Head-to-Head Comparison
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs The University of Texas at Austin
- Ohio State Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 16
- Texas Austin Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While The University of Texas at Austin achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $19,857 compared to Ohio State University-Main Campus's $17,339. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Ohio State University-Main Campus's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Ohio State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,339, roughly $2,518 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,976, the lower of the two
Texas Austin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 24% more than Ohio State University
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Ohio State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% of degrees); Texas Austin in Engineering (10%). 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 The University of Texas at Austin over Ohio State University. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $17,339 vs $19,857.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Ohio State University and The University of Texas at Austin are close on paper, but The University of Texas at Austin wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Ohio State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,387 to 1,395.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin 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 $2,518 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of Ohio State University also borrow less: median debt of $19,976, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,072 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, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 24% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Texas at Austin has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 24% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Ohio State University to keep costs and debt down; pick The University of Texas at Austin 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 $2,518 a year, yet The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $14,712 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. Ohio State University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, while The University of Texas at Austin leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Ohio State competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $19,857 runs well above Ohio State University's $17,339.
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and Ohio State University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Ohio State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 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
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.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
Rankings They Appear On
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Ohio State's top program is Business Administration (20% of enrollment), while Texas Austin leads with Mechanical Engineering (10%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Texas Austin).
The two schools feed different job markets. Ohio State University is strongest in Health Professions, while The University of Texas at Austin concentrates in Communications. 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 Ohio State University or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 61% at Ohio State University.
Which is more affordable, Ohio State University or The University of Texas at Austin?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do Ohio State University or The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Ohio State University or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
Should you choose Ohio State University or The University of Texas at Austin?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin 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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