CMU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Michigan University 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

CMU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CMU 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 Central Michigan University than Otterbein University ($17,575 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Michigan University are 5.1% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,564 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 140.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $20,788 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 140.8% higher at Otterbein University than at Central Michigan University (about $20,788 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 114.1% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($27,923 vs. $13,042).

CMU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CMU 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 CMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 70 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 960/1200; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Michigan University 21/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CMU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at CMU (3.47).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at CMU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

CMU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CMU 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 Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $300 more per year than CMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and CMU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and CMU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 54%)

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.