Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Brown Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 18
- Ohio State Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Brown University achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,184 compared to Ohio State University-Main Campus's $17,339 for in-state paths. Students who choose Ohio State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $60,409 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 55% more than Ohio State University
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Ohio State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,339, roughly $7,845 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% of degrees); Ohio State in Business & Marketing (20%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Brown University over Ohio State University. Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over Brown University. Net price $17,339 vs $25,184.
Pick Brown University over Ohio State University. 96% completion rate vs 88%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and Ohio State University are close on paper, but Brown University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Ohio State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,387.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Ohio State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,339, about $7,845 a year below Brown University's $25,184. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $19,976.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,380 before any change in aid. Choosing Ohio State University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brown University graduates report median earnings of $93,487, compared with $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 55% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 55% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Brown University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 88%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Ohio State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Brown University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Ohio State University saves about $7,845 a year, yet Brown University graduates earn $33,078 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brown University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while Ohio State University leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,184 runs well above Ohio State University's $17,339.
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Brown University has less business program depth, and Ohio State University offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,976, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Ohio State University's enrollment, and Brown University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds Brown University's 7,226.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brown holds onto its admits more tightly: 63% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Ohio State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Brown offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Ohio State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Ohio State, where only about 67% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.
Rankings They Appear On
Brown University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brown's top program is Sociology (25% of enrollment), while Ohio State leads with Business Administration (20%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brown) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, while Ohio State University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brown University or Ohio State University?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 61% at Ohio State University.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or Ohio State University?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $25,184 at Brown University.
Do Brown University or Ohio State University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or Ohio State University?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 88%.
Should you choose Brown University or Ohio State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Brown University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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