Ohio University

Overview

Ohio University holds a special place in Ohio's higher education history as the state's oldest public institution, chartered in 1804 — just a year after Ohio became a state. Located in Athens, a charming town tucked into the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, OU offers a campus experience that many consider among the most scenic and memorable in the Midwest.

With approximately 28,000 students, Ohio University occupies a middle ground between Ohio's mega-universities and its smaller colleges. The university is large enough to offer a broad range of programs and activities, yet the Athens setting creates a more contained campus culture than what students find at urban institutions. That said, students who truly want an intimate academic environment — where professors know every student and class sizes rarely exceed 20 — may discover that schools like Wittenberg University deliver a more personalized educational model.

OU's crown jewel is the Scripps College of Communication, one of the most respected communication programs in the nation. The university also maintains strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and health professions, supported by a research enterprise that has grown considerably in recent decades.

Academics & Programs

Ohio University offers more than 250 programs across 11 colleges and schools.

Notable Academic Programs

• Scripps College of Communication: Home to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, one of the oldest and most respected journalism programs in the country. Also includes strong programs in media arts, communication studies, and visual communication.
• Russ College of Engineering and Technology: Offers programs in chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering with growing research output.
• Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: Ohio's largest medical school and a leader in training primary care physicians for underserved communities.
• Patton College of Education: Produces many of Ohio's K-12 educators with well-regarded teacher preparation programs.
• College of Arts and Sciences: Strong programs in biology, English, history, and psychology form the core of the liberal arts tradition at OU.
• College of Business: AACSB-accredited with growing programs in analytics and entrepreneurship.

Campus & Location

The Ohio University campus encompasses approximately 1,850 acres along the Hocking River in Athens. College Green, the historic heart of campus with its stately brick buildings and towering trees, is one of the most photographed college settings in Ohio. Cutler Hall, built in 1818, is the oldest building on any Ohio public university campus.

Location: Athens, Ohio

Athens is a quintessential college town where university life and community life are deeply intertwined. Court Street, the main commercial thoroughfare, offers local restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment. The surrounding Appalachian foothills provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation. While Athens is beloved for its charm and character, its rural location in southeastern Ohio means fewer immediate professional opportunities compared to schools in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland.

Campus Life & Student Experience

OU has a vibrant campus culture with over 500 student organizations, a long-standing Greek tradition, and school-spirit events that define the student experience. Halloween at Ohio University has become a nationally known celebration, though the university has worked to balance tradition with safety in recent years.

Athletics

The Ohio Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in NCAA Division I. OU sponsors 16 varsity sports with particular traditions in football, basketball, and cross country. Peden Stadium and the Convocation Center provide spirited game-day environments.

Admissions

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 82-85%
• Average GPA: 3.5
• Average ACT: 22-27
• Test-Optional: Yes
• Application Deadline: February 1 (Regular Decision)

Costs & Financial Aid

Ohio University provides merit scholarships to qualifying students, including the Gateway, Presidential, and Trustees scholarships. Need-based financial aid is also available through federal and state programs.

Outcomes & Alumni

OU graduates are particularly well-represented in journalism, media, education, and healthcare. Notable alumni include journalist Matt Lauer, filmmaker Roger Corman, author Shonda Rhimes (honorary), and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners connected to the Scripps journalism program. The alumni network is strong across Ohio and particularly in the media industry nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions