Otterbein University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Otterbein University in Westerville, OH with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Otterbein University 12:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Otterbein University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Otterbein University or WLC? 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 WLC ($20,457 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 7.4% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,250 vs. $13,236).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $562 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at WLC than at Otterbein University (about $562 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($27,923 vs. $24,624).

Otterbein University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 50 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC 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; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Otterbein University 20/27; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Otterbein University - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WLC (3.54).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than WLC (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at Otterbein University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Otterbein University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WLC graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.