WMU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WMU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU 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 Western Michigan University than Otterbein University ($17,331 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 8% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,174 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 133.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $20,296 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.8% higher at Otterbein University than at Western Michigan University (about $16,514 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 152.7% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($27,923 vs. $11,048).

WMU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WMU 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 WMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 40 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Otterbein University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Otterbein University (84.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

WMU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU 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 Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Michigan University graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WMU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($275 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 54%)

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.