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Ohio State University vs University of Virginia

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

52.0% Ohio State acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$78,184 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
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Ohio State saves $19,192
Ohio State
$36,722
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
Ohio State
52.0%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
Ohio State
84%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
Ohio State
1340
UVA
1440
Starting Salary UVA higher
Ohio State
$63,500
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Ohio State UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$36,722$55,914Ohio State
Tuition (In-State)$12,485$20,342Ohio State
Room & Board$13,928$14,282Ohio State
Acceptance Rate52.0%16.3%UVA
Graduation Rate84%94%UVA
Average SAT13401440UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio19:115:1UVA
Enrollment61,36926,082-
Avg Financial Aid$14,830$21,700UVA
Starting Salary$63,500$71,500UVA
Endowment$7.6B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size1,665 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Ohio State
$202,600
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Ohio State = $143,280 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Ohio State Top Majors

BusinessPsychologyBiologyCommunicationEngineering

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Ohio StateUrban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
Ohio State1,665 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
Ohio StateNCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
Ohio StateMidwest
UVASouth
Founded
Ohio State1870
UVA1819
Enrollment
Ohio State61,369
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio State or UVA harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% 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 UVA?+
At sticker price, Ohio State costs less over 4 years ($202,600 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Ohio State offers an average of $14,830/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Ohio State and UVA?+
The average SAT score at Ohio State is 1340 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Ohio State and UVA compare for campus life?+
Ohio State is located in Columbus, Ohio (urban setting) with a 1,665-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. Ohio State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.