GWU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GWU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 Gardner Webb University than Otterbein University ($20,016 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 13.8% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,410 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than GWU (about $788 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Otterbein University than at Gardner Webb University (about $788 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,760.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 3.1% larger than aid received by Gardner Webb University students ($27,923 vs. $27,088).

GWU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 60 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

GWU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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 Gardner Webb University's (55%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 52%)

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.