Head-to-head · 17 cross-admits
When applicants got into both, 94% chose OSU. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 17 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.
Cross-admit decision
Median scholarship (chose OSU)
Median scholarship (chose Pittsburgh)
View all-time (36 cross-admits)
Admissions
Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield 2025 ABA 509Financial
Sticker price, scholarships, and debt burden 2025 ABA 509Employment & outcomes
Post-graduation placement and bar passage 2024 ABA EmploymentCross-admit by cycle
How preferences shifted over recent cyclesOverview
About OSU vs Pittsburgh
Across 17 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 94% enrolled at Ohio State University and 6% at University of Pittsburgh.
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.
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Detailed comparison narrative
This page compares Ohio State University and University of Pittsburgh across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.
In the U.S. News rankings, Ohio State University is ranked #30 compared to #77 — a gap of 47 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 160, a gap of 8 points. This suggests applicants to Ohio State University face a more competitive admissions pool.
Ohio State University is located in Columbus , Ohio, while University of Pittsburgh is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.