Fisher College of Business

About Fisher College of Business

The Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University stands among America's premier public business schools, combining academic excellence with the resources of one of the nation's largest universities. Named for Max Fisher, a prominent business leader and philanthropist, the college offers comprehensive business education spanning undergraduate through doctoral levels. The Columbus, Ohio location provides access to corporate headquarters, a diverse economy, and a vibrant college city. Ohio State's business programs consistently achieve high national rankings, with particular strength in logistics, real estate, risk management, and marketing. The college benefits from Ohio State's extensive alumni network, athletic spirit, and institutional resources while maintaining the focused professional education characteristic of leading business schools. AACSB accreditation certifies adherence to the highest standards in business education. The college's corporate connections span industries from retail and logistics (benefiting from Ohio's position as a distribution hub) to financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Major companies headquartered in Columbus include Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, L Brands, and Wendy's, providing internship and employment opportunities for business students.

Admission to Fisher College's undergraduate program occurs through direct admission from high school or internal transfer from other Ohio State colleges. Direct admission is competitive, with admitted students typically having strong high school GPAs and test scores. Students not directly admitted can pursue admission through strong performance in prerequisite courses. Graduate program admissions vary by program. The MBA considers GMAT or GRE scores, undergraduate academic record, work experience, essays, and recommendations. Specialized master's programs have varying requirements depending on field. Doctoral admissions emphasize research potential and typically require strong academic backgrounds and GRE scores. Application deadlines vary by program, with fall enrollment typically having winter or early spring deadlines. Multiple admission rounds may be available for some programs. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted measures. Fisher College values diversity in its student body, recognizing that business education benefits from varied perspectives. Scholarships support students from underrepresented backgrounds and those demonstrating financial need alongside merit-based awards.

Fisher College offers undergraduate business degrees through the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with majors in accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, management and human resources, and other fields. The undergraduate program balances broad business education with specialized expertise, preparing graduates for diverse career paths. Graduate programs include the full-time MBA, working professional MBA, specialized master's degrees (in accounting, finance, business analytics, and other fields), and doctoral programs. The MBA program emphasizes leadership development, analytical skills, and practical application through case studies, consulting projects, and experiential learning. Specialized master's degrees provide advanced credentials for career changers and those seeking expertise in specific areas. Research activity addresses important questions across business disciplines, with faculty publishing in leading academic journals and engaging with corporate partners on applied research. Centers and institutes focus on areas including real estate, corporate governance, leadership, and analytics. Doctoral programs train future academics through rigorous research methodology and disciplinary education. Executive education serves organizations and individuals seeking professional development. Custom programs for corporate clients and open-enrollment offerings address skill development across management functions.

Student Life & Environment

Business students at Ohio State participate in the distinctive culture of a major state university. The large campus creates opportunities for involvement in athletics, student organizations, and social activities that extend beyond the business school. The passionate athletics culture, centered on football, creates shared experiences that bind the university community. The Fisher College is housed in modern facilities that include classrooms, study spaces, career services, and student organization offices. The college provides a focused professional environment within the broader university setting. Student organizations connect business students with shared interests in specific fields, career paths, or identities. Columbus is a thriving metropolitan area of over two million people, offering cultural attractions, dining, entertainment, and professional opportunities that exceed many college towns. The city's diverse economy spans government (as Ohio's state capital), education, healthcare, retail, technology, and financial services. This diversity provides internship and employment opportunities across sectors. Student services include academic advising, career coaching, tutoring, and personal support. The business career center provides industry connections, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. Housing options span university residences for first-year students through off-campus apartments for upperclassmen and graduate students.

Location & Surroundings

Ohio State's Columbus campus occupies an extensive site north of downtown Columbus, creating a city within a city. The main campus includes academic buildings, research facilities, medical center, athletics venues, and residential areas. Fisher College facilities are located in the central campus area with convenient access to other university resources. Columbus is Ohio's largest city and state capital, with a metropolitan population exceeding two million. The city has emerged as a Midwestern hub for business, education, healthcare, and increasingly, technology. Major corporate headquarters, state government, and significant healthcare institutions provide employment diversity. The city's growth trajectory and relative affordability attract businesses and residents from higher-cost regions. The central Ohio climate features four distinct seasons with cold winters, warm summers, and variable spring and fall conditions. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. Summer temperatures reach the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The continental climate produces more extreme temperatures than coastal areas. Transportation in Columbus relies primarily on automobiles, as public transit is limited compared to older cities. Many students have cars, though campus living can reduce dependence on personal vehicles. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport provides domestic connections, with international flights typically requiring connections through major hubs.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Ohio State follows public university rates that differ for Ohio residents and non-residents. Current undergraduate tuition is approximately $11,000-12,000 for Ohio residents and $33,000-35,000 for non-residents annually. Graduate tuition varies by program, with MBA costs exceeding specialized master's programs. Fees add to base tuition costs. Living costs in Columbus are moderate by national standards. On-campus housing ranges from $7,000-12,000 annually depending on room type and meal plan. Off-campus housing options provide flexibility, with apartments available at various price points. Total annual costs including tuition, housing, and expenses range from approximately $27,000 for in-state undergraduates to $55,000-65,000 for non-resident or graduate students. Financial aid includes merit scholarships, need-based grants, graduate assistantships, and student loans. Ohio State's size enables significant financial aid resources. Graduate students may secure assistantships providing tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties. Career outcomes for Fisher graduates reflect the school's strong industry connections. Graduates join major corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, and diverse other employers. The Columbus location provides access to local employers while national recruiting brings opportunities from companies throughout the country. Career services provide coaching, employer events, and placement support.