Head-to-Head Comparison
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs University of San Francisco
- Ohio State Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 19
- San Francisco Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,339 vs University of San Francisco's $41,431, Ohio State University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
54 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 $24,092 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,976, the lower of the two
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 49% more than Ohio State University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Ohio State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 San Francisco over Ohio State University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over University of San Francisco. Net price $17,339 vs $41,431.
Pick Ohio State University over University of San Francisco. 88% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Ohio State University and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Ohio State 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
Ohio State University is the harder admit. It takes 61% of applicants, while University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,387 to 1,295.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Ohio State 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 $24,092 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Ohio State University also borrow less: median debt of $19,976, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $96,368 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, University of San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 49% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 49% 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
Ohio State University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 17% 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 University of San Francisco 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 $24,092 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $29,403 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 Engineering, while University of San Francisco leans toward Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Ohio State University's $17,339.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $19,976 at Ohio State University.
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Ohio State holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. San Francisco 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 San Francisco, where only about 42% 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
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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Ohio State University-Main Campus is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Ohio ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 20% of Ohio State's student body and 18% of San Francisco's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Ohio State University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Psychology, 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 San Francisco?
Ohio State University is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Ohio State University or University of San Francisco?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Ohio State University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Ohio State University or University of San Francisco?
Ohio State University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 71%.
Should you choose Ohio State University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco 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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