USC vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern California 9:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

USC vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC 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 USC ($20,457 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 33.6% lower than at University of Southern California ($13,236 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 102.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $36,549 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.8% higher at USC than at Otterbein University (about $36,549 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at University of Southern California (100% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 68% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($46,897 vs. $27,923).

USC vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC 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 USC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 350 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming USC students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 1450/1550; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern California 32/35; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.3% at USC vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

USC vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC 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 Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $40,700 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern California graduates have a $4,625 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($22,375 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USC graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($231 vs. $279).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.