WSU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WSU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wayne State University than Otterbein University ($14,416 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 7.1% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,236 vs. $14,252).
• Otterbein University is 134% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $20,358 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11% higher at Otterbein University than at Wayne State University (about $3,511 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 115.6% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($27,923 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming WSU 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: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

WSU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University 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, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 38%)

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.