The Ohio State University at Columbus SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Ohio State admits a majority of applicants, but its enrolled students’ scores are still strong: the middle ACT range is 26 to 32. Aim for the upper half of that range, around a 30-plus ACT or 1360-plus SAT, so your required score becomes a clear strength.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The Ohio State University at Columbus facts and stats
The Ohio State University at Columbus is a large public university located in Columbus, with 46,815 undergraduates. Ohio State has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 88% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13.8:1. Ohio State is test-required for applicants.
Columbus, OH
How do your scores compare at Ohio State?

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Key The Ohio State University at Columbus application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes that can strengthen your superscore. Because Ohio State’s Early Action deadline is November 1, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that can get scores there in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Ohio State is a public Big Ten university with in-state tuition of $12,180 and out-of-state tuition of $38,958. About 37% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is February 15.

For out-of-state students, Ohio State’s tuition is $38,958, while in-state tuition is $12,180, with room and board adding $15,712. Financial aid can substantially change the final bill: 37% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $20,872. Merit awards average $7,425 for students who receive them. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,971.
Student life at The Ohio State University at Columbus
34% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 8% of men join fraternities, and 12% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 32.2%
Ashland University
Ashland, OHAcceptance rate: 76.4%
SAT: 1050–1280
ACT: 20–25
ETI Technical College of Niles
Niles, OHAcceptance rate: 100%
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OHAcceptance rate: 75.7%
SAT: 1068–1263
ACT: 22–28
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