Head-to-Head Comparison
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of Maryland-College Park
- Ohio State Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 7
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,678 vs Ohio State University-Main Campus's $17,339, University of Maryland-College Park delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Ohio State
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than Ohio State University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $1,661 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% 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); Maryland-College Park in Computer Science & IT (25%). 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 University of Maryland-College Park over Ohio State University. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over Ohio State University. Net price $15,678 vs $17,339.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Ohio State University and University of Maryland-College Park are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Ohio State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,387 to 1,473.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park 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, University of Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $1,661 a year below Ohio State University's $17,339. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $19,976.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $6,644 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% 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 University of Maryland-College Park to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Ohio State University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Health Professions, while University of Maryland-College Park leans toward Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Ohio State University's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds University of Maryland-College Park's 30,760.
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Maryland-College Park holds onto its admits more tightly: 22% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Ohio State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Maryland-College Park, where only about 44% 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) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 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.
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Ohio State's top program is Business Administration (20% of enrollment), while Maryland-College Park leads with Computer Science (25%).
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 Maryland-College Park).
The two schools feed different job markets. Ohio State University is strongest in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Maryland-College Park concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. 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.
Ohio State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Ohio State University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 61% at Ohio State University.
Which is more affordable, Ohio State University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $17,339 at Ohio State University.
Do Ohio State University or University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Ohio State University or University of Maryland-College Park?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
Should you choose Ohio State University or University of Maryland-College Park?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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