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NYU vs Ohio State University

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
52.0% Ohio State acceptance
$125,464 Ohio State cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $23,716
NYU
$60,438
Ohio State
$36,722
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Ohio State
52.0%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
NYU
87%
Ohio State
84%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Ohio State
1340
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Ohio State
$63,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Ohio State Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$36,722Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$12,485Ohio State
Room & Board$21,578$13,928Ohio State
Acceptance Rate12.2%52.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%84%NYU
Average SAT14801340NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:119:1NYU
Enrollment59,14461,369-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$14,830NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$63,500NYU
Endowment$6.2B$7.6BOhio State
Campus Size230 acres1,665 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Ohio State = $143,280. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
Ohio StateUrban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Ohio State1,665 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
Ohio StateNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
Ohio StateMidwest
Founded
NYU1831
Ohio State1870
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Ohio State61,369

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Ohio State harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Ohio State?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/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 NYU and Ohio State?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Ohio State graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Ohio State compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Ohio State is in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with 1,665 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Ohio State in NCAA D1.