Otterbein University vs. Penn State Altoona

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with Penn State Altoona in Altoona, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Penn State Altoona is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,371 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Altoona is in Altoona, PA (Small City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Altoona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Penn State Altoona 13:1.

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Altoona Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Penn State Altoona ($20,457 vs. $21,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 8.6% lower than at Penn State Altoona ($13,236 vs. $14,474).
• Otterbein University is 122.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Altoona (about $19,576 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at Otterbein University than at Penn State Altoona (about $8,590 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Penn State Altoona (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 151.8% larger than aid received by Penn State Altoona students ($27,923 vs. $11,088).

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Altoona Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Otterbein University or Penn State Altoona? 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 Penn State Altoona and Otterbein University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Altoona (1180) is 30 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Penn State Altoona 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; Penn State Altoona 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Penn State Altoona 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; Penn State Altoona - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Penn State Altoona (3.4).
• Penn State Altoona has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 10.3% at Penn State Altoona.

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Altoona Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and Penn State Altoona? 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).

• Penn State Altoona's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Penn State Altoona earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Altoona graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Altoona students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.