Getting in
For Fall 2024, 27,486 first-year students applied to Ohio University, 23,360 were admitted and 4,489 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 85%.
Source: IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2024, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab), first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates, Athens campus. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. Ohio University publishes no first-year acceptance rate by college or major, and its Common Data Set is not open to the public, so this page uses the federal IPEDS count for the whole Athens campus.
Source: IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2024, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Admission to every Ohio University program is selective and holistic. Some colleges and majors ask for more:
- OHIO Admission Promise. Apply by November 15, 2026, show a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a strong college prep curriculum, and enroll full-time on the Athens campus in fall 2027 for automatic general admission, plus a renewable award of at least $2,000 if Ohio receives your FAFSA results by January 15, 2027. A more selective program still reviews you separately.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, The OHIO Admission Promise for Fall 2027 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Honors Tutorial College. HTC-specific essays are required, and many HTC majors strongly recommend more materials. Students selected to move forward must interview, typically in January and February.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- College of Business. A selective, holistic review. Successful applicants typically present a 3.0 or higher GPA in a strong college preparatory curriculum. An essay on your preparation for business study is encouraged, not required.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence majors. Four years of college preparatory math; one year of chemistry or physics plus one more year of chemistry, physics or an engineering science; and above-average grades in math and science.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Biological Sciences. Strong preparation in mathematics and science, shown by your coursework.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- School of Nursing. A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Strong preparation in writing and language, shown by your coursework; media experience is also considered, and an essay is encouraged, not required.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Art + Design (B.F.A.), Visual Communication and Film. A portfolio review.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Music and Dance. A successful audition.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Theater (B.F.A.). An audition, interview and/or portfolio review.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Aviation Flight. A supplemental application.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Programs with More Selective Admission Guidelines for Freshmen (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
You apply with the Common App or Ohio's own application, a $55 fee and an official high school transcript. Essays, letters of recommendation and activity lists are optional.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, How to Apply as a Freshman (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
210 majors across 9 schools. Every bachelor's degree major in Ohio University's official 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, grouped by the college that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Associate degrees, minors, certificates and graduate programs are left out.
College of Arts and Sciences62
- Environmental Science and Sustainability (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Biological Sciences (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Cellular and Molecular Biology (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Environmental Biology (B.A.)
- Biological Sciences - Human Biology (B.A.)
- Biological Sciences - Marine, Freshwater, and Environmental Biology (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Prephysical Therapy (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Preprofessional Program (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences - Wildlife and Conservation Biology (B.S.)
- Microbiology (B.S.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry - Biochemistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry - Environmental (B.S.)
- Chemistry - Predentistry (B.S.)
- Chemistry - Premedicine (B.S.)
- Chemistry - Prepharmacy (B.S.)
- Forensic Chemistry (B.S.)
- Classical Civilization (B.A.)
- Classical Languages (B.A.)
- Classics and Religious Studies (B.A.)
- Geological Sciences (B.S.)
- Geological Sciences - Environmental Geoscience (B.S.)
- Economics (B.A.)
- Economics (B.S.)
- English - Creative Writing (B.A.)
- English - Literature, Culture, & Writing (B.A.)
- English - Pre-Law (B.A.)
- Applied Plant Biology (B.A.)
- Environmental and Plant Biology (B.S.)
- Field Ecology (B.A.)
- Geography - Meteorology (B.S.)
- Geography - Climate, Environment and Society (B.S.)
- Geography - Environmental Pre-Law (B.S.)
- Geography - Geographic Information Science (B.S.)
- Geography - Geography (B.S.)
- Geography - Globalization and Development (B.S.)
- Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability (B.S.)
- History (B.A.)
- History - Pre-Law (B.A.)
- International Studies (B.A.)
- International Studies - War and Peace (B.A.)
- Linguistics (B.A.)
- Spanish (B.A.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Mathematics - Actuarial Science (B.S.)
- Mathematics - Applied (B.S.)
- Mathematics - Mathematical Statistics (B.S.)
- Philosophy (B.A.)
- Philosophy - Pre-Law (B.A.)
- Philosophy - Pre-Theology (B.A.)
