Otterbein University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

James Madison University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (22,740 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Otterbein University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or JMU? 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 James Madison University than Otterbein University ($18,856 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at James Madison University are 1.4% lower than at Otterbein University ($13,056 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 149.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JMU (about $21,298 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $14,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Otterbein University than at James Madison University (about $3,944 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $31,604.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at James Madison University (100% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 130.5% larger than aid received by James Madison University students ($27,923 vs. $12,114).

Otterbein University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming JMU 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: Otterbein University 1035/1260; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Otterbein University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and JMU? 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).

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, James Madison University graduates have a $6,101 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($20,899 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JMU graduates have an estimated $63 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($216 vs. $279).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.