Otterbein University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Otterbein University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University than Otterbein University ($16,286 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 20.3% lower than at Otterbein University ($10,554 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 239.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $25,076 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.8% higher at Otterbein University than at East Tennessee State University (about $21,026 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at East Tennessee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 176.4% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($27,923 vs. $10,101).

Otterbein University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Otterbein University or ETSU? 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 ETSU and Otterbein University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 60 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at ETSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 1035/1260; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; ETSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Otterbein University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU 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 ETSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 50%)

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.