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Westerville , OH
Otterbein University is a private liberal arts institution located in Westerville, Ohio. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest university in the city and has a rich history of academic excellence and community engagement. With a student population of around 2,600, Otterbein provides a close-knit and supportive environment where students can pursue their academic and personal goals.
At Otterbein, students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, as well as several graduate programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. In addition to a strong emphasis on intellectual growth, Otterbein also emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills through internships, research projects, and community service.
Apart from academics, Otterbein places a strong focus on its core values, which include integrity, diversity, social responsibility, and sustainability. The university encourages students to become well-rounded individuals by participating in extracurricular activities, such as sports, student organizations, and cultural events. Otterbein also has a vibrant arts program, offering opportunities for students to engage in theater, music, art, and dance. With its beautiful campus, committed faculty, and diverse community, Otterbein University provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for a successful career and a fulfilling life.
Otterbein University is a private university located in Westerville, OH. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 84%. The freshman retention rate at Otterbein University is 79.8% and the six-year graduation rate is 68%.
Learn more about what Otterbein University has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.
Quick Facts
2,211
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$36,074
Tuition
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
68%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. Check out some essential facts about admission at Otterbein University.
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 3,315 in 2025. Otterbein University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 23% and ACT scores 41%. 6% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 24% between 1,200 and 1,399, 33% between 1,000 and 1,199, 31% of the students between 800 and 999, and 6% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 12, 32 between 24-29, 38 in the range between 18-23, and 18 between 12-17.
The average ACT score for all the accepted students in 2025 was 23 and the average GPA was 3.63. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Otterbein University; the same goes for your ACT score.
The SAT Critical Reading average score was 546 for the admitted students, while the average SAT Math score was 535.
Retention Rate
What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Otterbein University was 79.8% in 2025, a clear indication of the excellence and value of the educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this institution stands at 68%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can get a better insight into a school's culture and life by learning more about its student body.
Main Student Body
The overall number of students enrolled at Otterbein University in 2025 was 2,332.
That year, the school had 10% of students coming from another state. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 2,211, 11 of which were international students. The school admitted a total of 98 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 853 male and 1,323 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Otterbein University.
This school had 76 Asian students and 270 Afro-American students in 2025. 117 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 125 as multirace. The school also had 12 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 2 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 59 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before you submit an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Otterbein University? Here is what you need to know.
In 2025, tuition amounted to $36,074 for all full-time domestic students. Since this is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2025 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $524.
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university. The estimated expense of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,594.
Boarding
Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Otterbein University was $13,662 in 2025. If you only wanted a room on the campus, it cost $6,840 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $6,872.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 36,074 |
| Room and Board | $ 13,662 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,594 |
| Total Expense | $ 51,330 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at Otterbein University.
The most recent figures show that financial help was given to 303 freshmen. The average financial aid package awarded to students added up to $29,973.
Need-based
Financial aid that a student can receive if they are determined to have financial need and meet other eligibility requirements is known as need-based aid.
There were 1,134 students who attained need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Otterbein University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 1,134. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $1,243,689, and state $982,688. The students of Otterbein University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $8,768,997, and external in the amount of $185,976.
$17,668
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
225 students, including freshmen, got institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 78 full-time freshman. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $1,243,689 while the state aid is $3,772. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $3,465,030. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $180,498 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
12:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
In 2025, this ratio at Otterbein University was 12:1. That means that there were 12 times more students than teachers at this school. The total number of faculty teaching at the institution is 283. Out of that number, there were 114 men and 169 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Otterbein University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about students' life at Otterbein University.
It has a campus size of 142 acres.
Student Organizations
A student organization is run by students at a university or a college institution, whose membership typically consists only of current students and/or alumni.
There are 69 student organizations and groups with open membership at this school. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. 18 percent of male and 13 of female students take part in in different organizations at Otterbein University. The student organization that gathers the largest number of students is Otterbein Student Education Association, followed by 11th Hour Theatre Company and Black Student Union. Other popular student organizations at this school are Otterbein Student Nursing Association and OtterPAWS.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Otterbein University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. Interested in media and communication? Otterbein University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Otterbein University has a number of services important for a pleasant and secure life on campus.
24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
In addition, other services like Women's Center are available to the students of Otterbein University.
All in all, campus life at Otterbein University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Otterbein University.
Career Counselling
At Otterbein University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Having an understanding of the anticipated earnings after completing your education can be important in evaluating if a certain institution is compatible with your professional goals.
Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 51,849 USD.
$51,849
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH.
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Otterbein University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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According to the latest information, the tuition for Otterbein University is 36,074 USD a year.
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This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Otterbein University is 84%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Otterbein University is 79.8%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.