Salem College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Salem College is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Salem College 9:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Salem College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Salem 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 Salem College than Otterbein University ($18,668 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 3.5% lower than at Salem College ($13,236 vs. $13,710).
• Otterbein University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $1,700 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Otterbein University than at Salem College (about $1,700 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Salem College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 7.4% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($30,001 vs. $27,923).

Salem College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Salem 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 Salem College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is the same as at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 1066/1243; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Salem College 16/22; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Salem College - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.9% at Salem College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Salem College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Salem 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).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and Salem College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and Salem College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College 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.