Northwestern College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Northwestern College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College 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 Northwestern College ($20,457 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 17.6% lower than at Otterbein University ($10,900 vs. $13,236).
• Northwestern College is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $1,162 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Northwestern College than at Otterbein University (about $1,162 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 18.6% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($27,923 vs. $23,537).

Northwestern College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College 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 Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Northwestern College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Otterbein University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Northwestern College (3.57).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Northwestern College (80.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Northwestern College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College 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).

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $1,908 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,092 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($259 vs. $279).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.