Principia College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Principia College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Otterbein University? 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 Principia College than Otterbein University ($18,248 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 4.8% lower than at Principia College ($13,236 vs. $13,910).
• Otterbein University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $868 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Otterbein University than at Principia College (about $868 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($30,402 vs. $27,923).

Principia College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is the same as at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Otterbein University? 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).

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.