Ohio State vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

Ohio State University-Main Campus and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, both esteemed public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Ohio State, located in Columbus, boasts a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate compared to Nebraska, situated in Lincoln. While Ohio State excels in engineering, business, and health sciences, Nebraska shines in agriculture, education, and biological sciences. Both universities foster diverse student populations, with Ohio State having a slightly higher percentage of international students. When it comes to graduation rates, Ohio State maintains a slight edge over Nebraska. Explore the comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Ohio State University-Main Campus logo

Ohio State University-Main Campus

University of Nebraska-Lincoln logo

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

Location Columbus, Ohio Lincoln, Nebraska
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 94.0% 80.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 57.2% 81.1%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1250 - 1440 1090 - 1320
ACT range 26 - 32 22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 21.0% 8.0%
Students submitting ACT score 64.0% 85.0%
Total number of applicants 58,180 17,775
Total number of admissions given out 33,269 14,411
Admitted students who chose to enroll 8,423 4,736
Yield rate 25.3% 32.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $27,796

Out of state: $50,879
In state: $26,316

Out of state: $43,446
Average net price $19,474 $18,403
Tuition
In state: $11,018

Out of state: $34,101
In state: $7,770

Out of state: $24,900
Room & board $13,392
Room/dormitory: $7,485

Meal plan: $4,653
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

72.0%
Average amount $11,830
96.0%
Average amount $8,608
Students receiving federal student loan 36.0%
Average amount $5,228
34.0%
Average amount $4,691
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $17,841
5.0%
Average amount $13,909

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 47,106
Men 50.3% Women 49.7%
19,552
Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Graduate students 14,571
Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
4,879
Men 49.2% Women 50.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 25.1% 25.7%
International students 9.1% 7.4%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 15,129 6,936
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Ohio New York Illinois New Jersey Pennsylvania Nebraska Illinois Minnesota Kansas Iowa

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Education
  • Business
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 88.0% 66.4%
Dropout rate 3.8% 10.7%
Transferred out 7.1% 21.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Dentistry (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $232,029
  • Year 2: $248,619
  • Year 3: $267,734
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $177,325
  • Year 3: $228,908
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,968
  • Year 2: $121,226
  • Year 3: $143,684
Veterinary Medicine (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $155,311
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $132,262
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,826
  • Year 2: $104,749
  • Year 3: $125,137
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,951
  • Year 2: $120,498
  • Year 3: $122,881
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,639
  • Year 2: $108,577
  • Year 3: $115,825
Physics (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,371
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $107,219
Optometry (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,790
  • Year 2: $99,983
  • Year 3: $105,922
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,188
  • Year 2: $87,470
  • Year 3: $100,687
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,695
  • Year 2: $91,017
  • Year 3: $102,607
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,888
  • Year 2: $78,134
  • Year 3: $86,893
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,533
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $86,584
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,494
  • Year 2: $68,918
  • Year 3: $78,265
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,969
  • Year 2: $70,680
  • Year 3: $75,873
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,040
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $74,823
Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $72,325
  • Year 3: $73,798
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,124
  • Year 2: $58,402
  • Year 3: $73,111
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,572
  • Year 2: $66,168
  • Year 3: $72,183
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,299
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $71,063

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Ohio State and Nebraska?

    Ohio State University's main campus is located in Columbus, Ohio, a large and diverse city offering a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. The campus is urban and bustling. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, on the other hand, is situated in Lincoln, Nebraska, a more traditional college town with a strong sense of community. Its campus has a more classic, Midwestern feel.

  • How do Ohio State and Nebraska compare in terms of size and student population?

    Ohio State is significantly larger than Nebraska. Ohio State boasts a much larger undergraduate and graduate student population, creating a more diverse and expansive academic and social environment. Nebraska, while still a large university, offers a more intimate setting with potentially smaller class sizes in some departments.

  • Which university is known for its strengths in specific academic areas?

    Ohio State is widely recognized for its programs in business, engineering, medicine, and law, often ranking highly in national surveys. Nebraska is particularly strong in agricultural sciences, engineering (especially agricultural and biological engineering), and journalism and mass communications. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but these are areas where they have distinct reputations.

  • What is the difference in the cost of attendance between Ohio State and Nebraska?

    Generally, Ohio State tends to have a higher cost of attendance, especially for out-of-state students, compared to Nebraska. Tuition, fees, and living expenses should be carefully considered when making your decision. Be sure to check the most recent figures on each university's financial aid website for the most accurate information.

  • How do the athletic programs at Ohio State and Nebraska compare?

    Both Ohio State and Nebraska have strong athletic traditions, particularly in football. Ohio State competes in the Big Ten Conference and has a national reputation for success across many sports. Nebraska also competes in the Big Ten Conference and is known for its passionate fan base and strong history in football, volleyball, and other sports. Both offer a vibrant and exciting athletic atmosphere.

  • What are the key differences in campus culture and student life?

    Ohio State, being in a large city, offers a more diverse and fast-paced campus culture with a wide array of student organizations and activities reflecting the urban environment. Nebraska has a more traditional, Midwestern campus culture with a strong emphasis on community and school spirit. Student life at Nebraska often revolves around campus events and traditions.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities differ between the two universities?

    Both universities offer comprehensive career services, but the types of opportunities available may vary based on their locations. Ohio State's location in Columbus provides access to a wider range of industries and companies for internships and job placements. Nebraska's location offers strong connections to agricultural businesses, engineering firms, and media outlets in the Midwest region.

  • What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates like at Ohio State and Nebraska?

    Ohio State generally has a more selective admissions process than Nebraska. This means that the average GPA and standardized test scores of admitted students tend to be higher at Ohio State. Be sure to check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and average admitted student profiles.

  • How do the research opportunities compare at Ohio State and Nebraska?

    Both Ohio State and Nebraska are research universities, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Ohio State, due to its size and funding, may have a broader range of research projects available. Nebraska has particular strengths in agricultural research and related fields.

  • What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at each university?

    Both Ohio State and Nebraska offer a variety of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The specific types and amounts of aid available will depend on your individual financial situation and academic merit. Be sure to explore the financial aid websites of both universities to learn more about the available options and application processes. Look for both need-based and merit-based scholarships.

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