---
title: Ohio State University-Main Campus — PickACampus
description: Learn about Ohio State University-Main Campus: 61% acceptance rate, #41 ranking, tuition costs, and admissions statistics for the Columbus-based campus.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/38
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public institution located in an urban setting in Columbus, Ohio, with a total enrollment of 45,638. The university reports a 61% acceptance rate and an 88% graduation rate, with students typically entering with an average SAT of 1387 or ACT of 29. Ranking #41 on PickACampus, the school features a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and a median starting salary of $51,438 for graduates.

## Overview
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Type: Public
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 45,638

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Average SAT: 1,387
- Average ACT: 29
- Average GPA: 3.85

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $13,244
- Out-of-state tuition: $40,022
- Room and board: $14,738
- Average financial aid: $15,000
- Average student debt at graduation: $19,976

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 88%
- 4-year graduation rate: 72%
- Freshman retention: 94%
- Employment rate: 89%
- Average starting salary: $51,438

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 16:1
- Average class size: 30
- Classes under 20 students: 35%

## Notable
["Ohio State has the largest single-campus student enrollment in the United States.","The university's official mascot is Brutus Buckeye, a human-sized buckeye nut.","Ohio State is one of only two universities to have won national championships in football and men's basketball.","The Ohio State University Libraries system is one of the largest academic library systems in North America."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Script Ohio","description":"The Ohio State University Marching Band's iconic formation spelling 'Ohio'."},{"name":"Mirror Lake Jump","description":"Students jump into Mirror Lake before the annual Michigan football game."},{"name":"Dotting the 'I'","description":"A freshman sousaphone player dots the 'I' in Script Ohio."},{"name":"Buckeye Battle Cry","description":"The official fight song, sung enthusiastically at sporting events."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Jesse Owens","description":"Olympic gold medalist in track and field."},{"name":"Jack Nicklaus","description":"Legendary professional golfer, 18 major championship wins."},{"name":"R.L. Stine","description":"Best-selling author of the Goosebumps series."},{"name":"George Steinbrenner","description":"Longtime principal owner of the New York Yankees."},{"name":"Patricia Heaton","description":"Emmy Award-winning actress, known for 'Everybody Loves Raymond'."}]

## Common questions

Q: What is Ohio State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?
A: Ohio State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 61%.

Q: How much does Ohio State University-Main Campus cost?
A: Ohio State University-Main Campus charges $13,244 for in-state tuition and $40,022 for out-of-state. Room and board and fees are additional.

Q: Where is Ohio State University-Main Campus located?
A: Ohio State University-Main Campus is located in Columbus, OH.

Q: What SAT score do you need for Ohio State University-Main Campus?
A: The average SAT score at Ohio State University-Main Campus is 1,387.

Q: What is the graduation rate at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
A: Ohio State University-Main Campus has a 6-year graduation rate of 88%.

Compare Ohio State University-Main Campus with other schools free at https://pickacampus.com/college/38