Ohio State determines the amount of financial aid you're eligible for by estimating the
Cost of Attendance for the average student, then subtracting your Student Aid Index, taken from your
FAFSA.
Cost of Attendance - Student Aid Index = Financial Need
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The
Cost of Attendance consists of the sum of educational costs payable to the school (also referred to as direct or billable costs) and
costs paid to others (or indirect, non-billable or discretionary) costs. The Cost of Attendance represents the highest dollar amount of financial aid a student can receive during an academic year.
Student Aid Index (SAI)
The SAI is the eligibility index used to determine your eligibility for federal, and in some instances, state and institutional need-based student financial aid. Generally, students with a higher SAI are eligible for less need-based financial aid. It is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the FAFSA.
Financial Need
The SAI is subtracted from the COA to establish your financial need, which determines how much need-based aid you are eligible for each academic year.
Cost of Attendance 2025-2026 Academic Year
Ohio State University full-time, two semester academic year costs* reflected below may vary by program, credit hours enrolled, and living expenses (housing, food/dining) options.
Note: To view other cost of attendance figures, click on the appropriate tab above and select About Aid, Cost of Attendance.
Columbus campus
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition and fees | $14,318 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Living expenses: housing and food | $15,902 |
| Books, supplies and equipment | $1,020 |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses | $3,350 |
| Transportation | $732 |
| Federal student loan fees | $170 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $35,492 |
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition and fees | $14,318 |
| Non-resident fees | $29,992 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Living expenses: housing and food | $15,902 |
| Books, supplies and equipment | $1,020 |
| Miscellaneous personal expenses | $3,350 |
| Transportation | $1,360 |
| Federal student loan fees | $170 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $66,112 |
Columbus campus Professional Students
You can find information regarding tuition and fees for professional programs on the
University Registrar’s website
under Professional Student Fee Tables. Additional costs can vary depending on your program of study and any other services or materials required. For more details, please visit your intended school's website below:
- College of Dentistry
- College of Medicine
- College of Optometry
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Moritz College of Law