Ohio University, established in 1804, was the first institution of higher education in the old Northwest Territory. The total enrollment on the Athens campus is approximately 20,000, while the regional campuses enroll more than 8,900 additional students. The present graduate enrollment is about 3,500, of whom 2,300 are full-time students. The full-time faculty numbers 1,056. There are more than 734 part-time faculty members and more than 1,500 graduate assistants, graduate staff assistants, graduate research assistants, and graduate teaching assistants.

On the graduate level, Ohio University offers master’s degrees in nearly all its major academic divisions and doctoral degrees in selected departments. The College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a four-year professional program leading to the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

The city of Athens is located about 75 miles southeast of Columbus. The University offers a wide range of cultural activities to the University community and all of southeastern Ohio. Lecturers, poets, singers, dancers, films, and theater or music groups appear frequently on campus. Many events are free, though some have nominal charges.

The University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the recognized professional accrediting associations identified with its major academic divisions. It holds membership in leading state and national educational and professional associations.