
8.11
Edline Index
61,326
46,627 undergraduate
1870
Public
A culture of ambitious discovery and inclusive excellence defines the intellectual life at The Ohio State University, where one of the nation's broadest academic portfolios empowers students to chart individualized pathways across sixteen colleges and more than 200 undergraduate majors. Founded in 1870 as Ohio's flagship land-grant institution, Ohio State channels its founding commitment to public service into a research-intensive environment that encourages students to connect classroom theory with tangible societal impact. This expansive scholarly community is anchored on a 1,715-acre urban campus in Columbus, a vibrant and growing metropolitan center that ranks among the most dynamic mid-major cities in the United States. Within this diverse ecosystem of thinkers and innovators, leadership is cultivated through hands-on research opportunities, a deep tradition of community engagement, and a collaborative spirit that bridges disciplines from engineering and medicine to the arts and public policy.
Breadth of opportunity is the hallmark of the Ohio State experience, where the campus operates as a living laboratory for research, creative expression, and civic impact at scale. Undergraduate education is deeply embedded in a premier research ecosystem with over $1.58 billion in annual research expenditures, providing students with early access to faculty-led projects that address global challenges in areas such as sustainable energy, infectious disease, and advanced materials. A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports mentorship across a student body of more than 46,000 undergraduates drawn from all fifty states and over 100 countries. For international applicants, Ohio State offers merit-based scholarship opportunities for nonresident students, though need-based institutional aid specifically designated for international undergraduates is limited. Through this blend of land-grant heritage, metropolitan energy, and world-class research capacity, Ohio State graduates emerge prepared not only for career success but for meaningful contributions to their communities and fields.
Policy Type
Merit-only
VariesMerit-only universities offer scholarships based on academic/achievement factors rather than financial need. Need-based aid for international students is limited or unavailable.
Compare with other policy types
| Ranking Organization | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #190 | 2026 |
| Times Higher Education | #108 | 2026 |
| US News National Universities | #41 | 2026 |