Otterbein University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Otterbein University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or PLU? 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 PLU ($20,457 vs. $22,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 1.7% lower than at Otterbein University ($13,008 vs. $13,236).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 47% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $16,706 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47% higher at PLU than at Otterbein University (about $16,706 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 45.3% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($40,573 vs. $27,923).

Otterbein University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is the same as at PLU (1150).
• Incoming PLU 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; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Otterbein University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pacific Lutheran University graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,800 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, PLU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.