ASU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

ASU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or Otterbein University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than Otterbein University ($14,978 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 2.8% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,868 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 369% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $27,969 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41% higher at Otterbein University than at Appalachian State University (about $10,336 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Appalachian State University (100% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 248.4% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($27,923 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or Otterbein University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Otterbein University and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 50 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming ASU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

ASU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and Otterbein University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.