Chartered in 1804 by the Ohio General Assembly and opening in 1808, Ohio University is the oldest public university in the Northwest Territory. Situated on a historic 1,850-acre campus in Athens, Ohio, along the Hocking River, the university features brick walkways, Federal-style stone buildings, and canopy maple trees. You can explore its founding charter, historic green, and Appalachian regional development through the Ohio University Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend Ohio University, you enter a classic college town environment that balances liberal arts breadth with elite professional preparation in journalism, engineering, business, and health sciences. Living in Athens places you in a close-knit community focused on public leadership and creative discovery.
Premier Academic Programs
Ohio University hosts 11 academic colleges holding national reputations for excellence:
- Scripps College of Communication: Consistently ranked among America's premier communication schools, specializing in journalism, media arts, advertising, and photojournalism. Explore degree options on the Scripps College of Communication portal.
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: Ohio's only osteopathic medical school, training primary care physicians committed to statewide community practice.
- Russ College of Engineering and Technology: Delivers instruction in aviation, civil engineering, computer science, and energy research.
- College of Business: Top-ranked business school known for professional sales leadership, sports administration, and marketing.
- College of Fine Arts: Delivers comprehensive training in theatrical performance, film production, studio arts, and music.
"Religio Doctrina Civilitas, translated from Latin as Religion, Learning, Civility, serves as Ohio University's official motto."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on College Green, Galbreath Chapel, and Court Street. School spirit revolves around Rufus the Bobcat, the energetic official mascot representing Ohio Bobcats athletic teams competing in Mid-American Conference events. You can read about the mascot history and spirit traditions on the official Ohio Bobcats Athletics portal. Watching the Marching 110 band perform inside Peden Stadium during football games and joining over 500 student organizations creates a memorable student culture.
Research Infrastructure and Avionics Discovery
Ohio University operates a high-powered doctoral research enterprise with specialized facilities:
- Avionics Engineering Center: Nationally recognized research center specializing in electronic navigation systems, radar, and satellite communication.
- Edison Biotechnology Institute: Interdisciplinary research institute discovering novel growth hormone therapeutics and cancer treatments. Learn more via Ohio Research Operations.
- Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Technology: World's largest university facility dedicated to pipeline corrosion research.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, corporate leaders, and public servants, including:
- Roger Ailes: Television executive and media pioneer who earned his degree at Ohio University.
- Matt Lauer: Broadcast journalist and former television host who studied communications at Ohio.
- Piper Perabo: Golden Globe-nominated actress who studied theater at Ohio University.
- Mike Schmidt: Hall of Fame Major League Baseball third baseman and three-time MVP who played at Ohio.
Ohio University guarantees tuition, fees, and housing costs for four years through the OHIO Guarantee program. Review full admission standards and application steps on the official Ohio Admissions portal.