Denison vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Denison University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Denison vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison 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 Denison ($20,457 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 19.3% lower than at Denison University ($13,236 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 88.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $31,452 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.5% higher at Denison than at Otterbein University (about $31,452 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Denison University students is 36.7% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($38,179 vs. $27,923).

Denison vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Denison 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 Denison.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 260 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Denison students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Denison vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison 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).

• Denison University's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.