Berea College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Berea College in Berea, KY with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Berea College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Berea College is located in Berea, KY (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Berea College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Berea College 9:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Berea College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Berea College 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 Berea College than Otterbein University ($5,888 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Berea College are 38% lower than at Otterbein University ($8,208 vs. $13,236).
• Berea College is 45.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $16,110 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.3% higher at Berea College than at Otterbein University (about $16,110 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Berea College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Berea College students is 96.4% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($54,830 vs. $27,923).

Berea College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Berea College 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 Berea College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Berea College (1250) is 100 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Berea College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Berea College 1156/1335; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Berea College 23/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Berea College - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Berea College Mar 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Berea College (3.62).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Berea College (19.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Berea College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Berea College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Berea College 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).

• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Berea College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $36,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Berea College graduates have a $21,200 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($5,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Berea College graduates have an estimated $220 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($59 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Berea College students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

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.