Otterbein University vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

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

Otterbein University is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

Otterbein University vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or VMI? 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 Virginia Military Institute than Otterbein University ($18,825 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 14.6% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,310 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 68.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $14,502 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.1% higher at VMI than at Otterbein University (about $17,090 more per year; $52,638.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Virginia Military Institute (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 17.2% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($27,923 vs. $23,821).

Otterbein University vs. VMI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Military Institute (1160) is 10 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming VMI students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 1035/1260; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Virginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at VMI (3.65).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than VMI (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 31.7% at VMI.

Otterbein University vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Otterbein University and VMI? 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).

• Virginia Military Institute's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Virginia Military Institute earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Military Institute graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VMI graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.