Get to know us

Orton Hall

Five great reasons to choose Ohio State

Since its founding in 1870, The Ohio State University has been the stage for academic achievement and a laboratory for innovation. Buckeyes have been making their marks for 150 years. Here are some of the ways we can help you make yours.

1. Worldwide reputation and reach

Highly ranked

The university's main campus is one of America's largest and most comprehensive. Ohio State is ranked 17th among the nation's best public universities, and first in Ohio, according to U.S. News & World Report. We're ranked among the world's most innovative universities by Reuters, and we're the only university in the country with four colleges (Medicine, Nursing, Optometry and Veterinary Medicine) awarded the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (INSIGHT into Diversity).

Research powerhouse

Ohio State strives to retain, attract and reward the world’s top researchers and scholars. Our nearly $1.2 billion research budget translates to generous funding opportunities for students and faculty. Home to hundreds of academic centers and institutes, the university has achieved world-class status in such areas as global climate change, materials research, electromagnetics, cancer research, infectious diseases, agbioproducts and imaging.

Network of alumni

With more than half a million Ohio State alumni living all over the world, you’ll find a network of Buckeyes no matter where you go.

2. Excellent programs

Small, selective graduate programs

Students can explore just about any research question or creative activity through a vast array of top graduate programs, with 10 ranked in the top 10 in the nation (U.S. News & World Report).

Professional programs that work

Supporting our undergraduate and post-baccalaureate professional programs are a premier public law school and one of the largest and most diverse health sciences centers in the nation. Our professional programs boast high outcomes rates — measured by the percentage of students who pass board, certification and licensure exams — as well as high job placement rates.

Highly ranked online programs

Ohio State Online offers a flexible academic environment that allows you to explore and prepare for career success while you learn from Ohio State's world-renowned faculty.

3. Connected academic community

The best faculty

Students benefit from working with researchers, scholars and scientists who are making contributions to the advancement of fundamental knowledge and scholarship, often toward solutions of the world’s most pressing problems. Ohio State’s faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Laureates, Guggenheim Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, and Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The brightest students

Ohio State students are highly engaged, globally diverse and service-minded. More than 14,000 graduate and professional students from over 90 countries attend The Ohio State University.

A commitment to diversity and inclusion

We consider the rich diversity of our students, faculty and staff to be both a defining characteristic and an essential source of our institutional strength. Ohio State is strongly committed to creating a campus community that is welcoming and inclusive. Check out some of the offices and resources leading this mission.

Learn about Ohio State's anti-racism efforts.

4. Cutting-edge facilities

Investing in tomorrow's technologies

Ohio State invests in the facilities and resources that support the campus community’s research, innovation and discovery. Check your program’s website for information about their offerings.

University Libraries

One of the largest library systems in North America, University Libraries encompasses a wide range of specialty libraries in the humanities and sciences, and prides itself on expert staff and accessible resources. Beautiful and high-tech, Thompson Library is the main library, built in 1912 in the Beaux-Arts style.

Wexner Medical Center

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country. Ohio State's medical center includes a College of Medicine consistently ranked among the top 40, seven hospitals, a network of primary and specialty care practices, 20 research centers and institutes, and 25 core research laboratories. We have more health sciences colleges located in close proximity to one another than any other U.S. university.

5. Urban campus in Columbus

Ohio State's Columbus campus is a lovely, traditional campus located in the middle of the nation's 14th largest city. With a metro population of more than 2 million, Columbus (the state’s capital) is a top ranked city with a young, educated workforce and vibrant cultural scene. Read more about Columbus.