Is USC or Ohio State More Affordable for an Out-of-State Student?

Question

I’m comparing the University of Southern California and Ohio State University as an out-of-state applicant. I’m trying to understand which school is generally more affordable when considering tuition, housing, and typical financial aid.

Accepted Answer

Ohio State is typically more affordable for an out-of-state student. For most families who do not qualify for unusually large need-based grants, Ohio State will produce the lower net price.

Ohio State’s out-of-state tuition varies by academic program, but its overall nonresident budget is typically far lower than USC’s. Columbus also tends to offer less expensive off-campus housing and day-to-day living than the area surrounding USC.

Financial aid is the main situation in which the comparison can change. A student with high demonstrated need could therefore find USC’s net cost closer to Ohio State’s, or occasionally lower.

Ohio State offers need-based aid and nonresident scholarships, including awards aimed at out-of-state students, but these awards often reduce rather than erase the nonresident premium. Compare each school’s official net price calculator and then the actual aid offers, paying close attention to renewable grants, loans, and the housing assumptions in each package.

Is USC or Ohio State More Affordable for an Out-of-State Student?

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