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Ohio State University vs University of Minnesota

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$5,512 UMN 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
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $320
Ohio State
$36,722
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate Ohio State more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate Ohio State higher
Ohio State
84%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score UMN higher
Ohio State
1340
UMN
1370
Starting Salary UMN higher
Ohio State
$63,500
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$36,402UMN
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$15,588Ohio State
Room & Board$13,928$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate52.0%75.0%Ohio State
Graduation Rate84%83%Ohio State
Average SAT13401370UMN
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UMN
Enrollment61,36954,890-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$15,100UMN
Starting Salary$63,500$64,800UMN
Endowment$7.6B$4.4BOhio State
Campus Size1,665 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
UMNUrban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
UMNNCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
UMNMidwest
Founded
Ohio State1870
UMN1851
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or UMN harder to get into?+
Ohio State is more selective with an acceptance rate of 52.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Ohio State or UMN?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $202,600). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and UMN?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UMN have a higher average starting salary ($64,800 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 UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Ohio State and UMN compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.