- Physics Astrophysics (B.S.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Physics - Applied Physics (B.S.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Political Science - Pre-Law (B.A.)
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Psychology Prephysical Therapy (B.S.)
- Anthropology (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Sociology - Criminology (B.A.)
- Sociology - Pre-Law (B.A.)
- Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Arts and Sciences (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Business14
- Business Economics (B.B.A.)
- General Business (B.B.A.)
- Accounting (B.B.A.)
- Business Analytics (B.B.A.)
- Management Information Systems (B.B.A.)
- Finance (B.B.A.)
- Business Pre-Law (B.B.A.)
- Business Studies (B.S.)
- Entrepreneurship (B.B.A.)
- International Business (B.B.A.)
- Strategic Leadership and Management (B.B.A.)
- Supply Chain Management (B.B.A.)
- Marketing (B.B.A.)
- Sport Management (B.S.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Business (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Scripps College of Communication18
- Communication (B.S.)
- Communication Studies (B.S.)
- Cybersecurity Operations (B.S.)
- Information & Telecommunication Systems, Cybersecurity Track (B.S.)
- Information & Telecommunication Systems, ECT (VR/AR) Track (B.S.)
- Information and Telecommunication Systems (B.S.)
- Virtual Reality and Game Development (B.S.)
- Journalism Carr Van Anda (B.S.)
- Journalism News and Information (B.S.)
- Journalism Strategic Communication (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies - Animation (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies - Media and Social Change (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies - Media Arts Production (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies - Music Production and Recording Industry (B.S.)
- Visual Communication - Commercial Photography (B.S.)
- Visual Communication - Information Graphics/Publication Design (B.S.)
- Visual Communication - Multimedia (B.S.)
- Visual Communication - Photojournalism (B.S.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Scripps College of Communication (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Patton College of Education26
- Human Services (B.A.S.)
- Customer Service Leadership (B.A.S.)
- Health and Physical Education (B.S.Ed.)
- Outdoor Recreation and Education (B.S.)
- Physical Activity and Sport Coaching (B.S.)
- Recreation Management (B.S.)
- Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism (B.S.)
- Retail and Fashion Merchandising (B.S.)
- Early Childhood and Elementary Education (B.S.Ed.)
- Earth/Space Science (B.S.Ed.)
- Integrated Language Arts (B.S.Ed.)
- Integrated Language Arts - Spanish Education (B.S.Ed.)
- Integrated Mathematics (B.S.Ed.)
- Integrated Science (B.S.Ed.)
- Integrated Social Studies (B.S.Ed.)
- Intervention Specialist Dual License (B.S.Ed.)
- Life Science (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Language Arts and Mathematics (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Language Arts and Science (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Language Arts and Social Studies (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Mathematics and Science (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Mathematics and Social Studies (B.S.Ed.)
- Middle Childhood Science and Social Studies (B.S.Ed.)
- Physical Science - Chemistry (B.S.Ed.)
- Physical Science - Physics and Chemistry (B.S.Ed.)
- Physical Science - Physics (B.S.Ed.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Patton College of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Russ College of Engineering and Technology14
- Aviation Flight (B.S.)
- Aviation Management (B.S.)
- Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
- Civil Engineering (B.S.)
- Artificial Intelligence (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Cybersecurity Engineering (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering with Computer Engineering Track (B.S.)
- Engineering Technology and Management (B.S.)
- Project Management (B.S.)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering (B.S.)
- Energy Engineering (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Russ College of Engineering and Technology (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts23
- Art - Art History (B.A.)
- Art - Studio Art (B.A.)
- Graphic Design (B.F.A.)
- Interior Architecture (B.F.A.)
- Studio Art (B.F.A.)
- Studio Art - Art Therapy (B.F.A.)
- Dance - Performance and Choreography (B.F.A.)
- Film (B.F.A.)
- Music Education: Choral Emphasis (B.Mus.)
- Music Education: Instrumental Emphasis (B.Mus.)
- Music (B.A.)
- Music - Composition (B.Mus.)
- Music - Instrumental Performance (B.Mus.)
- Music - Organ Performance (B.Mus.)
- Music - Piano Pedagogy (B.Mus.)
