The Ohio State University

Overview

Acronyms: OSU

Founded: 1870

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #66

Rank in United States: #16

Motto: Disciplina in civitatem

Colours: Scarlet and gray

Mascot: Brutus Buckeye

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Established in 1870, The Ohio State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Columbus (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Ohio.

This institution also has branch campuses in Newark, Lima, Marion and Mansfield. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, The Ohio State University (OSU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

The Ohio State University (OSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 154-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. OSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Looking to reach The Ohio State University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.

Academic Details

The numbers below cover the academic side of The Ohio State University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.

Academic Structures

The institutional units housing The Ohio State University's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes The Ohio State University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.

How to apply to The Ohio State University

Five steps that capture how most applications to The Ohio State University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. The Ohio State University runs 323 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Before applying to The Ohio State University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with The Ohio State University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.osu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (614) 292 6446. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Ohio State University

Common questions students ask about The Ohio State University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members offer mobility and exchange compatibility with The Ohio State University. Exchange compatibility is one of the more practical benefits of shared network membership.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Duke University

Durham · Private · Rank #48

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Other institutions in The Ohio State University's region offer similar admissions cycles and overlapping subject areas, listed below for comparison. Regional clusters often share employer networks and post-study career pathways.

PO

Pontifical College Josephinum

Columbus · Private · Est. 1888

CO

Columbus State Community College

Columbus · Public · Est. 1963

IN

Indiana University Columbus

Columbus · Est. 1970

Columbus Technical College

Columbus · Public · Est. 1961

Ohio Dominican University

Columbus · Private · Est. 1911

Universities Often Compared with The Ohio State University

The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to The Ohio State University, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison · Public · Rank #75