BSU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

BSU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU 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 Ball State University than Otterbein University ($13,599 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 6.8% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,334 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 220.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $24,466 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20% higher at Otterbein University than at Ball State University (about $5,918 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 111.2% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($27,923 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU 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 BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

BSU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU 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).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.