Otterbein University vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

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

Penn State Harrisburg is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (4,478 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg ($20,457 vs. $23,788).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 8.6% lower than at Penn State Harrisburg ($13,236 vs. $14,474).
• Otterbein University is 122.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 202% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($27,923 vs. $9,245).

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Harrisburg (1220) is 70 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Penn State Harrisburg 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; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Penn State Harrisburg (3.48).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

Otterbein University vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and Penn State Harrisburg? 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 Harrisburg's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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.