Otterbein University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Otterbein University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or VCU? 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 VCU ($20,457 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 27.5% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($13,236 vs. $18,254).
• Otterbein University is 109.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $18,603 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at VCU than at Otterbein University (about $4,561 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 96.8% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($27,923 vs. $14,186).

Otterbein University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 10 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming VCU 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; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Otterbein University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and VCU? 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 Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 56%)

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.