ISU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

ISU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($20,457 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 11.2% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,754 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 120.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $19,404 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at Otterbein University than at Illinois State University (about $7,338 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 115.2% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($27,923 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 50 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

ISU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.