Elon vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Elon vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($20,457 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 11.7% lower than at Elon University ($13,236 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 32.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $11,410 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.1% higher at Elon than at Otterbein University (about $11,410 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 56.3% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($27,923 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Elon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Elon vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.