The Ohio State University

Overview

Ohio State University, founded in 1870 as an agricultural and mechanical college, initially offered a diverse curriculum that included English, ancient, and foreign languages. This commitment to a broad liberal arts education continues to this day.

Starting with just 24 students in 1873, the university has grown into one of the largest higher education institutions in the United States. Its main campus spans 1,900 acres and hosts over 50,000 students across 15 colleges. Four of its campus buildings—Hale Hall (formerly Enarson Hall), Hayes Hall, Ohio Stadium, and Orton Hall—are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ohio State is well-known for its academic medical centre and its cancer hospital and research institute. The campus also features more than 10 museums and galleries, a 60-acre arboretum, and a four-acre park dedicated to cancer survivors, complete with sculptures, a walkway, and plaques. In the 2013-14 academic year, the university’s research expenditure surpassed $982 million.

Ohio State boasts more than 500,000 living alumni, including renowned figures such as pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, businessman Les Wexner, actor Patricia Heaton, and author R. L. Stine. The university supports a vibrant campus life with over 1,000 student organisations, recreational and intercollegiate sports, student media outlets, fraternities and sororities, and three student government bodies.