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Ohio State University vs University of Maryland

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$15,960 Ohio State 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
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $3,584
Ohio State
$36,722
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate Maryland more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Maryland higher
Ohio State
84%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
Ohio State
1340
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
Ohio State
$63,500
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$40,306Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$13,928$14,334Ohio State
Acceptance Rate52.0%44.0%Maryland
Graduation Rate84%88%Maryland
Average SAT13401410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio19:118:1Maryland
Enrollment61,36941,200-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$14,200Ohio State
Starting Salary$63,500$70,900Maryland
Endowment$7.6B$2.3BOhio State
Campus Size1,665 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
MarylandNortheast
Founded
Ohio State1870
Maryland1856
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or Maryland harder to get into?+
Maryland is more selective with an acceptance rate of 44.0% 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 Maryland?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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?+
Ohio State has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Ohio State and Maryland compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.