State University is ranked #53 in National Universities and #17 in Top Public Schools.
OSU Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at OSU is 86%, and the average starting salary for graduates is around $54,000.
UC Riverside Overview
The University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) is a public research university situated in Riverside, California, and is part of the renowned University of California system. Established in 1954, UC Riverside offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its three colleges: Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS), Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS), and the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE).
UC Riverside Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state students amount to approximately $13,827 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $43,607. Room and board costs are estimated at $15,840 annually. Additional expenses such as books, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation can add to the overall cost of attendance.
UC Riverside Admissions
The acceptance rate at UC Riverside is 57%, making it moderately competitive. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.69, while the median SAT scores range from 1130-1350 and ACT scores range from 22-29.
UC Riverside Degrees Offered
UC Riverside offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs in various fields of study. Popular majors at UC Riverside include Business, Psychology, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Engineering.
UC Riverside Academics
UC Riverside has a strong focus on research and is known for its programs in the life sciences, engineering, and humanities. The university has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and social mobility, as well as its dedication to addressing global challenges through research and innovation.
UC Riverside Diversity
Diversity is a central aspect of the UC Riverside community, with over 40% of the student population identifying as Hispanic and 30% as Asian. UC Riverside has been recognized for its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity, ranking #12 in the nation for ethnic diversity according to U.S. News & World Report.
UC Riverside Students
UC Riverside fosters a vibrant and diverse student community, with over 450 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and recreational clubs. The university also offers an active Greek life, with more than 30 fraternities and sororities available for students to join.
UC Riverside Campus
The UC Riverside campus spans 1,200 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The university is home to the Botanic Gardens, which encompass 40 acres of gardens and over 3,500 plant species from around the globe.
UC Riverside Alumni
Notable UC Riverside alumni include Tim Lambesis, Elizabeth Loftus, and Carolyn Forché.
UC Riverside Rankings
UC Riverside is ranked #88 in National Universities and #35 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
UC Riverside Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at UC Riverside is 76%, and the average starting salary for graduates is around $51,000.
OSU vs UC Riverside Cost Comparison
Comparing the costs of attending OSU and UC Riverside, in-state tuition is slightly higher at UC Riverside ($13,827) than at OSU ($11,084). However, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at UC Riverside ($43,607) than at OSU ($32,061). Room and board costs are also higher at UC Riverside ($15,840) compared to OSU ($12,708). Both universities have additional expenses, such as books, supplies, and personal items, which can add to the overall cost of attendance.
OSU vs UC Riverside Admissions Difficulty
Both OSU and UC Riverside have moderately competitive admissions. OSU has a slightly lower acceptance rate (54%) compared to UC Riverside (57%). The average high school GPA of admitted students is higher at OSU (3.83) than at UC Riverside (3.69). Additionally, the median SAT and ACT scores of admitted students are higher at OSU, indicating that OSU may be more difficult to gain admission to than UC Riverside.
OSU vs UC Riverside Academic Difficulty
Both universities are known for their strong academic programs and research focus. OSU is a member of the Association of American Universities and is particularly strong in business, engineering, and the life sciences. UC Riverside is known for its programs in the life sciences, engineering, and humanities. Considering the academic rigor and research opportunities, both universities are likely to provide students with academically challenging experiences.
OSU vs UC Riverside Outcome Comparison
The 6-year graduation rate at OSU (86%) is higher than at UC Riverside (76%). Additionally, the average starting salary for OSU graduates ($54,000) is slightly higher than for UC Riverside graduates ($51,000). These factors suggest that, in terms of outcomes, OSU may provide a better return on investment for students.
