DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
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Ohio State University vs University of Michigan

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PUBLIC

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH
50
DECISION SCORE
vs
METRICS
SCHOOL B · PUBLIC

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI
51
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricOhio State UniversityUniversity of MichiganEdge
Acceptance Rate 50.8% 17.9% Ohio State University (easier)
Average SAT 1405 1440 University of Michigan
Enrollment 65,551 53,422 Ohio State University larger
Median Earnings (10yr) $60,409 $83,648 University of Michigan
Median Debt $19,976 $19,500 University of Michigan lower
Pell Grant Rate 19.0% 18.0% Higher = more low-income students
02

Decision scores

Ohio State University

50 Overall Fit 50 ROI 96 Transfer

University of Michigan

51 Overall Fit 50 ROI 46 Transfer
03

Top majors

Ohio State University

Business/Marketing 19.6%
Engineering 14.8%
Health Professions 9.7%
Biological Sciences 9.2%
Social Sciences 8.9%

University of Michigan

Computer Science 15.3%
Engineering 12.2%
Social Sciences 11.6%
Biological Sciences 8.9%
Psychology 8.4%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Ohio State University and University of Michigan are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: Ohio State University is in Columbus, OH while University of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Ohio State University vs University of Michigan FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Ohio State University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan is harder to get into, with a 17.9% acceptance rate vs Ohio State University's 50.8%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.
Which is more expensive, Ohio State University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($34,654/yr) vs Ohio State University ($30,305/yr) — a difference of $4,349/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $13,653/yr at Ohio State University vs $9,040/yr at University of Michigan.
Which has higher graduate earnings, Ohio State University or University of Michigan?
University of Michigan graduates earn more — a median of $83,648 10 years post-grad, vs $60,409 at Ohio State University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.
Which should I choose, Ohio State University or University of Michigan?
It depends on your priorities. Ohio State University is in Columbus, OH; University of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).
Which has better programs, Ohio State University or University of Michigan?
Both Ohio State University and University of Michigan have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Ohio State University's salary page and University of Michigan's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.
04

Explore each school

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.