Valpo vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valparaiso University is located in Valparaiso, IN (Large Suburban setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Valparaiso University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valparaiso University 10:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Valpo vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valpo ($20,457 vs. $21,766).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 2.8% lower than at Valparaiso University ($13,236 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 36.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $12,902 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.3% higher at Valpo than at Otterbein University (about $12,902 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($37,548 vs. $27,923).

Valpo vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Valpo vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Otterbein University and Valpo graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Otterbein University and Valpo graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.