See where Ohio State ranks in Big Ten for academics, according to U.S. News & World Report

Academic rankings serve as a vital measure of a university’s reputation, research excellence, faculty quality, student success, and overall institutional strength. Among the numerous rankings available, U.S. News & World Report’s annual college and university rankings are among the most influential, guiding prospective students, parents, faculty, and policymakers in evaluating higher education institutions. Within the Big Ten Conference—a prominent group of research-intensive universities—Ohio State University (OSU) consistently ranks as a leading academic institution. This analysis provides a detailed exploration of Ohio State’s position in the Big Ten for academics, emphasizing its U.S. News & World Report rankings, regional and national standing, comparison with peer institutions, and implications for the university community.

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### The Big Ten Conference: An Overview of Member Institutions

The Big Ten Conference, established in 1896, is one of the oldest and most prestigious collegiate athletic conferences in the United States. Beyond athletics, the conference comprises some of the nation’s top research universities, recognized for their academic excellence, research output, faculty achievements, and student success.

As of 2023, the Big Ten includes 14 members:

– University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
– Indiana University Bloomington
– University of Iowa
– University of Michigan
– Michigan State University
– University of Minnesota Twin Cities
– University of Nebraska-Lincoln
– Northwestern University
– Ohio State University
– Penn State University
– Purdue University
– Rutgers University
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
– University of Maryland, College Park

Among these, several are consistently ranked among the top national universities, with Ohio State often competing closely with peers like Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin for rankings and reputation.

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### Ohio State’s Position in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings

**1. National University Rankings**

In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best National Universities” list, Ohio State is generally ranked within the top 50 to 60 institutions nationally, reflecting its status as a major research university with extensive programs, research activity, and a large student body.

Specifically, Ohio State’s ranking is approximately **#52 nationally**, according to the latest published data. This ranking positions OSU as the highest-ranked public university in Ohio and among the top-tier research institutions in the country.

**2. Big Ten Conference Ranking**

Within the Big Ten, Ohio State typically ranks **second or third** behind the University of Michigan and sometimes the University of Illinois, depending on the specific year and ranking methodology.

– **University of Michigan** often holds the top spot within the conference, ranked around **#28** nationally.
– **Illinois** has historically ranked around **#42-#45**, making Ohio State’s position just behind or alongside Illinois.
– **Wisconsin** and **Penn State** tend to be within the **#50-#70** range.

Thus, Ohio State’s position as approximately **#52** places it firmly among the top 3 in the conference.

**3. Regional and State Rankings**

In Ohio, Ohio State is widely regarded as the premier research university, holding the top spot in the state for academic reputation, research funding, and faculty excellence. Its regional reputation extends across the Midwest and nationally, attracting top students and faculty from across the country and abroad.

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### Factors Contributing to Ohio State’s Rankings

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on a composite of several key indicators:

– **Academic Reputation (15%)**: Based on surveys of higher education experts and peer institutions.
– **Graduation and Retention Rates (20%)**: Reflecting student success and institutional support.
– **Faculty Resources (20%)**: Including faculty salaries, class size, and faculty doctorate degrees.
– **Assessment of Research Activity (22.5%)**: Including research expenditures and PhDs awarded.
– **Student Selectivity (12.5%)**: Based on standardized test scores, high school class rank, and application selectivity.
– **Alumni Giving (10%)**: Indicating alumni engagement and satisfaction.

Ohio State’s strengths lie in its research activity, faculty resources, and large student body, which both boosts its visibility and presents unique challenges in rankings that emphasize selectivity.

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### Academic Strengths and Unique Attributes of Ohio State

**1. Research and Innovation**

Ohio State ranks among the top 20 public research universities nationally in research expenditures, sponsored research funding, and patent filings. Its research spans medicine, engineering, agriculture, social sciences, and more.

**2. Academic Programs**

The university offers over 200 undergraduate majors and 250 graduate programs, including nationally ranked programs in business, engineering, medicine, law, and education.

**3. Faculty Excellence**

Ohio State boasts a distinguished faculty, including numerous members elected to national academies, award-winning professors, and prolific researchers.

**4. Student Success and Diversity**

The university has a diverse student population, with strong retention and graduation rates—around 85% for first-year retention and 78% graduation rate within six years.

**5. Campus Facilities and Resources**

Ohio State’s Columbus campus features state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, and student amenities, supporting its academic mission.

Ohio State’s ranking places it as a leading public university within the Big Ten, often competing with Illinois and Wisconsin for the top public school spot in the conference.

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### Implications for Students, Faculty, and the Broader Community

**1. Student Recruitment and Diversity**

A strong national ranking enhances Ohio State’s ability to attract top students from across the country and internationally. It bolsters its reputation as a leading research university, which benefits students seeking rigorous academics and research opportunities.

**2. Faculty Recruitment and Retention**

High rankings and research funding attract distinguished faculty, research grants, and collaborations, further elevating Ohio State’s academic profile.

**3. Research Funding and Industry Partnerships**

A top-tier ranking correlates with increased research grants, patents, startups, and industry partnerships, fostering innovation and economic development.

**4. Alumni and Community Engagement**

A prominent academic reputation enhances alumni pride, increases giving, and fosters community support for university initiatives.

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### Challenges and Opportunities

While Ohio State ranks highly, it faces ongoing challenges common to large public research universities:

– **Maintaining Selectivity:** Balancing access and diversity with maintaining high academic standards.
– **Enhancing Undergraduate Experience:** Improving student engagement, retention, and graduation rates.
– **Funding and Resources:** Securing sustained funding for research and infrastructure amidst state and federal budget constraints.
– **Equity and Inclusion:** Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the campus community.

Opportunities include expanding online education, increasing interdisciplinary research, and fostering global partnerships to elevate rankings further.

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### Future Trends in University Rankings and Ohio State’s Position

As higher education evolves, rankings like those from U.S. News & World Report will increasingly consider factors such as graduation equity, social mobility, and student debt. Ohio State’s ongoing investments in student success, research, and community outreach position it well to adapt and improve its ranking.

Additionally, emerging metrics such as employer reputation, innovation, and sustainability are becoming more influential and may benefit Ohio State as it invests in these areas.

In the landscape of Big Ten universities, Ohio State University stands as a premier institution for academics, research, and student achievement. Its current U.S. News & World Report ranking of approximately #52 nationally reflects its strengths in research, faculty excellence, and comprehensive academic offerings. While it trails some private universities and elite institutions, Ohio State’s consistent top-tier performance among public universities underscores its status as a leading academic powerhouse in the Midwest and nationally.

This ranking not only affirms Ohio State’s reputation but also provides a platform for strategic growth—enhancing academic quality, increasing diversity, and fostering innovation. As the university continues to evolve, maintaining and improving its standing within the Big Ten and nationally will require sustained commitment, investment, and a focus on holistic student success.