College Search
Otterbein University

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Suburb · 2,157 students
Website Common App Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$19,237
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
68%
Graduation rate
52% typical
$53,313
Earnings 10 years on
$51,562 typical
85%
Acceptance rate
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Otterbein University is a private liberal arts institution located in the historic suburb of Westerville, Ohio, renowned nationally for its elite Theatre and Dance program as well as standout offerings in Equine Science, Zoo and Conservation Science, and Nursing. Founded in 1847 as one of the nation's first higher education institutions to welcome women and students of color without restriction, the university pairs an enduring commitment to inclusivity with a robust focus on hands-on, experiential learning. Students enjoy a close-knit, supportive campus culture centered on collaborative research and Division III athletics, all while benefiting from the abundant internship, clinical, and networking opportunities in nearby downtown Columbus.

Wikipedia:Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, Ohio, United States. The university was founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and named for United Brethren founder, Philip William Otterbein. It has been associated since 1968 with the United Methodist Church.

Location
Westerville, OH, 43081 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
CMH · Columbus
9 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$35,548
Housing & food (on campus)$13,236
Books & supplies$1,554
Cost of attendance$48,321
Average net price$19,237
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$35,548
Housing & food (on campus)$13,236
Books & supplies$1,554
Cost of attendance$48,321
Average net price$19,237
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$12,458
$30–48k
$12,659
$48–75k
$16,478
$75–110k
$23,061
$110k+
$24,620
Grants from the school
100% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $23,548
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
68%
Within 4 yrs
57%
Back for yr 2
80%
Transferred
21%
Pell students: 61.5% · others: 70.8% 
8 yrs after starting
69% graduated · 23% transferred · 8% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$44,539
10 yrs after entry$53,313
Debt
Median at graduation$26,000
Monthly payment$276
Middle 50% owe$8.8k–$27k
90th percentile$34,588
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs, $51,562 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
85%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1220
ACT midpoint
23
Comp 22–28 · E 21–28 · M 21–27
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 85.8% · women 83.8% 
Yield: 17.7% of admitted students enroll 

Wondering if Otterbein University is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Otterbein University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 40%Women 60%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
31%
First-gen
26%
Family income
$75,003
Independent
8%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
4%
Where first-years come from
In state (OH)
85.7%
Out of state
14.0%
International
0.3%

Most out-of-state first-years from: IN 11 · MI 11 · PA 8 · TX 7 · CA 6

Race & ethnicity
White
69%
Hispanic
5%
Black
13%
Asian
4%
Two or more
6%
Non-resident
1%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
3%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$44,539
After 10 yrs
$53,313
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing47
Psychology, General39
Biology, General38
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness31
Business Administration, Management and Operations31
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods29
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General27
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management23
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology23
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication22
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft22
Communication and Media Studies21
Criminology15
Finance and Financial Management Services14
Computer and Information Sciences, General12
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs11
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$128M
Full-time faculty
45%
Faculty salary
$8,630/mo
Teaching spend
$11,946
per student
Federal loans
53%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Otterbein University is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search