UC vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Cincinnati Main Campus in Cincinnati, OH with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (45,026 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Cincinnati Main Campus is located in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Cincinnati Main Campus 19:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

UC vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC 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 UC ($20,457 vs. $24,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 2.4% lower than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus ($13,236 vs. $13,564).
• Otterbein University is 154.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC (about $21,572 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $13,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Otterbein University than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (about $6,238 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $29,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 240.7% larger than aid received by University of Cincinnati Main Campus students ($27,923 vs. $8,196).

UC vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC 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 UC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (1270) is 120 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming UC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Cincinnati Main Campus 1160/1370; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Cincinnati Main Campus 24/29; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• UC has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at UC vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

UC vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC 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 University of Cincinnati Main Campus's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of about $800 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,600 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UC graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UC students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 57%)

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.