School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (3,394 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 Otterbein University than School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($20,457 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 20% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($13,236 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 58.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $20,872 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.7% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Otterbein University (about $20,872 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 39.3% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($27,923 vs. $20,050).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150) is the same as at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming School of the Art Institute of Chicago students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Otterbein University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than School of the Art Institute of Chicago (77.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have a $1,287 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,713 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

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.