UM-Dearborn vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Michigan Dearborn is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (8,104 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Michigan Dearborn is located in Dearborn, MI (Small City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Michigan Dearborn is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Michigan Dearborn 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

UM-Dearborn vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UM-Dearborn 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 University of Michigan Dearborn than Otterbein University ($11,521 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Michigan Dearborn are 15.1% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,241 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 127.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UM-Dearborn (about $19,908 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $15,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Otterbein University than at University of Michigan Dearborn (about $2,652 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $32,896.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at University of Michigan Dearborn (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 130.3% larger than aid received by University of Michigan Dearborn students ($27,923 vs. $12,124).

UM-Dearborn vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UM-Dearborn 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 UM-Dearborn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 30 points higher than at UM-Dearborn (1120).
• Incoming UM-Dearborn 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 Michigan Dearborn 990/1255; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Michigan Dearborn 24/28; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UM-Dearborn - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UM-Dearborn Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UM-Dearborn students have the same average high school GPA (3.66) as students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than UM-Dearborn (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at UM-Dearborn vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

UM-Dearborn vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UM-Dearborn 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 Michigan Dearborn's (49%).
• Graduates from University of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Michigan Dearborn graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UM-Dearborn graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UM-Dearborn students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 46%)

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.