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Florida 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.

25.0% FSU acceptance
52.0% Ohio State acceptance
$67,708 FSU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

FSU
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
46,944
Setting
Urban
Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition FSU saves $15,039
FSU
$21,683
Ohio State
$36,722
Acceptance Rate FSU more selective
FSU
25.0%
Ohio State
52.0%
Graduation Rate Ohio State higher
FSU
83%
Ohio State
84%
Avg SAT Score Ohio State higher
FSU
1310
Ohio State
1340
Starting Salary Ohio State higher
FSU
$59,800
Ohio State
$63,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric FSU Ohio State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$21,683$36,722FSU
Tuition (In-State)$6,517$12,485FSU
Room & Board$12,040$13,928FSU
Acceptance Rate25.0%52.0%FSU
Graduation Rate83%84%Ohio State
Average SAT13101340Ohio State
Student-Faculty Ratio21:119:1Ohio State
Enrollment46,94461,369-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,830Ohio State
Starting Salary$59,800$63,500Ohio State
Endowment$1.1B$7.6BOhio State
Campus Size1,427 acres1,665 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

FSU
$134,892
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: FSU = $85,292 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

FSU Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCriminologyEngineering

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
FSUUrban
Ohio StateUrban
Campus Size
FSU1,427 ac
Ohio State1,665 ac
Athletics
FSUNCAA D1
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Region
FSUSouth
Ohio StateMidwest
Founded
FSU1851
Ohio State1870
Enrollment
FSU46,944
Ohio State61,369

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is FSU or Ohio State harder to get into?+
FSU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 25.0% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, FSU or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, FSU costs less over 4 years ($134,892 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. FSU 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 FSU and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at FSU is 1310 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 FSU or Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Ohio State have a higher average starting salary ($63,500 vs $59,800). 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?+
FSU has a 21:1 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 FSU and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
FSU is located in Tallahassee, Florida (urban setting) with a 1,427-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. FSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.