PLNU vs. Otterbein University

Should I go to Point Loma Nazarene University or Otterbein University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if PLNU or Otterbein University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

Add a college to compare up to four schools

Frequently compared to these colleges. Click a college to add to the comparison. 

Westmont College Biola University USD Pepperdine San Diego State Azusa Pacific University Ohio State Chapman UCSD ONU Capital University USF
Point Loma Nazarene University vs. Otterbein University comparison
Point Loma Nazarene University Otterbein University College 3 College 4
Point Loma Nazarene University Otterbein University
Remove Remove +Add +Add

Overview

PLNU Otterbein University
Location San Diego, CA Westerville, OH
Setting Large City Large Suburban
Enrollment 4,319 2,458
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #292 #542
Religious Affiliation Church of the Nazarene United Methodist - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website pointloma.edu otterbein.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

PLNU Otterbein University
Tuition (In State) $40,400 $33,824
Tuition (Out of State) $40,400 $33,824
Room & Board $11,800 $11,988
Avg Net Price $34,933 $22,661
Avg Grant Aid $19,422 $24,060
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

PLNU Otterbein University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 3,149 3,762
Admitted 2,580 3,148
Acceptance Rate 81.9% 83.7%
Enrolled % 26.7% 17.5%
Avg High School GPA 3.65 3.66
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Difficult Average
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 22/30 20/27
SAT Range 1170/1350 1035/1260
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Feb 15, 2024

Academics

PLNU Otterbein University
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 12:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (23%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (8%)
  • Psychology (8%)
  • Communication (6%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (15%)
  • Business (14%)
  • Health Professions (13%)
  • Communication (12%)
  • Education (11%)

Outcomes

PLNU Otterbein University
Graduation Rate 72% 62%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $53,500 $44,800
Making Student Loan Payments 79% 69%
Median Student Loan Debt $25,000 $27,000
Median Loan Payment $258 $279

Diversity

PLNU Otterbein University
% Men 34% 39%
% Women 66% 61%
Racial Diversity High Low
HBCU No No
% White 59% 76%
% Black 2% 6%
% Hispanic 23% 2%
% Native American 1% 0%
% Pacific Islander 1% 0%
% Two or More Races 7% 4%
% International 1% 1%
% Unknown Race 2% 10%

Students

PLNU Otterbein University
% In-State 70% 88%
% Out-of-State 29% 12%

Campus

PLNU Otterbein University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Point Loma Nazarene University is larger than than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (4,319 students vs. 2,458 students)

PLNU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PLNU or Otterbein University?

  • Point Loma Nazarene University is 19.4% more expensive to attend than Otterbein University for in-state tuition ($40,400.00 vs. $33,824.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 19.4% higher at PLNU than Otterbein University ($40,400.00 vs. $33,824.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Otterbein University than PLNU ($22,661 vs. $34,933)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Point Loma Nazarene University are 1.6% lower than costs at Otterbein University ($11,800 vs. $11,988)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at Point Loma Nazarene University as Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 23.9% larger than aid received Point Loma Nazarene University ($24,060 vs. $19,422)

PLNU vs. Otterbein University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PLNU or Otterbein University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Otterbein University or PLNU .

  • The average SAT score at Point Loma Nazarene University (1148) is 28 points higher than at Otterbein University (1120)
  • Incoming PLNU students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (26) than students at Otterbein University (25)
  • Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at PLNU (3.65)
  • Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than PLNU (81.9%)

PLNU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, PLNU or Otterbein University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Otterbein University and PLNU.

  • The graduation rate at PLNU is higher than Otterbein University (72% vs. 62%)
  • Graduates from Point Loma Nazarene University earn on average $8,700 more per year than Otterbein University graduates after ten years. ($53,500 vs. $44,800)
  • Point Loma Nazarene University students graduate with a $2,000 lower median federal student loan debt than Otterbein University graduates. ($25,000 vs. $27,000)
  • PLNU graduates are paying $21 less per month on federal student loans than Otterbein University graduates. ($258 vs. $279)
  • More PLNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/