Otterbein University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Shenandoah University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Otterbein University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or SU? 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 SU ($20,457 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 5.6% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,490 vs. $13,236).
• Shenandoah University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $1,402 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at SU than at Otterbein University (about $1,402 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($27,923 vs. $24,747).

Otterbein University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 30 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 1035/1260; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Otterbein University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 60%)

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.