About Otterbein University

Founded in 1847, Otterbein University. is a Private college. Located in Ohio, which is a city setting in Ohio, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 2,475 full time undergraduate students, and 453 full time graduate students.

The Otterbein University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 174 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Otterbein University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate72%
Application Deadline
Application Fee25
SAT Range1010-1220
ACT Range21-27

Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,16% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

88% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 55% were in the top quarter, and 26% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Otterbein University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
20%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
7%
“Sometimes, but not often”
73%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
13%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
40%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
47%
“They keep regular office hours”
47%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
27%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
73%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
13%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
47%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
20%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
7%
“Sometimes, but not often”
73%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
13%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
87%
“I feel extremely safe”
29%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
43%
“We bought the gear”
29%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
7%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
40%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
47%
“They keep regular office hours”
47%
“They”re always available”
0%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
7%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
27%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
73%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
13%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
33%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Otterbein University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    56 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    43 Students rated off-campus housing 3.3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    57 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    57 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    57 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 75 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    57 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    58 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    58 Students rated academics 4 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Otterbein University?

18 Students rated Otterbein University

Aries - 07/22/2021

Being an incoming freshman at Otterbein University, the campus is beautiful and I could not be more excited to join. The way the counselors work with you is outstanding. They make sure you are comfortable, physically, financially, and mentally. I can not wait to begin learning here.

Allison

I came all the way to Ohio from Houston, TX. I didn't know what to expect when I visited my senior year of high school. I had seen pictures online and heard about the music department and was hooked. Once I got accepted I was asked to participate on an overnight on campus. Since I hadn't been to the campus yet I was eager to go. Right as I drove through campus I could already feel that I had made the right decision. The people were all so welcoming and the campus was gorgeous. There are so many opportunities to get involved around campus. You can get involved with Otterbein student government, senate, clubs, or Greek life. Now being a junior, I can't believe how much Otterbein means to me. The professors are amazing, and they want every student to succeed. I could go on and on, but truly there will always be a piece of this quiet peaceful village in my heart.

Ashley

I believe that Otterbein University is a very close nit campus, though at times a little snooty. They are very kind and will help any and all students in any way the can (normally). The class sizes are very small and you can get one-on-one attention with the vast majority of the professors without any sort of trouble.

Karissa

This college is super small, but the community feel is great! Being right outside of Columbus certainly leaves plenty to do and see. The academic as are a priority, and the campus offers many options for help academically. There are also services to help with transitioning into college.

Otterbein University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Otterbein University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Otterbein University is 72%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Do not get down on yourself for missing out on some senior year social activities! Yes, it may seem like a HUGE deal that you are moving away from your friends but you will meet some amazing people in college. Taking post-secondary courses was probably one of the best things that you could have done to prepare yourself for your future. It might have been a rough social experience you will never regret it, so keep your head up! Be prepared to work your tail off in college! You will enjoy it though, I promise. It's going to get hectic but you will learn to love it and you will find out that you chose the right major, so do not stress! Start your first day with an open mind, willing to learn and meet new people. It is important to establish study groups and have communication with professors, you can share experiences with each other and learn from them. Stay on task and pay attention to what is going on around you. And one last thing, if get a different and interesting opportunity take it and run with it! You will learn a lot that way.

    Read all  60 answers
  3. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    You have to be open to other cultures and ethnic groups. Gay rights, preaching, and theater are major diversities with Otterbein College. If you are not open to expriencing new clubs, groups or people then Otterbein is not for you. You have to be very accepting and open to get out of your comfort zone. If you are not willing to put a lot of your time and effort into your work you may want to reconsider your choice. Be yourself, be open and be accepting.

    Read all  18 answers
  4. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are culturaly, sexually, and religiously diverse and are very friendly and willing to help out if they can.

    Read all  13 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school is perfect for me because it's small, and close to home, and it also has great academics and social culture.

    Read all  13 answers
  6. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    There is not a lot of activities on the weekends because there are so many commuters and students who live locally and go home on weekends.

    Read all  10 answers
  7. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Very expensive

    Read all  10 answers
  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known how many lifetime friends I would make just from coming to a school like Otterbein.

    Read all  10 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A person who is not afraid to branch out and experience new opportunities with people of diversity. Also a person who attends Otterbein should be able to be social and want to get involved.

    Read all  7 answers
  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    When I brag about my school, I start with how beautiful the campus is and how nice the buildings are, including dorms and academic buildings. The dorms also have large rooms for students to live in, which is not the case in most colleges. I believe that because Otterbein is so nice that this is a large reason students choose Otterbein College as the school of their choice.

    Read all  7 answers
  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It's a very small school, but it's close to Ohio State. It's close to downtown Columbus, but far away enough that you're not in the big city!

    Read all  6 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Theatre and Nursing, also Equine Science is a big thing there.

    Read all  6 answers
  13. What's unique about your campus?

    I think the best thing about this school is the class size and the location. It sits in a small town setting but is very close to a big city, too, which will help with job hunting.

    Read all  5 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This school is really good and has a lot to offer. Most of the teachers are great and the location is awesome. Towers Hall is the oldest building and really pretty. The food isn't that great but you can always find something to eat. Not much sports pride especially with the football team.

    Read all  2 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Bunch of theatre kids, don't party, weird. While there are a lot of theatre kids at this school (because it is a really good theatre school), there are tons of other kids as well. Basically a group for anyone, just may take some finding. Cool kids come here too, I think it's a good balance actually. As for not partying, that is totally false. If you want to party you can definitely party, but if you don't want to that's fine too.

    Read all  2 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Sports. Otterbein Christian Fellowship. National Honor Society.

    Read all  2 answers
  17. What are the academics like at your school?

    I feel the academics at Otterbein are really great.

    Read all  2 answers
  18. What's the hardest thing about freshman year?

    The hardest thing about freshman year (and this applies to all Universities) is getting adjusted. It is a totally new experience to a lot of people to be living on campus, not knowing anyone or very few and having an entire campus to explore/learn about. On top of that, attempting to figure out the best way for you to do well.

    Read all  1 answers
  19. What do people really wear to class?

    That is a really weird question! There are a mixture of different outfits worn to classes. Some come fully dressed up in suits everyday, others wear what we wore in high school, others wear leggings or pjs. It is kind of all over the place.

    Read all  1 answers
  20. How often should I phone home? Is once a day too much?

    You can phone home as much as you wish! Just because you are now on campus does not mean you should stop communicating with your family back home! Once a day sounds perfectly fine! Though, the more activities that you get involved with on campus, the harder that once a day could become.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

61%

female

39%

male

2,475

Total Undergrad Enrollment

453

Total Grad Students

8%

Out-Of-State

89%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

105

Student Organizations

7

Fraternities

6

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

46%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
2%
% White or Caucasian
77%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Otterbein University receive some sort of financial aid. 29% were awarded federal grants. While 80% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$31,874

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,262

Books and Supplies

$10,108

Room and Board

43,244

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$17,238
$30 - $48K
$19,803
$48 - $75K
$23,837
$75 - $110K
$24,814
$110K & UP
$26,406

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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