TU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Towson University in Towson, MD with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Towson University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Towson University 14:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

TU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than Otterbein University ($16,653 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 18.6% lower than at Towson University ($13,236 vs. $16,260).
• Otterbein University is 203.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than TU (about $23,820 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $11,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at Otterbein University than at Towson University (about $5,728 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $29,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Towson University (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 136.2% larger than aid received by Towson University students ($27,923 vs. $11,820).

TU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 60 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Incoming TU 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: Towson University 950/1235; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than TU (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

TU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($17,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($183 vs. $279).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.