University of Dayton vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Dayton is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (10,506 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dayton vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton ($20,457 vs. $32,794).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 21.2% lower than at University of Dayton ($13,236 vs. $16,800).
• University of Dayton is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $13,592 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at University of Dayton than at Otterbein University (about $13,592 more per year; $49,140.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at University of Dayton (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dayton students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($33,418 vs. $27,923).

University of Dayton vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dayton 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 University of Dayton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dayton (1290) is 140 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming University of Dayton students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 1200/1380; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dayton 25/31; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dayton - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Dayton Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Dayton students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than University of Dayton (65.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.7% at University of Dayton vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

University of Dayton vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dayton 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).

• University of Dayton's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from University of Dayton earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dayton graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Dayton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.