IWU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Otterbein University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

IWU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($20,457 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 1% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($13,236 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 62.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $22,156 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.3% higher at IWU than at Otterbein University (about $22,156 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 51.1% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($42,181 vs. $27,923).

IWU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 80 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming IWU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

IWU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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 Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and IWU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and IWU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.