Ohio University

Athens, OH

65.0%

Acceptance Rate

1150

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.25

Avg GPA

Ohio University provides distinctive educational experience combining comprehensive academic programs with the intimate, residential community of a smaller institution set within the charming college town of Athens in southeastern Ohio's scenic Appalachian foothills. Founded in 1804 as the first institution of higher education in the Northwest Territory, Ohio University has evolved into a major research university serving approximately 28,000 students across its main campus and regional locations while maintaining the engaged learning environment and personal attention that define the Bobcat experience. The brick-paved College Green and surrounding historic campus create one of America's most beautiful collegiate settings, inspiring generations of students who treasure their Athens years. Strong programs in journalism, engineering, business, health sciences, and the arts attract students seeking quality education in a distinctive setting. The Honors Tutorial College provides Oxford-style tutorial education within the larger university context. Study abroad participation ranks among the highest in the nation, with Bobcats exploring the world through hundreds of programs. Athens itself provides classic college town atmosphere, with the campus and community interwoven in ways supporting vibrant social and cultural life. Ohio University's combination of academic breadth with distinctive campus experience creates loyal alumni who return regularly to their Athens home.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 65.0%
SAT Range: 1050–1250
ACT Range: N/A
Avg GPA: 3.25

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

Graduation Rate: N/A
Retention Rate: N/A
Tuition (In-State): N/A
Tuition (Int'l): N/A

Student Life & Environment

Ohio University's student life has a reputation that precedes it. The Halloween party, Court Street bar scene, and party culture have made Athens famous beyond its academic achievements. This reality attracts students seeking social experiences and concerns others who want more serious environments. The truth includes both dimensions: OU can be as serious or as social as individual students choose to make it. Housing options range from traditional dormitories to apartments to houses in the surrounding neighborhoods. The freshman experience typically centers on residence halls that build community among new students. Greek life plays a significant role, with fraternities and sororities providing social structures and, for many, housing in later years. Athletics compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Mid-American Conference. Football generates fall excitement, basketball fills winter months, and other sports draw dedicated followings. The campus recreation facilities serve non-varsity athletes through intramurals and fitness programs. Student organizations number in the hundreds, covering interests from academic and professional societies to cultural groups to recreational clubs. Leadership opportunities abound because the large student body generates many organizations needing officers and participants. Cultural events, concerts, and speakers appear regularly, supplemented by the entertainments of a lively college town.

Location & Surroundings

Athens, Ohio, defines the college-town concept for southeastern Ohio. A small city of around 25,000 permanent residents, it swells with students during the academic year. Court Street downtown provides the dining, drinking, and shopping that students patronize. The Hocking Hills region nearby offers hiking, camping, and natural beauty that provide escape from campus when desired. The location is genuinely remote by Ohio standards. Columbus lies about 75 miles to the northwest, and no major interstate highway runs through Athens. This isolation concentrates campus life and limits easy access to urban amenities. Students without cars find themselves dependent on campus and town, while those with transportation can reach Columbus for occasional city experiences. The hills of southeastern Ohio create scenic beauty quite different from the flat farmland of other parts of the state. Fall foliage attracts visitors, and the landscape provides backdrop for outdoor activities. The campus itself integrates hills and trees into an environment more attractive than many state university settings. Climate brings four seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The hills can make winter navigation challenging when snow falls. Spring and fall provide the most pleasant weather for enjoying the setting.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Ohio University's tuition and fees for Ohio residents remain modest compared to private alternatives, making quality education accessible to in-state families. Out-of-state tuition runs significantly higher, changing the value calculation for those coming from other states. Room and board add to the total, with various housing and meal plan options at different price points. Financial aid packaging includes federal and state aid, institutional grants, and merit scholarships. Strong academic performers receive awards that can substantially reduce costs. Need-based aid helps families who cannot cover educational expenses from income and savings. Work-study positions provide employment income alongside academic assistance. Career outcomes depend substantially on field of study and individual initiative. Journalism and communication graduates benefit from strong program reputations and alumni networks in media industries. Engineering graduates find employment with technical firms and manufacturers. Business, education, and health sciences graduates enter their respective fields with practical preparation. Career services assist with resume development, interview preparation, and employer connections. Job fairs bring recruiters to campus, and internship programs connect students with professional experience before graduation. The alumni network, spread across industries and regions, provides mentorship and networking opportunities that graduates can leverage throughout their careers.