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UNITED STATES · COLUMBUS

Ohio State University

public · Founded 1870 · Languages: en

In short

The Ohio State University, established in 1870 and located in Columbus, Ohio, is a large public research university offering a wide range of academic programs. It emphasizes research, community engagement, and diverse extracurricular activities for its students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1870
Students: 46,820
International students: 6,500
Acceptance rate: 53%
Tuition (intl): €28–54k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Columbus, United States

The Ohio State University (OSU) is a comprehensive public research university located primarily in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1870, it is one of the largest universities in the United States and a major center for research and education across a vast array of disciplines. OSU is dedicated to creating innovative solutions for global challenges through its extensive research enterprise, which receives significant funding from federal and state agencies. The university offers a wide range of academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing both theoretical and practical learning. With multiple campuses and research facilities throughout Ohio, Ohio State is committed to its land-grant mission, contributing to communities locally and globally through education, research, and service. Students benefit from a vibrant campus life, diverse communities, and numerous opportunities for engagement and personal growth. Ohio State fosters a community that prioritizes wellness, community engagement, and athletic excellence, alongside its academic pursuits. The university's strong traditions and extensive alumni network create a supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for meaningful careers and impactful contributions to society.

Why study here

Access to a vast array of academic programs and research opportunities across diverse fields.
Benefit from a large, inclusive campus environment with numerous student organizations and extracurricular activities.
Gain real-world experience through internships and job opportunities in Columbus, a rapidly growing city with many major companies.
Join a university dedicated to impactful research, contributing to advancements in health, science, and technology.
Experience a supportive community with strong traditions and a commitment to student wellness and success.

Student life

Life at Ohio State offers a rich tapestry of experiences. The university fosters a strong sense of community through various programs and initiatives, promoting wellness across its campuses. Students are actively engaged in giving back, with initiatives like BuckeyeThon raising over $13 million for pediatric cancer and Buck-I-SERV students participating in service projects globally. Athletic excellence is a significant part of campus life, with 36 varsity sports teams competing for Big Ten championships and producing national scholar-athletes. The Columbus campus, being large, provides numerous advantages including inclusive communities, walkability, and abundant extracurricular options. Traditions like the Orton Hall chimes, The Oval, Mirror Lake, and Brutus Buckeye contribute to a unique campus identity and forge lasting bonds among students. The Department of Public Safety offers many programs and resources to help students stay safe. Columbus is a walkable and bikeable city, with campus buses, COTA bus services, CoGo Bike Share, and electric scooter rentals available, reducing the need for a car on campus. Airport shuttles are also provided for major school breaks.

Fees

InternationalEstimated tuition and fees for non-resident and international students for the Master of Accounting program are $63,012 for 31 credit hours. This includes general tuition & instruction, student activity fee, student union fee, recreation fee, learning-technology fee, and COTA bus fee. International students cannot waive student health insurance, estimated at $3,768 for 9 months. Estimated other expenses (9 months) include housing, food & miscellaneous at $19,986, and books and supplies at $1,516.

HomeEstimated tuition and fees for Ohio residents for the Master of Accounting program are $33,020 for 31 credit hours. This includes general tuition & instruction, student activity fee, student union fee, recreation fee, learning-technology fee, COTA bus fee. Domestic students can choose to waive Student Health Insurance. Estimated other expenses (9 months) include housing, food & miscellaneous at $19,986, and books and supplies at $1,516.

LivingEstimated living costs (housing, food and miscellaneous) for a nine-month academic year are approximately $19,986, with books and supplies around $1,516.

Tuition and fees are based on the previous academic year and are subject to change. The 'Forever Buckeye' program allows Ohio high school graduates who are residents as of the first day of attendance to be considered Ohio residents for tuition purposes. Military applicants automatically qualify for in-state tuition under the Ohio G.I. Promise.

Admissions

Online Ohio State ApplicationRequired for all graduate-level applications (PhD, MSW+PhD)

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)Required for PhD and MSW+PhD applicants

Background and Professional Goals StatementRequired for PhD and MSW+PhD applicants

Academic or professional writing sampleRequired for PhD and MSW+PhD applicants

Letters of RecommendationThree (3) required for PhD and MSW+PhD applicants

TranscriptsFrom every post-secondary institution attended, required for PhD and MSW+PhD applicants

TOEFLRequired for international applicants (score not specified)

Rankings

U.S. News and World Report, 20257th overall among public universities (Undergraduate Business Program)

U.S. News and World Report, 2025-20269th among public universities, 24th in the nation (Full-Time MBA Program)

University scholarships

Merit-Based MAcc ScholarshipsRanges from $3,000 to $15,000

Fisher Graduate Assistantships (MAcc)50% tuition waiver and a monthly stipend

Education Assistance Scholarships (ABO)Not specified

Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars ProgramFull scholarship (excluding books and living expenses)

Tinker Foundation Field Research GrantsFunds for travel and research costs (up to four months)

Department of Economics Fellowships and Graduate AssociateshipsMonthly stipends with quarterly tuition, academic fee waivers, and health insurance subsidy

Accreditation

The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Department of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

The Ohio State University's PhD program in Linguistics focuses on the scientific study of language, viewing it as a fundamental aspect of human cognition. The program emphasizes theoretical research into linguistic phenomena for their intrinsic interest and their relationship to cognitive processes, rather than focusing on applied aspects like second language education. Students engage in in-depth study and research within the field of linguistics.

PhD

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students at Ohio State University?

For the Master of Accounting program, international students can expect tuition and fees to be around $63,012 for 31 credit hours. This total includes general tuition, student activity fees, student union fees, recreation fees, learning-technology fees, and the COTA bus fee. International students are also required to pay for student health insurance, estimated at $3,768 for nine months.

What are the estimated living expenses for students at Ohio State University?

The estimated living costs for a nine-month academic year, covering housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses, are approximately $19,986. Additionally, students should budget around $1,516 for books and supplies.

What are the admission requirements for graduate programs at Ohio State University?

Graduate program admissions, such as for PhD and MSW+PhD, generally require an online application, a resume or CV, a statement of background and professional goals, and an academic or professional writing sample. Three letters of recommendation and transcripts from all attended post-secondary institutions are also necessary.

Does Ohio State University require English proficiency tests for international applicants?

Yes, Ohio State University requires international applicants to submit TOEFL scores. The specific score required is not detailed in the provided information.

What scholarship opportunities are available for Master of Accounting (MAcc) students?

MAcc students can be considered for Merit-Based MAcc Scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $15,000, and Fisher Graduate Assistantships offering a 50% tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. All admitted MAcc applicants are automatically considered for these opportunities.

Last updated 3 July 2026