ONU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio Northern University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (3,140 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ONU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ONU 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 ONU ($20,457 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 9.4% lower than at Ohio Northern University ($13,236 vs. $14,604).
• Ohio Northern University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $4,252 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at ONU than at Otterbein University (about $4,252 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Ohio Northern University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Ohio Northern University students ($27,923 vs. $27,696).

ONU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ONU 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 ONU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio Northern University (1290) is 140 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming ONU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio Northern University 1175/1400; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio Northern University 24/29; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ONU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than ONU (74.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at ONU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

ONU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ONU 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).

• Ohio Northern University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $26,400 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and ONU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and ONU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More ONU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.