Otterbein University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carson Newman University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Otterbein University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University ($20,457 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 10.8% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,800 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $848 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Otterbein University than at Carson Newman University (about $848 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 0.6% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($28,090 vs. $27,923).

Otterbein University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Otterbein University or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and Otterbein University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 1035/1260; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Otterbein University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and Carson-Newman 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).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $3,120 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 65%)

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.