Ohio State's published cost of attendance is $29,320 per year for in-state students, including $12,859 in tuition, $14,272 for room and board, and $1,030 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $38,365.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,305 |
| Tuition and Fees | $40,022 |
| Room and Board | $14,738 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,030 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,966 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,339 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,885 |
| $30–48k | $5,751 |
| $48–75k | $9,807 |
| $75–110k | $20,461 |
| $110k+ | $27,359 |
Ohio State's published cost of attendance is $29,320 per year for in-state students, including $12,859 in tuition, $14,272 for room and board, and $1,030 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $38,365. However, the average student pays $18,292 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,028 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $2,702 below the peer median of $15,590, making Ohio State more expensive than comparable institutions. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial support. The university's financial aid profile reflects standard public university patterns, with need-based aid concentrated among lower-income families while middle and upper-middle-income families face higher net costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Ohio State graduates carry median debt of $19,976, ranking at the 71st percentile nationally and remaining close to the peer median of $20,000. Student debt ranges from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,350 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 suggests manageable repayment relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt service representing about one-third of first-year earnings. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $20,783 with monthly payments of $274, adding family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
Total borrowing levels align closely with peer institutions, suggesting standard debt patterns for large public universities. Students should expect debt levels to vary based on family financial circumstances, with those receiving less grant aid typically borrowing more to cover educational costs.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Ohio State delivers solid return on educational investment through balanced outcomes and controlled costs. Graduates earn $60,409 annually, ranking at the 73rd percentile nationally, while carrying debt slightly above $19,976.
However, earnings fall $9,306 below expectations relative to student demographics, placing the return at the 17th percentile for earnings uplift. Debt levels align with peer institutions at $20,000, creating similar financial obligations across comparable universities.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 indicates sustainable repayment conditions for most graduates, with annual debt service representing manageable portions of post-graduation income. While absolute earnings levels support financial stability, the below-expected earnings performance suggests the premium for Ohio State's reputation may not translate into commensurate salary advantages.
Ohio State's financial aid approach reflects its public mission while maintaining cost discipline. With 19.4% of students receiving Pell grants, the university enrolls a moderate share of lower-income students compared to national averages.
The $11,028 average aid package reduces costs substantially from the $29,320 sticker price, though net prices remain above peer institutions. Aid distribution follows standard patterns, with families earning below $48,000 receiving the most generous support through federal grants and institutional aid.
Middle-income families face higher net costs as they earn too much for substantial need-based aid but may lack resources for full-price attendance. The university's aid effectiveness varies by family circumstances, with lower-income students experiencing dramatically reduced costs while middle and upper-middle-income families approach or exceed sticker prices.
