Academic Comparison between OSU and Northwestern

Ohio State University-Main Campus and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. OSU is a four-year, public school located in Columbus, OH and Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • OSU is a public and Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than OSU ($40,022).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than OSU.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,400) than OSU (1,400).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (30) than OSU (30).
  • OSU has more students with 61,443 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while OSU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • OSU has more full-time faculties with 5,014 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
OSU Northwestern
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Ohio State University-Main Campusvs.Northwestern University
Columbus, OhioLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$13,244
Out-Of-State$40,022
2025 Tuition & Fees$68,322
62%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$12,876Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
60.57 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
21.78 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,400SAT Score1,540
30ACT Score34
88 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate98 %
61,443Student Population23,856
5,014Number of Faculties2,442
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
More Rivals