Calvin University vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Calvin University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (3,681 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Calvin University is located in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Calvin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Calvin University 13:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Calvin University vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Calvin University 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 Calvin University ($20,457 vs. $25,231).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Calvin University are 8.4% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,120 vs. $13,236).
• Calvin University is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $3,802 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at Calvin University than at Otterbein University (about $3,802 more per year; $39,350.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Calvin University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Calvin University students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($29,123 vs. $27,923).

Calvin University vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Calvin University 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 Calvin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Calvin University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Calvin University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 1083/1330; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Calvin University 24/30; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Calvin University - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Calvin University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Calvin University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.4% at Calvin University vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Calvin University vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Calvin University 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).

• Calvin University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Calvin University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Calvin University graduates have a $551 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,449 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Calvin University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Calvin University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.