Hate ads? Verify for LSD+ → Learn More

Follow @lawschooldata on TikTok & Instagram

Head-to-head · 28 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 68% chose OSU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 28 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.

28
cross-admits
5
cycles
-46pt
YoY shift

Cross-admit decision

Of 28 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
Indiana University - Bloomington logo Chose IU
32%
Chose OSU Ohio State University logo
68%

Median scholarship (chose IU)

$174,000 / yr

Median scholarship (chose OSU)

$75,000 / yr
View all-time (71 cross-admits)
44% chose IU 56% chose OSU

Trend · IU's share

2009–2025

Lowest cycle

11%

Highest cycle

60%
5 cycles
100 50 0 09 18 22 24 25 2009: 57% 2018: 60% 2022: 29% 2024: 20% 2025: 11%
IU #38 · OSU #32 LSD n≈6/yr

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Indiana University - Bloomington logo
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
USN Rank
#49
#30
LSD Rank
#38 (0.011)
#32 (0.015)
LSAT 25th
158
163
LSAT Median
164
168
LSAT 75th
166
169
GPA Median
3.91
3.91
Acceptance Rate
35.8%
24.6%
Class Size
186
159
Yield Rate
28.4%
28.0%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Indiana University - Bloomington logo
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
Tuition (In-State)
$36,950
$35,650
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,000
$50,902
Median Grant
$33,000
$29,984
% Receiving Grants
100.0%
90.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
Indiana University - Bloomington logo
IU
Bloomington, Indiana
Ohio State University logo
OSU
Columbus , Ohio
BigLaw (501+)
16.5%
18.5%
Judicial Clerkships
11.6%
4.5%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
91.5%
93.0%
Bar Pass Rate
87.4%
92.0%

Overview

About IU vs OSU

Across 28 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 32% enrolled at Indiana University - Bloomington and 68% at Ohio State University. The split has shifted -46 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.

Deciding between IU and OSU? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
Join waitlist →

Compare another pair

vs
Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares Indiana University - Bloomington and Ohio State University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes — plus cross-admit decision data from 28 applicants admitted to both.

Based on 28 applicants admitted to both schools, 68% chose to attend Ohio State University. This cross-admit data reflects real enrollment decisions from verified law school applicants on LSD.Law.

In the U.S. News rankings, Ohio State University is ranked #30 compared to #49 — a gap of 19 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Ohio State University has a median LSAT of 168 compared to 164, a gap of 4 points. This suggests applicants to Ohio State University face a more competitive admissions pool.

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

Among cross-admitted applicants, Indiana University - Bloomington offered a median scholarship of $174,000 compared to $75,000, a difference of $99,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.