In this comparison, we will examine two prominent universities, Ohio State University (OSU) and the University of Michigan (UMich), to help prospective students make an informed decision about their education. We will cover areas such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, and outcomes.
OSU Overview
Founded in 1870, Ohio State University is a large public institution located in Columbus, Ohio. The university offers over 200 majors, minors, and specializations for undergraduate students, as well as numerous graduate programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking diverse academic options.
OSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition at OSU varies based on residency. For in-state students, tuition and fees total around $11,560 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $33,502 per year. Room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students is estimated at $12,836 per year.
OSU Admissions
Admission to OSU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 54%. Prospective students should have a strong high school GPA, with the average being 3.83. Additionally, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1350, and the average ACT score is 30.
OSU Degrees Offered
OSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 200 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional programs. Popular majors at OSU include Business, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
OSU Academics
Ohio State University is known for its wide range of academic offerings and strong research programs. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, with roughly 39% of classes consisting of fewer than 20 students.
OSU Diversity
OSU has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students.
OSU Students
With over 61,000 students enrolled, including more than 46,000 undergraduate students, OSU has a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational opportunities.
OSU Campus
OSU’s main campus spans 1,665 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Ohio Union and the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC).
OSU Alumni
Notable OSU alumni include astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, and television personality and journalist Katie Couric.
OSU Rankings
Ohio State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, OSU is ranked 49th in National Universities and 17th in Top Public Schools.
OSU Outcomes
OSU has a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 86% and an average starting salary of $54,000 for recent graduates.
UMich Overview
The University of Michigan, established in 1817, is a prestigious public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. UMich offers over 275 undergraduate programs and various graduate and professional degrees, making it a top choice for students interested in a wide range of academic fields.
UMich Costs & Tuition
Tuition at UMich varies depending on residency. In-state students can expect to pay around $15,948 per year, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $52,266 per year. Room and board costs are estimated at $12,424 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students.
UMich Admissions
Admission to UMich is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 23%. Prospective students should have an exemplary high school GPA, with the average admitted student having a 3.88 GPA. Additionally, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1440, and the average ACT score is 33.
UMich Degrees Offered
UMich offers a diverse array of academic programs, including over 275 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional programs. Popular majors at UMich include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
UMich Academics
The University of Michigan is renowned for its academics and research opportunities. The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, and approximately 53% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
UMich Diversity
UMich has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. The university is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
UMich Students
With over 48,000 students enrolled, including more than 31,000 undergraduate students, UMich offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational opportunities.
UMich Campus
UMich’s campus spans 3,207 acres and features a combination of historic and contemporary architecture. The campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Shapiro Undergraduate Library and the Ross School of Business building.
UMich Alumni
Notable UMich alumni include former U.S. President Gerald Ford, Google co-founder Larry Page, and actress Lucy Liu.
UMich Rankings
The University of Michigan consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, UMich is ranked 23rd in National Universities and 3rd in Top Public Schools.
UMich Outcome
UMich has a strong record of successful outcomes for its graduates. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 92% and an average starting salary of $62,000 for recent graduates.
OSU vs UMich Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending OSU and UMich, it’s essential to consider both tuition and room and board. For in-state students, OSU is more affordable, with a yearly cost of $11,560 for tuition and fees, compared to UMich’s $15,948. Out-of-state students will also find OSU more affordable, with a yearly tuition cost of $33,502 compared to UMich’s $52,266. Room and board costs are relatively similar for both schools.
OSU vs UMich Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at UMich are more competitive than at OSU, with an acceptance rate of 23% compared to OSU’s 54%. The average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores for admitted students are also higher at UMich, indicating a more challenging admissions process.
OSU vs UMich Academic Difficulty
Both OSU and UMich are well-regarded for their academics and research opportunities. However, UMich has a lower student-faculty ratio (15:1) and a higher percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students (53%), suggesting a more personalized and rigorous academic experience.
OSU vs UMich Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both OSU and UMich enjoy successful outcomes, but UMich has a higher six-year graduation rate (92% vs. 86%) and a higher average starting salary for recent graduates ($62,000 vs. $54,000). This suggests that UMich may offer better long-term outcomes for its graduates.
