O
#4 Best Public Universities in Ohio

Ohio University Admission Requirements

Athens, Ohio

 4 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Ohio University Main Campus

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

86.5%
Admission Difficulty for Ohio University Main Campus
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Average 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Ohio University is 86.5%.  Its admission rate is the 57th lowest in Ohio.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Ohio University and can you get accepted?

Ohio University Main Campus is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 21,610 out of the 24,978 who applied were admitted.

Ohio University Main Campus typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.59. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 21% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Ohio University?

87% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Ohio University Main Campus you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.59 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1180 on the SAT
  • Score 24 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Ohio University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.59

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Ohio University Main Campus?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Ohio University are to have around a 3.59 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.59 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Ohio University accepts 87% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Ohio University is 3.59 on the 4.0 scale. 25% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #23 in Ohio for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Ohio University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Ohio University Main Campus students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 25.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 20.0% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 18.0% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 15.0% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 11.0% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 10.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 1.0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Ohio University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Ohio University Main Campus. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 13% of students submitted SAT scores and 41% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

1080-1270

Applicants Submitting SAT 

13%
SAT Scores for Ohio University Main Campus
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 550
Math 25th Percentile 530
Composite 25th Percentile 1080
SAT Scores for Ohio University Main Campus
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 640
Math 75th Percentile 630
Composite 75th Percentile 1270
Average SAT Score 1180

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Ohio University Main Campus?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Ohio University is 1180 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1080-1270. Students who get into Ohio University Main Campus score in the top 45 percent of all SAT test takers..  Ohio University ranks #18 in the state of Ohio for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1180 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Ohio University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1080 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1080, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 980, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Ohio University Main Campus is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1180 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1175, you have around a 87% chance of being admitted. A 1270 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 93% chance of getting in.

Ohio University Main Campus admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1270 and Above Good >93%
1175 to 1270 Avg + 87%-93%
1080 to 1175 Avg - 78%-87%
985 to 1080 Reach 65%-78%
Less than 985 Low <65%
Calculate My Chances 

Ohio University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

22-27 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

41%
ACT Scores for Ohio University Main Campus
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 21
Math 25th Percentile 20
Composite 25th Percentile 22
ACT Scores for Ohio University Main Campus
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 27
Math 75th Percentile 26
Composite 75th Percentile 27
Average ACT Score 24

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Ohio University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Ohio University is 24, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 22 and 27.  The school ranks #18 in Ohio for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 24. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 22 and score in the score in the top 37 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 20.

41 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Ohio University Main Campus.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Ohio University Main Campus is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Ohio University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 24 score has around 87% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 94% with a 27 ACT score.

Ohio University Main Campus admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
27 and Above Good >94%
24 to 27 Avg + 87%-94%
22 to 24 Avg - 80%-87%
20 to 22 Reach 71%-80%
Less than 20 Low <71%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

81% of Ohio University Main Campus freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 50% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Ohio University Main Campus students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 22%
Top 25% of class 50%
Top 50% of class 81%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Ohio University Main Campus admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 14,885 10,093 24,978
Accepted 13,081 8,529 21,610
Acceptance Rate 88% 85% 87%
Enrolled 2,615 1,826 4,441
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 20% 21% 21%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Feb 1, 2025

Days left to Apply

52

Applicants have 52 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Feb 1, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Ohio University Main Campus is $50.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Ohio University Main Campus and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Ohio University Main Campus Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Ohio University Main Campus
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Ohio University Main Campus is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.59 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1180 and ACT of 24 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Ohio University Main Campus often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=204857 IPEDS survey data for Ohio University Main Campus.

Last updated February 24, 2024