JCU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

John Carroll University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,864 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JCU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 JCU ($20,457 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 8.8% lower than at John Carroll University ($13,236 vs. $14,520).
• John Carroll University is 42.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $14,952 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.1% higher at JCU than at Otterbein University (about $14,952 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 28.2% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($35,785 vs. $27,923).

JCU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming JCU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman JCU 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 JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

JCU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Carroll University graduates have a $61 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,939 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JCU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More JCU 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.