Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Westerville, Ohio |
| Online | otterbein.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Otterbein University is a private institution located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburban community approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Columbus. Founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, the campus features a mix of historic red-brick buildings and modern facilities across its 140-acre main campus. The university maintains a selective admissions process and operates on a semester system, offering undergraduate programs through five academic schools, with notable strengths in nursing, theater, business, and education. The campus is primarily residential, with most students living in traditional dormitories or themed housing communities, and competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Cardinals in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Otterbein University is rated within the top 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Otterbein University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#537 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#373 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#22 in Best Colleges in Ohio
#18 in Best Private Colleges in Ohio
#391 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Value Colleges in Ohio
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1035/1260 |
| ACT | 20/27 |
| GPA | 3.66 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,508 |
| Other Fees | $475 |
| Room and Board | $12,968 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,164 |
| Total One Year Cost | $52,539 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 15% |
| Business | 14% |
| Health Professions | 13% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Education | 11% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Otterbein University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=204936 IPEDS survey data for Otterbein University.
Current students may use the Otterbein University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025