SAU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spring Arbor University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spring Arbor University 12:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

SAU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SAU 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 SAU ($20,457 vs. $21,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 13.6% lower than at Otterbein University ($11,440 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $1,534 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Otterbein University than at Spring Arbor University (about $1,534 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 16.9% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($27,923 vs. $23,877).

SAU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SAU 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 SAU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 20 points higher than at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spring Arbor University 1010/1240; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsOtterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SAU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at SAU (3.61).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.5% at SAU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

SAU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SAU 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $2,957 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($24,043 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 58%)

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.