Ohio University vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio University Main Campus is located in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Ohio 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 University Main Campus 18:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Ohio University vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio University 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 Ohio University ($20,457 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 6.5% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($13,236 vs. $14,162).
• Otterbein University is 151.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $21,390 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Otterbein University than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $10,710 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Ohio University Main Campus (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 196.4% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($27,923 vs. $9,422).

Ohio University vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 40 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Ohio University vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio University 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 University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 51%)

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.