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Arizona State University vs Ohio State University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
52.0% Ohio State acceptance
$21,800 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $5,522
ASU
$31,200
Ohio State
$36,722
Acceptance Rate Ohio State more selective
ASU
88.0%
Ohio State
52.0%
Graduation Rate Ohio State higher
ASU
69%
Ohio State
84%
Avg SAT Score Ohio State higher
ASU
1230
Ohio State
1340
Starting Salary Ohio State higher
ASU
$60,100
Ohio State
$63,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Ohio State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$36,722ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$12,485ASU
Room & Board$14,000$13,928Ohio State
Acceptance Rate88.0%52.0%Ohio State
Graduation Rate69%84%Ohio State
Average SAT12301340Ohio State
Student-Faculty Ratio18:119:1ASU
Enrollment83,44661,369-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,830Ohio State
Starting Salary$60,100$63,500Ohio State
Endowment$1.5B$7.6BOhio State
Campus Size1,695 acres1,665 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
Ohio StateUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Ohio State1,665 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
Ohio StateMidwest
Founded
ASU1885
Ohio State1870
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Ohio State61,369

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Ohio State harder to get into?+
Ohio State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 52.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Ohio State offers $14,830/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Ohio State it is 1340. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Ohio State have a higher average starting salary ($63,500 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Ohio State has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.