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Head-to-head · 24 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 54% chose OSU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 24 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

24
cross-admits
3
cycles
+36pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 24 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Ohio State University logo Chose OSU
54%
Chose GW George Washington University logo
46%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$29,984
90.0% get a grant
$5,666 net tuition
$28,000
77.0% get a grant
$47,420 net tuition

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$123,225
n = 12
$105,000
n = 11
View all-time (60 cross-admits)
45% chose OSU 55% chose GW

Trend · OSU's share

2008–2024

Lowest cycle

20%

Highest cycle

60%
3 cycles
100 50 0 08 23 24 2008: 20% 2023: 60% 2024: 56%
OSU #30 · GW #34 LSD n≈6/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
USN Rank
#30
#26
LSD Rank
#30 (0.017)
#34 (0.013)
LSAT 25th
163
162
LSAT Median
168
168
LSAT 75th
169
170
GPA Median
3.91
3.86
Acceptance Rate
24.6%
27.2%
Class Size
159
612
Yield Rate
28.0%
22.5%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
Tuition (In-State)
$35,650
$75,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$50,902
$75,420
Median Grant
$29,984
$28,000
% Receiving Grants
90.0%
77.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
George Washington University logo
GW
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.
BigLaw (501+)
18.5%
24.1%
Federal Clerkships
1.3%
2.6%
State & Local Clerkships
3.2%
7.2%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
93.0%
96.8%
Bar Pass Rate
92.0%
90.2%

Overview

About OSU vs GW

Across 24 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 54% enrolled at Ohio State University and 46% at George Washington University. The split has shifted +36 points across the tracked cycles.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Ohio State University and George Washington University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 24 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 24 applicants admitted to both schools, 54% chose to attend Ohio State University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

Both schools are closely ranked in U.S. News: #26 and #30, separated by just 4 positions, making cross-admit data especially useful for deciding between them.

Ohio State University is located in Columbus , Ohio, while George Washington University is in Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C.. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

On cost, Ohio State University has lower tuition at $35,650 per year compared to $75,420. Combined with employment rates of 93.0% (OSU) and 96.8% (GW), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing Ohio State University reported a higher median scholarship — $123,225 versus $105,000 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.