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Harvard University vs Ohio State University

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
52.0% Ohio State acceptance
$116,072 Ohio State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban
Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $22,354
Harvard
$59,076
Ohio State
$36,722
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
Ohio State
52.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
Ohio State
84%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
Ohio State
1340
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
Ohio State
$63,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard Ohio State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$36,722Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$12,485Ohio State
Room & Board$20,592$13,928Ohio State
Acceptance Rate3.2%52.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%84%Harvard
Average SAT15501340Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:119:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34561,369-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$14,830Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$63,500Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$7.6BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres1,665 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
Ohio StateUrban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
Ohio State1,665 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
Ohio StateMidwest
Founded
Harvard1636
Ohio State1870
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
Ohio State61,369

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Helpful Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or Ohio State harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/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 Harvard and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 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 Harvard or Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $63,500). 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?+
Harvard has a 5:1 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 Harvard and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.