Otterbein University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Otterbein University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or Liberty 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 Liberty University ($20,457 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 4.3% lower than at Liberty University ($13,236 vs. $13,835).
• Otterbein University is 58.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $13,083 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.2% higher at Otterbein University than at Liberty University (about $13,083 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 123.6% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($27,923 vs. $12,489).

Otterbein University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is the same as at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Liberty 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: Otterbein University 1035/1260; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Otterbein University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and Liberty 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 36%)

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.