Illinois State University vs. Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to Illinois State University or Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)?“
Illinois State University
Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Illinois State University | Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $13,666 | $11,548 |
| Net Price | $20,437 | $20,826 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,300 | $4,469 |
| Total Undergraduates | 18343 | 23335 |
| Average SAT Scores | 0 - 0 | 990 - 1210 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88 | 74 |
| Location | North and School Streets | 020 Chubb Hall |
| City Name | Normal | Athens |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, Illinois State University is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Normal and Athens. Illinois State University is in a East North Central and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) is in a East North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Illinois State University or Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Illinois State University is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do Illinois State University Dorms Compare to housing Options at Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. Illinois State University charges for on-campus living, while Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Illinois State University, % | Ohio University-Main Campus (OU),% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 76.9 | 83.03 |
| Hispanic | 9.44 | 2.74 |
| Black | 7.75 | 4.97 |
| Foreign | 0.41000000000000003 | 3.4799999999999995 |
| Others | 5.5 | 5.8 |
How different is the Illinois State University campus compared to Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) campus?
The Illinois State University campus is located in Normal, IL and is characterized as Suburb: Midsize (outside principal city, in urbanized area with population of at least 100,000 but less than 250,000). The Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) campus is located in Athens, OH and is characterized as Town: Distant (in urban cluster more than 10 miles and up to 35 miles from an urbanized area).
Which school gives more financial aid?
Illinois State University provides $5,300 whereas Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) provides an average of $4,469.
How does Illinois State University academics compare to Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)?
When analyzing academics between Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | Illinois State University | Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 184 | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | N/A | N/A |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | N/A | 14 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 251 | 627 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 119 | 104 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | 12 | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | N/A | 177 |
| Education | 690 | 289 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 66 | 52 |
Which is better: Illinois State University or Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between Illinois State University and Ohio University-Main Campus (OU). But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does Illinois State University social life compare to Ohio University-Main Campus (OU)?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how Illinois State University social life differs from Ohio University-Main Campus (OU).
Check here.
Check here.