Otterbein University
At a Glance
Otterbein University is a small private nonprofit university in Westerville, OH. Approximately 2,157 undergraduates 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 44 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Location
Westerville, OH
Campus Identity
Otterbein University is a small private nonprofit university in Westerville, OH. Approximately 2,157 undergraduates 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 44 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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@otterbeinu
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Campus Lifestyle
Otterbein University is a 1,000–4,999, suburban school with NCAA D3 athletics and a strong greek life Greek scene. The campus is 44 miles from Snow Trails.
Athletics
NCAA D3
Ohio Athletic
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Suburban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
47°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Otterbein University
At Otterbein University, 18% of men are in a fraternity and 13% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
18%
Men in fraternities
13%
Women in sororities
Strong Greek Life
Greek life scale
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.
Ohio
Ohio
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
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.
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.
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.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $35,548 |
| Fees | $450 |
| Room & Board | $13,024 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $49,022 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
68 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
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 enrolled.
How many students attend Otterbein University?
Otterbein University enrolls 2,157 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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.
What NCAA division is Otterbein University in?
Otterbein University competes in NCAA Division III, part of the Ohio Athletic. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.
What percentage of students at Otterbein University are in Greek life?
At Otterbein University, 18% of men are in a fraternity and 13% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
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.
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)