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Ohio State University vs University of Texas at Austin

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$10,800 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $4,348
Ohio State
$36,722
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
Ohio State
84%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
Ohio State
1340
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
Ohio State
$63,500
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$41,070Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$13,928$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate52.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate84%87%UT Austin
Average SAT13401370UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UT Austin
Enrollment61,36952,384-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$63,500$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$7.6B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size1,665 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Ohio State1870
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% 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 UT Austin?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 and at UT Austin 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Ohio State and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.