Butler vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Butler University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (5,746 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Butler vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler 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 Butler ($20,457 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 19.4% lower than at Butler University ($13,236 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 33.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $12,012 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.8% higher at Butler than at Otterbein University (about $12,012 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Butler University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 0.5% larger than aid received by Butler University students ($27,923 vs. $27,790).

Butler vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler 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 Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Butler students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Butler vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler 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).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $23,600 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and Butler graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and Butler graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.