North Columbus News

The Ohio State University announced today the enrollment of a record first-year class on the Columbus campus. The class of 9,530 students is the largest in the university’s 154-year history.

Total enrollment at Ohio State increased to 66,901, up 2.3% from 2023. The new numbers are part of the Autumn Semester Enrollment Report released today. The report includes key data about Ohio State’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on the Columbus and regional campuses.

“The historic first-year enrollment numbers speak to the exceptional value of an Ohio State education. We are excited to welcome this record-breaking class as they begin their academic careers on the Columbus and regional campuses,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “Ohio State remains a top choice for students and their families. We are committed to offering our Buckeye community an affordable and accessible education.”

In addition to the record class on the Columbus campus, the university’s regional campuses and Ohio State ATI on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Wooster campus continue to grow. Total new first-year students on those campuses have increased year-over-year, reaching nearly 20% growth over the past two years – 14.7% in 2023 and 3.9% in 2024.

Graduate student enrollment also reached a record high of 11,408 students, while professional student enrollment remains stable.

The record numbers are part of an intentional strategy following the graduation of one of the university’s largest classes and two years of decreasing the size of the first-year class. The university continues to emphasize serving the Buckeye state, with 71.1% of all enrolled students being Ohio residents.

The new first-year class on the Columbus campus is exceptionally talented, with 96% graduating in the top 25% and 64% graduating in the top 10% of their high school classes. Average ACT and SAT scores remain at or above the 94th percentile.

Ohio State has updated its admissions process to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Students for Fair Admissions cases. The percentage of minority students in the new first-year class stands at 29.5%, consistent with previous years.

Fueled by overall growth, Ohio State is experiencing increases in many student populations. African American student enrollment increased to 5,449 and Hispanic student enrollment increased to 3,895 students—both record highs.

“Ohio State is reaching new heights thanks to impressive and, at times, record-breaking growth across our campuses,” said James Orr, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. “Enrollment at the university reflects the dedication of thousands of colleagues across our campuses to recruit, retain and graduate our students.”

The university remains committed to an affordable education and expects to distribute $415 million in financial aid in 2024. Last year, Ohio State adjusted its Buckeye Opportunity Program to allow all students on regional campuses to qualify for immediate assistance at the beginning of their first semester. The program covers tuition and mandatory fees for Ohio residents who are eligible for Pell Grants and show significant need.

In addition to ongoing affordability programs, Ohio State students are graduating on time. The four-year graduation rate of 72.8% on the Columbus campus reached a record high while maintaining a six-year graduation rate stable at 87.7%.