Kentucky vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Kentucky vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 Kentucky ($20,457 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 17.4% lower than at University of Kentucky ($13,236 vs. $16,016).
• Otterbein University is 163.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $22,046 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at Otterbein University than at University of Kentucky (about $1,408 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 116.5% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($27,923 vs. $12,898).

Kentucky vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 30 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Kentucky (3.59).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Kentucky vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($22,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($235 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky 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.