BGSU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowling Green State University Main Campus in Bowling Green, OH with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowling Green State University Main Campus is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (17,594 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is located in Bowling Green, OH (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 17:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

BGSU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BGSU 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 Otterbein University than BGSU ($20,457 vs. $24,283).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 8.8% lower than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus ($13,236 vs. $14,508).
• Otterbein University is 145.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BGSU (about $21,088 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,460.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.4% higher at Otterbein University than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (about $13,100 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $22,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Bowling Green State University Main Campus (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 199.9% larger than aid received by Bowling Green State University Main Campus students ($27,923 vs. $9,310).

BGSU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BGSU 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 BGSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 40 points higher than at BGSU (1110).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at BGSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 1000/1210; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowling Green State University Main Campus 19/26; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BGSU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BGSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at BGSU (3.6).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than BGSU (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at BGSU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

BGSU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BGSU 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 Bowling Green State University Main Campus's (58%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than BGSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowling Green State University Main Campus graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BGSU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BGSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 53%)

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.