DePaul vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

DePaul University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (21,210 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DePaul University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• DePaul University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DePaul University 17:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

DePaul vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DePaul 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 DePaul ($20,457 vs. $34,135).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 30.7% lower than at DePaul University ($13,236 vs. $19,095).
• DePaul University is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $10,451 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.4% higher at DePaul than at Otterbein University (about $10,451 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at DePaul University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DePaul University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($29,285 vs. $27,923).

DePaul vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DePaul 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 DePaul.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DePaul University (1240) is 90 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming DePaul 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: DePaul University 1140/1330; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePaul University 25/31; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DePaul - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DePaul Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DePaul students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than DePaul (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at DePaul vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

DePaul vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DePaul 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).

• DePaul University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from DePaul University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DePaul University graduates have a $3,668 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,332 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DePaul graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($241 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DePaul students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

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.