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Otterbein University

Westerville, OH·Private·https://www.otterbein.edu/

Campus Identity

Lake LifeNCAA D3PhD Programs

Otterbein University is a small private nonprofit university in Westerville, OH. Approximately 2,157 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 85% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Williams Lake, just 4 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 46 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Otterbein University is a small private nonprofit university in Westerville, OH. Approximately 2,157 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 85% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Williams Lake, just 4 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 46 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

85%
Acceptance Rate
3,923 applications
25
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 22–28
$35,548
2024-25 Tuition
$19,237
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$13,024
Room & Board
19 meals/week
2,157
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
18%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
68%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity85% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

Campus Lifestyle

Otterbein University is a 1,000–4,999, suburban school with NCAA D3 athletics. The campus is 44 miles from Snow Trails.

Athletics

NCAA D3

Ohio Athletic

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Suburban setting

Ski Access

44 miles

Snow Trails

Weather

Warm Climate

47°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

Otterbein University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Snow Trails, 44 miles away with 9 lifts and 40 skiable acres. All are within 106 miles of campus.

44 mi away
40 skiable acres9 lifts
46 mi away
144 skiable acres12 lifts
Brandywine

Ohio

106 mi away
85 skiable acres8 lifts

Lake Life Campus

Williams Lake is 4 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Otterbein University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Williams Lake

Lake access within 4.4 miles

4 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Westerville, OH

Westerville has a cool climate, with winters averaging 30°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.

30°Jan33°Feb42°Mar54°Apr64°May72°Jun75°Jul74°Aug68°Sep56°Oct44°Nov35°Dec

Station: WESTERVILLE · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Otterbein University in OH earns a composite safety score of 45/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

45/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety425143
42/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
51/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
43/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$35,548
Fees
$450
Room & Board
$13,024
Total
$49,022
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$19,237avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

68 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's
47 grads/yr$80,188
Psychology, GeneralBachelor's
39 grads/yr$49,090
Biology, GeneralBachelor's
38 grads/yr$42,619
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingProfessional
34 grads/yr
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessBachelor's
31 grads/yr$46,521

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Master's16 grads$125,033
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's26 grads$117,614
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's47 grads$80,188
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Bachelor's31 grads$70,328
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Bachelor's27 grads$62,364
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Bachelor's22 grads$58,065
Communication and Media Studies
Bachelor's21 grads$51,006
Psychology, General
Bachelor's39 grads$49,090
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Bachelor's29 grads$47,383
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Bachelor's31 grads$46,521

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Otterbein University located?

Otterbein University is located in Westerville, OH. The main campus address is 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Otterbein University?

Otterbein University has an acceptance rate of 85%, making it accessible. Out of 3,923 applicants, 3,316 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,157 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Otterbein University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Otterbein University scored between 22 and 28 on the ACT, with a median of 25. About 25% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Otterbein University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Otterbein University charges $35,548/year in tuition. Including room and board ($13,024/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $33,674/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,237/year — what students actually pay. Use Otterbein University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

Does Otterbein University have college sports?

Yes — Otterbein University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the Ohio Athletic. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.

Is Otterbein University the right fit for me?

Whether Otterbein University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (85% admit rate), avg net price ($19,237/year after aid), campus culture in Westerville, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Otterbein University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Otterbein University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Westerville, OH
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
Ohio Athletic
School Year Weather
Warm · 47°F avg
On Campus Safety Score
45/100
Nearest Airport
Columbus, OH (OSU) · 8 mialso CMH (9 mi), LCK (22 mi)

Location

Westerville, OH

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.