Explore Ohio State University Hillel

Since 1925, OSU Hillel has been a proud part of Buckeye tradition, making it one of the oldest and most established Hillels in the world. We offer a wide range of student groups, fellowships, campus-wide events, and travel opportunities to Israel. Our 28,000-square-foot facility provides a welcoming, student-friendly environment, featuring a kosher café that accepts BuckID meal plans and the fully equipped Schiff Fitness Center. From tailored programs for first-year students in residence halls to pre-employment training for graduating seniors, OSU Hillel supports students throughout their college journey. We are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community where Jewish students can thrive. Through education, meaningful experiences, and empowerment, we aim to spark Jewish curiosity and inspire a lasting connection to Israel and the Jewish people.

Undergraduate Enrollment

2,777 Jewish Students (6.1%*)
45,638 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

350 Jewish Students (2.4%*)
14,628 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience Through Hillel

Since 1925, OSU Hillel has been a proud part of Buckeye tradition, making it one of the oldest and most established Hillels in the world. We offer a wide range of student groups, fellowships, campus-wide events, and travel opportunities to Israel. Our 28,000-square-foot facility provides a welcoming, student-friendly environment, featuring a kosher café that accepts BuckID meal plans and the fully equipped Schiff Fitness Center. From tailored programs for first-year students in residence halls to pre-employment training for graduating seniors, OSU Hillel supports students throughout their college journey. We are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community where Jewish students can thrive. Through education, meaningful experiences, and empowerment, we aim to spark Jewish curiosity and inspire a lasting connection to Israel and the Jewish people.

Campus Climate for Jewish Students

Kosher Dining

Hillel's professionally operated kosher restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily at subsidized prices from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Friday night Shabbat dinner is free. The Hillel kosher restaurant is a part of the Ohio State meal plan; any student who participates in the OSU meal plan can use their swipes to access delicious kosher food at Hillel.

Options: Hillel meal plan-no extra cost

Religious Services

We offer conservative and reform based student led services with support from the Senior Jewish Educator. Friday Shabbat dinner is free to all students. All high holiday services are professionally led and all festive meals are served, including seders and all meals during Passover.

Frequency: Friday night only

Wellness, Inclusion, and Activism

-BuckiPAC: bringing awareness to the OSU campus about the politics surrounding Israel in a bipartisan way. -Jews on Campus: reaches out to students in residence halls and primarily first-year students by introducing them to Jewish life - cultural, spiritual, educational, and social -Keshet: Jewish LGBTQ+ students and their allies. -MeshugaNotes: Ohio State's first and only co-ed Jewish acappella singing group.

Additional Campus Information

  • Jewish Studies Offered Yes
  • Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
  • Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program, University approved programs, Accepts credit for Israel study abroad
  • Private/Public Public
  • Acceptance Rate 61%
  • U.S. Region Midwest
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $12,545
  • Tuition Out-of-State $41,327
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 30% / 8%
  • Greek Life Yes

Related Scholarships

Check out some of the scholarships available for Ohio State University Jewish students.

Ohio State University

Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest

Essay topics can include any aspect of Jewish Studies (Bible, language, literature, history, culture of Israel, etc.) Open to any undergraduate or graduate student at Ohio State who has written a paper on a topic related to Jewish Studies. There are first and second cash prizes ($1,000 and $750, respectively).

Ohio State University

Ellen E. and Victor J. Cohn Education Abroad Scholarship Fund

Financial support is available for study at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Preference given to students attending Hebrew U for the entire academic year. Award is contingent on acceptance to Hebrew U and Ohio State approval of student travel to Israel. Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at Ohio State.Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 deadline 2/24/2020

Ohio State University

Leah Metchnick Godofsky and Martin R. Godofsky Scholarship

Upon consultation with the faculty, the Student Awards Committee of the Melton Center for Jewish Studies at The Ohio State University will award $500 annually to one deserving undergraduate student enrolled in courses of Jewish study at the university level. This award is nominated by faculty and does not require an application.

The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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Contact Information

PO Box 842746 E. 16th Avenue
Columbus OH 43201 US
Get Directions

614-294-4797
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