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Ohio State University vs University of Georgia

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$29,760 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Ohio State
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Founded
1870
Enrollment
61,369
Setting
Urban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $5,602
Ohio State
$36,722
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Ohio State
84%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score Same
Ohio State
1340
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Ohio State higher
Ohio State
$63,500
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$12,080UGA
Room & Board$13,928$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate52.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate84%88%UGA
Average SAT13401340Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UGA
Enrollment61,36941,652-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$12,980Ohio State
Starting Salary$63,500$58,700Ohio State
Endowment$7.6B$2.0BOhio State
Campus Size1,665 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
UGASouth
Founded
Ohio State1870
UGA1785
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 52.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 and at UGA 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 Ohio State or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Ohio State have a higher average starting salary ($63,500 vs $58,700). 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?+
Ohio State has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Ohio State and UGA compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.