- Music - Piano Performance (B.Mus.)
- Music - Popular Music Performance (B.Mus.)
- Music - Voice Performance (B.Mus.)
- Theater (B.F.A.)
- Theater Performance - Acting or Musical Theater Tracks (B.F.A.)
- Theater - Playwriting (B.F.A.)
- Theater - Production Design and Technology (B.F.A.)
- Theater - Stage Management (B.F.A.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
College of Health Sciences and Professions16
- Exercise Physiology (B.S.)
- Nutrition Science - Pre-Medicine (B.S.)
- Nutrition Science - Pre-Physician Assistant (B.S.)
- Nutrition - Culinary (B.S.)
- Nutrition - Dietetics (B.S.)
- Nutrition - Environmental (B.S.)
- Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences (B.S.)
- Baccalaureate Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Integrated Healthcare Studies (B.S.)
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Community and Public Health (B.S.)
- Environmental Health Science (B.S.)
- Health Services Administration (B.S.)
- Human Development and Family Science (B.S.)
- Social Work (B.A.)
- Social Work (B.S.W.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, College of Health Sciences and Professions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Honors Tutorial College32
- Advanced Computing (B.S.)
- Anthropology (B.A.)
- Astrophysics (B.S.)
- Biological Sciences (B.S.)
- Business Administration (B.B.A.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Classics (B.A.)
- Communication Studies (B.S.)
- Dance Tutorial (B.F.A.)
- Economics (B.S.)
- Engineering Physics (B.S.)
- English (B.A.)
- Environmental and Plant Biology (B.S.)
- Environmental Studies (B.A.)
- Film Tutorial (B.F.A.)
- General Theater (B.F.A.)
- Geography (B.S.)
- Geological Sciences (B.S.)
- Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences (B.S.)
- History (B.A.)
- Journalism (B.S.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Media Arts and Studies (B.S.)
- Music (B.A.)
- Philosophy (B.A.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Social Work (B.A.)
- Sociology (B.A.)
- Studio Art (B.F.A.)
- Translational Health - Applied Health (B.S.)
- Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, Honors Tutorial College (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
University College5
- Criminal Justice (B.S.)
- Data Analytics (B.S.)
- General Studies (B.G.S.)
- Integrative Studies (B.I.S.)
- Organizational Studies (B.T.A.S.)
Source: Ohio University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog, University College (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early action | November 15 | not published | No |
| Rolling admission | February 1 | not published | No |
Applicants who meet the early action deadline get priority consideration for direct entry to academic programs, merit scholarships and honors and scholars programs. Ohio lists these as freshman priority dates and does not publish decision dates.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Dates and Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
Freshman applicants to the Athens campus may apply on Ohio University's test-optional pathway. You may send ACT or SAT scores if you want them considered, and you say which on the application. Test-optional applicants are considered for direct admission to programs, merit scholarships and honors programs.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Test-Optional Admission Pathway (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Ohio University's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: Ohio University Admissions, Dates and Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Ohio University, 2026-2027:
| Item | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $15,018 | $26,792 |
| Housing | $9,064 | $9,064 |
| Food | $6,256 | $6,256 |
| Books and supplies | $918 | $918 |
| Transportation | $2,016 | $2,016 |
| Personal expenses | $1,022 | $1,022 |
| Total | $34,294 | $46,068 |
The Athens campus cost of attendance for the 2026-2027 cohort, the latest Ohio posts. Under the OHIO Guarantee, a cohort's tuition, fees, housing and food stay fixed for four years; rates for students entering in fall 2027 are not posted yet. Housing is the average residence hall cost for freshmen and food assumes 21 meals a week.
Source: Ohio University Financial Aid and Scholarships, Cost of Attendance (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $15,673 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $15,160 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $19,078 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $23,689 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,492 |
| All incomes | $21,637 |
What first-year, full-time, in-state students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from Ohio University's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to Ohio University on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
University of CincinnatiCincinnati, OH · Public88% admitted$25,648 average net price
Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OH · Public81.3% admitted$24,022 average net price
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI · Public85.3% admitted$15,273 average net price
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI · Public83.2% admitted$19,680 average net price
Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL · Public85.5% admitted$19,398 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.