Otterbein University
About Otterbein University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. It offers programs in nursing, biology, education, and theater, with a collaborative campus and strong connections to Ohio's capital city.
Founded
1847
Location
Westerville, Ohio
Students
2,278
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
84.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
67.9%
Near national average
Tuition
$35,548
Per year
Avg Net Price
$19,237
After financial aid
SAT Average
1220
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,313
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Dec 15
Regular
Rolling
Otterbein University accepts the majority of applicants at 84.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1220/ 1600
Average: 1220 out of 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.9%
4-Year Grad
61%
6-Year Grad
69%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
45.1%
$/Student
$11.9K
Class Size
Medium
61% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$35,548
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$13,236
Books & Supplies
$1,554
Total Cost of Attendance
$48,321
After Financial Aid
$19,237
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,458
Receive Grants
30.6%
Take Loans
53.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $48,321/yr, including $13,236 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $19,237.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Otterbein University fund their education.
While in School
30.6%
Get Grants
Free money
53.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$75,003
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $53K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Otterbein University.
Gender
60.3%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,157
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
121
Graduates
26.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 26.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,157
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Otterbein University fields 11 varsity teams with 660 student athletes, about 31% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Ohio
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
660
31% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
415
Men
245
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Otterbein Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,313
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
47 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$24K
38 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$32K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $53K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Otterbein University
What is the acceptance rate at Otterbein University?▾
How much does Otterbein University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Otterbein University?▾
How much do Otterbein University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.