Howard vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Howard University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (14,890 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Howard University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Howard University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Howard University 13:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Howard vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Howard 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 Howard ($20,457 vs. $33,368).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 23.6% lower than at Howard University ($13,236 vs. $17,322).
• Howard University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $262 more per year; $35,810.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Howard than at Otterbein University (about $262 more per year; $35,810.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Howard University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Howard University students ($27,923 vs. $21,262).

Howard vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Howard 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 Howard.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Howard University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Howard 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: Howard University 1090/1320; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Howard University 22/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Howard - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Howard Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Howard students have the same average high school GPA (3.66) as students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Howard (41.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Howard vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Howard vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Howard 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).

• Howard University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Howard University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and Howard graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and Howard graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Howard students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 33%)

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.