Stephens College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Stephens College in Columbia, MO with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Stephens College is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Stephens College 8:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Stephens College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Stephens 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 Otterbein University than Stephens College ($20,457 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 1% lower than at Stephens College ($13,236 vs. $13,366).
• Otterbein University is 25.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $7,248 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.6% higher at Otterbein University than at Stephens College (about $7,248 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($27,923 vs. $23,341).

Stephens College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 50 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Otterbein University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 1130/1270; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Stephens College 16/23; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Stephens College - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Stephens College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Stephens College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Stephens 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 Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and Stephens College graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and Stephens 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 Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.