Research.com
Ohio University logo

Ohio University

#246 in US ranking Athens, OH
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Ohio University award
Ohio University award

Cost

Cost / year
$31,615
Tuition & fees
$14,366
Avg. aid
$9,672
Receiving aid
97%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
85%
SAT range
1090–1290
ACT range
22–28

Outcomes

Graduation rate
65%
Median salary
$57,593
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Ohio University?

Ohio University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it does not mean that every individual program holds a separate professional accreditation.

Programmatic accreditation can matter for careers with licensing or certification requirements. For example, applicants to business, engineering, educator-preparation or clinical programs should check the accreditation and approval status of the specific degree and campus they are considering. A professional program's status can differ from the university's institution-wide status.

Institutional accreditation is relevant to federal financial-aid eligibility and is commonly considered in transfer-credit review. It does not, by itself, ensure that another college will accept a particular course or that a graduate will qualify for a professional license. Those decisions can depend on program requirements, state rules and the receiving institution.

What are the admission requirements at Ohio University?

First-year applicants to Ohio University generally submit an undergraduate application, a secondary-school record and evidence of high school completion or an accepted equivalent. The university considers academic preparation, including grades and college-preparatory coursework; it does not operate under an open-admission policy.

SAT and ACT scores are considered but are not generally required for first-year admission. Among enrolled first-time students who submitted scores, the reported median was 1180 on the SAT and 25 on the ACT. Because only a minority submitted each test, those medians should not be read as minimum admission scores or as a profile of the entire entering class. Recommendations may be considered but are not a general requirement.

In the reported admissions cycle, Ohio University admitted about 85% of its first-year applicants. That institution-wide figure does not establish the odds for a particular major. Applicants educated outside the United States may need to document English proficiency, and some programs have additional criteria or earlier deadlines. Students should verify the requirements for their applicant category and intended program before submitting an application.

What are the application fees and waivers at Ohio University?

Ohio University's reported standard undergraduate application fee is $50. An application fee is paid to apply; it is separate from tuition, housing charges and any later enrollment-related payment.

Applicants for whom the fee presents a financial barrier should review the application's fee-waiver options before submitting it. Eligibility and the method for requesting a waiver can depend on the application route and applicant category. Graduate, professional and other specialized applications may use different fees or procedures, so their applicants should follow the instructions for the specific program rather than assume the undergraduate amount applies.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Ohio University?

Ohio University has Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC opportunities on its Athens campus. ROTC combines academic coursework and leadership training with a possible path toward military commissioning; participation requirements differ by branch.

Students interested in either program should ask the relevant ROTC unit how its courses fit their degree plan, when physical and other eligibility standards apply, and how scholarship applications work. An ROTC scholarship is not automatic, and accepting a scholarship or advancing toward a commission can involve a military service obligation. Applicants interested in Navy ROTC should establish whether a workable participation arrangement exists for them rather than assume it is an on-campus Ohio University program.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Ohio University?

Ohio University accepts transfer applicants and generally reviews credit earned at other accredited institutions. Transfer students may enter in fall, spring or summer, but admission to the university and acceptance of particular courses toward a major are separate decisions.

Applicants should expect to provide official transcripts from every college attended. High school records or additional materials may be required depending on their prior college work and chosen program. Some majors have their own prerequisites, capacity limits or GPA standards. Ohio University also recognizes certain forms of assessed prior learning, including eligible CLEP, DSST and American Council on Education recommendations, subject to its credit policies.

Before committing to a transfer plan, students can use Ohio University's transfer-equivalency information to see how prior courses have been evaluated and request an official review of their own record. They should then ask their intended department which credits satisfy major requirements and how many Ohio University credits must still be completed for the degree. A course's transferability does not necessarily mean it will replace a required course in the major.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Ohio University?

Ohio University offers international study opportunities through its global education programs, including options that may last a short term, a semester or longer. Depending on the program, students may study through a university-led experience, an exchange or an approved partner arrangement.

The practical question is how a proposed experience will count toward a degree. Students should obtain academic approval before departure, especially for courses needed in a tightly sequenced major. They should also compare program charges, travel and living expenses, and ask how their financial aid or scholarships apply. Application timing, language expectations and eligibility differ by destination and program; study-abroad advising can help students compare those details.

Ohio University Admissions Factors

SAT range
1090–1290
4001600
ACT range
22–28
136
Acceptance rate
85%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
85%
Ohio
78%
US
78%

19% of admitted students enrolled (4,489 of 23,360)

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Ohio University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 27,486
Admission
Total: 23,360
Enrolled
Total: 4,489
Women
Men

How to Apply to Ohio University

Regular application deadline

February 1

Application fee

$50

Early Decision

No

Early Action

Yes, deadline November 15

Ohio University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 3,810
Out-of-state: 648
International: 26

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 4,484
Transfer: 1,094

Ohio University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1180

Median composite ACT score

25

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

28%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

11%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

Yes

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Considered but not required

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Considered but not required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Neither required nor recommended

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit on campus

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

No

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Ohio University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

Recently Published Articles