Ohio State vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio State University Main Campus in Columbus, OH with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio State University Main Campus is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (61,443 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio State University Main Campus is located in Columbus, OH (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Ohio State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio State University Main Campus 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Ohio State vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio State 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 Ohio State University Main Campus than Otterbein University ($19,783 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 10.2% lower than at Ohio State University Main Campus ($13,236 vs. $14,738).
• Otterbein University is 168.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio State (about $22,304 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $13,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at Ohio State than at Otterbein University (about $4,474 more per year; $40,022.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Ohio State University Main Campus (100% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 112.3% larger than aid received by Ohio State University Main Campus students ($27,923 vs. $13,151).

Ohio State vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ohio State 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 Ohio State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio State University Main Campus (1400) is 250 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Ohio State students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio State University Main Campus 1310/1480; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio State University Main Campus 28/32; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio State - Required; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio State Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio State students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Ohio State (60.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.8% at Ohio State vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Ohio State vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio State 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 State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio State University Main Campus graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio State graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio State students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.