Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
MSU
$219,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MSU = $166,000 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
MSU Top Majors
BusinessEngineeringBiologyCommunicationPsychologyOhio State Top Majors
BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSU or Ohio State harder to get into?+
Ohio State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 52.0% compared to 83.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MSU or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $219,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MSU offers an average of $13,400/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 MSU and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at MSU is 1210 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 MSU or Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Ohio State have a higher average starting salary ($63,500 vs $60,800). 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?+
MSU has a 17:1 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 MSU and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
MSU is located in East Lansing, Michigan (suburban setting) with a 5,200-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. MSU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.