NNU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Otterbein University is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

NNU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU 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 NNU ($20,457 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 8.8% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,070 vs. $13,236).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $5,246 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at NNU than at Otterbein University (about $5,246 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Northwest Nazarene University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 11% larger than aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students ($27,923 vs. $25,146).

NNU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU 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 NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 30 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at NNU (3.59).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

NNU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU 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).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Northwest Nazarene University's (52%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest Nazarene University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, NNU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NNU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 66%)

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.