Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, established in 1870, is a major public research university headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

The university also operates regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark, along with the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. Ohio State offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, agriculture, arts and sciences, education and public affairs.

Why Study at The Ohio State University in USA?

Ohio State is a major public research university offering extensive undergraduate, graduate and professional academic opportunities.
The university enrolled 67,255 students in Autumn 2025, including nearly 6,000 international students.
International students at Ohio State represent a community drawn from more than 100 countries.
Ohio State ranked #15 among U.S. public universities and #41 among national universities in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.
Its undergraduate business program ranked #6 among public universities and #12 nationally in the same rankings.
Ohio State’s undergraduate engineering program ranked #15 among public universities and #28 nationally.
Students have access to university-wide and college-specific career development resources, internships, career fairs and employer connections.
Ohio State provides residence halls, dining facilities, living-learning communities and student support services on campus.
The university offers scholarship and grant opportunities through Scholarship Universe and individual colleges, departments and programs

Highlights

Understanding the key institutional metrics gives prospective students a clearer picture of the academic environment at The Ohio State University.

Acceptance Rate: 66.3% first-year acceptance rate reported for 2025*
Total Students: 67,255
International Students: 5,996 (8.9%)
University Type: Public Research University
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Ohio State University Ranking

For students comparing the best universities to study in USA, rankings can provide useful context about academic reputation, program quality, research and teaching.

Ranking Agency	Rank
U.S. News & World Report 2026	#41
U.S. News & World Report Top Public Schools	#15

The Ohio State University Intakes

Ohio State primarily admits students for Autumn and Spring terms, although intake availability varies by applicant type and program.

Autumn Intake: The primary undergraduate intake. For international first-year applicants seeking Autumn 2027 admission, the Early Action deadline is November, while the Regular Decision deadline is January.
Spring Intake: International first-year applicants seeking Spring 2027 admission have an application deadline of October. .
Graduate Intakes: Deadlines differ significantly by graduate program, so applicants should check their intended department’s requirements directly.

International applicants should apply early enough to complete financial documentation and US student visa requirements before traveling.

The Ohio State University Courses

Students considering Ohio State can choose from a wide variety of programs. Engineering, business, computer science, nursing and related disciplines are among its prominent academic areas.

Program	Duration	Total Tuition Fees
BS Computer Science & Engineering	4 Years	International/nonresident undergraduate rate + applicable Engineering fees
Full-Time MBA	2 Year	Program-specific graduate/business tuition
BS Mechanical Engineering	4 Year	International/nonresident undergraduate rate + applicable Engineering fees

For incoming international/nonresident undergraduate students at the Columbus campus in 2026–27, Ohio State estimates $44,271 for tuition before housing and food.

Cost of Studying at The Ohio State University

Understanding the cost of education in USA is an important part of planning an international education. Apart from tuition, students should budget for housing, food, books, transportation and personal expenses.

Ohio State’s official Cost of Attendance estimate for a full-time international undergraduate student living on the Columbus campus is:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost
Tuition & Fees	$14,034/year
Non-Resident Fees	$30,220/year
Housing & Food	$15,630/year
Books, Supplies & Equipment	$1,020/year
General Expenses	$2,686/year

Ohio State University Scholarships

While international students at Ohio State University aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, several scholarship opportunities are still available. These scholarships are typically merit-based, need-based, or program-specific. Here are a few examples:

Scholarship	Value	Details
Office of International Affairs Grants	Partial tuition grant	Enrolled in a degree program – Within two semesters of graduation
External Scholarships	Varies by scholarship	Many organizations offer scholarships for international students studying in the U.S. Eligibility criteria and award values vary greatly.

Ohio State University Admissions

Ohio State University has a comprehensive admissions process for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The following section will discuss the admission requirements and top programs at the Ohio State University.

Masters

To study Master’s program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT –79
IELTS – 6.5
Duolingo – 120

Additional Requirements:

You are also required to submit academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Bachelors

To study Bachelor’s in USA, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

TOEFL iBT – 79+
IELTS – 6.5+
Duolingo – 120+

Additional Requirements:

You are also required to submit academic transcripts, resume/CV, and English language proficiency scores.

Accommodation at the Ohio State University

Ohio State University offers a variety of housing options for its students, catering to different preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the primary choices:

On-Campus Residence Halls:

Traditional Halls: These are the classic dorm-style living spaces, offering single, double, or triple rooms.
Suite-Style Halls: These halls offer more privacy, with semi-private bathrooms shared between a small group of residents.
Apartment-Style Halls: These provide the most independent living experience on campus, with fully furnished apartments that include kitchens and private bathrooms.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs): These specialized housing options unite students with shared academic interests or backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community and providing unique learning opportunities.

Off-Campus Housing:

Apartments: Many students live in off-campus apartments which offer more independence and privacy. There are numerous apartment complexes located near the Ohio State campus.
Houses: Some students rent houses with groups of friends, providing a more spacious and home-like environment.
Private Rooms: It’s also possible to rent a room in a private home, which can be more affordable.

Ohio State University Placements

Ohio State provides extensive career development support through university-wide and college-specific career services.

Rather than publishing a single university-wide placement rate, Ohio State reports career readiness and outcomes through surveys and individual colleges.

Employers identified internships, co-ops, practicums and other major-related work experience as the #1 experience that helps recent Ohio State graduates stand out when seeking full-time employment. Leadership in student organizations and service or volunteer work were also highly valued.

Ohio State’s university career resources include career fairs, career coaching and internship and employment resources, while individual colleges provide specialized career support.

An older university-wide First Destination Survey identified frequently reported employers such as:

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Amazon
Accenture
Deloitte
Ernst & Young (EY)
Google
Microsoft
Honda
PwC
KPMG
Procter & Gamble
Nationwide
General Motors
Boeing
The Ohio State University/Wexner Medical Center

Student Essential Services

Student life at Ohio State extends beyond academics, with services supporting academic development, health, career preparation and residential life.

Academic Advising: Every Ohio State undergraduate student has an academic advisor who helps with degree planning and academic progress.
Career Services: University-wide and college career offices help students prepare for employment, internships, networking and professional development.
Housing and Residence Education: Residential communities provide academic assistance, leadership opportunities and student support.
Counseling and Consultation Services: Supported in part through Ohio State’s general student fee, providing resources related to students’ emotional well-being.
Student Health Services: Provides health-related support and services to the university community and is included among services supported through student fees.
International Student Support: The Office of International Affairs provides services, resources, scholarships and grants for Ohio State’s international student community.
Residence Life: Residence halls provide access to resident advisors, professional hall directors, academic support and student activities.

Location of Ohio State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the English language requirements at Ohio State University?

Ohio State University requires international students to show English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79-100 is required for undergraduate admissions.

Does Ohio State University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Ohio State University offers international students various financial aid and scholarship opportunities. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and program-specific funding. International students can explore options like the Office of International Affairs scholarships or the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

What visa options are available at Ohio State University?

International students require an F-1 visa to study at OSU. This visa is for students pursuing academic degrees. Applying for the visa well before the intended start date is essential, as the process can take time.

What are the housing options for international students at Ohio State University?

Ohio State University offers various housing options for international students, including on-campus residence halls and off-campus apartments. On-campus housing provides a convenient and immersive experience, while off-campus options offer more independence.

Can international students work part-time or off-campus while studying at Ohio State University?

International students with an F-1 visa can work part-time on-campus at Ohio State University. Opportunities include positions in libraries, dining halls, and administrative offices. Off-campus work, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, may be possible under certain circumstances.