Otterbein University vs. SVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than SVU based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 936 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Southern Virginia University is in Buena Vista, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Virginia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Southern Virginia University 14:1.

Otterbein University vs. SVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or SVU? 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 SVU ($20,457 vs. $24,561).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Virginia University are 25.2% lower than at Otterbein University ($9,894 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 67% more expensive for in-state tuition than SVU (about $14,268 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67% higher at Otterbein University than at Southern Virginia University (about $14,268 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $21,280.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University as at Southern Virginia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 178.1% larger than aid received by Southern Virginia University students ($27,923 vs. $10,041).

Otterbein University vs. SVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 50 points higher than at SVU (1100).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at SVU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 1035/1260; Southern Virginia University 943/1253.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Southern Virginia University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; SVU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SVU (3.19).
• SVU has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 21.4% at SVU.

Otterbein University vs. SVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and SVU? 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 Southern Virginia University's (25%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than SVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Virginia University graduates have a $3,346 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,654 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SVU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($244 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SVU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 53%)

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.