Earlham vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Earlham College in Richmond, IN with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than Earlham based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 753 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Earlham College is located in Richmond, IN (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Earlham College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Earlham College 7:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Earlham vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Earlham 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 Otterbein University than Earlham ($20,457 vs. $27,107).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 5.4% lower than at Earlham College ($13,236 vs. $13,985).
• Earlham College is 51.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $18,382 more per year; $53,930.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.7% higher at Earlham than at Otterbein University (about $18,382 more per year; $53,930.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Earlham College as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Earlham College students is 45.5% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($40,618 vs. $27,923).

Earlham vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Earlham 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 Earlham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Earlham College (1200) is 50 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Earlham students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Earlham College 1110/1290; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Earlham College 24/33; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Earlham - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Earlham Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Earlham students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Otterbein University (3.66).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Earlham (73.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Earlham vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Earlham vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Earlham 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).

• Earlham College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Earlham graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Earlham College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Earlham graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Earlham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 69%)

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.