Cleveland State vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Cleveland State vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State University than Otterbein University ($16,230 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 12.4% lower than at Cleveland State University ($13,236 vs. $15,104).
• Otterbein University is 173.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $22,560 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92% higher at Otterbein University than at Cleveland State University (about $17,038 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Cleveland State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 185.1% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($27,923 vs. $9,795).

Cleveland State vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 140 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Cleveland State vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 47%)

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.