America's flagship public research university with 60,000+ students, 16 colleges, and $1.58B in annual R&D spending.
Ohio State offers 200+ undergraduate majors, 278 graduate and professional programs, and 500+ specializations across 16 colleges. The university is classified as R1: Doctoral Universities with very high research activity. Notable departments include artificial intelligence and computer science, biomedical research, engineering, political science, and astronomy. The university ranks 9th among public universities for undergraduate teaching and is #1 in sending Fulbright Scholars.
With $1.58 billion in R&D expenditures (12th largest in the US), Ohio State maintains a robust research enterprise across multiple disciplines. The university houses the Mershon Center for International Security Studies (founded 1952), the Byrd Polar Research Center, and the Ohio State Cartoon Library & Museum. The research library system contains over 5.8 million volumes across 55 branches and specialty collections.
The main Columbus campus spans 1,665 acres about 2.5 miles north of downtown, centered on the historic Oval designed by the Olmsted brothers. The Ohio Union was the first student union at a state university. Campus features 21 libraries, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Ohio Stadium, and the Schottenstein Center. Students engage in 36 varsity sports, 1,100+ student organizations, and residential communities including 15+ learning communities.
Ohio State moved to selective admissions in 1986, ending its historic open enrollment policy. The university provides comprehensive support through first-year experience programs, the Second Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP), and 15+ learning communities. Financial aid and affordability initiatives are emphasized as central to the university's mission.
Alumni and faculty include 6 Nobel Prize laureates, 9 Rhodes Scholars, 7 Churchill Scholars, 1 Fields Medalist, 8 Pulitzer Prize winners, 77 Goldwater Scholars, 1 U.S. Vice President, 7 U.S. Senators, 15 U.S. Representatives, and 118 Olympic medalists. The university's endowment stands at $8.62 billion (2025).