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Denison University vs Otterbein University

Denison University is a private university in Granville, OH. Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, OH. Denison University admits about 17% of applicants and Otterbein University about 85%, making Denison University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,237 a year at Otterbein University after aid, and about $40,007 at Denison University. About 79% of students graduate at Denison University, compared with 68% at Otterbein University. Ten years after enrolling, Denison University alumni earn a median of about $67,753, against $53,313 for Otterbein University.

Denison University

Granville, OH · Private

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Granville, OH
Westerville, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,380
2,157
Acceptance rate
17%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1320–1490
1035–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,007
$19,237
Full cost / yr
$81,900
$48,321
In-state tuition
$67,000
$35,548
Out-of-state tuition
$67,000
$35,548
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,656
$12,458
$30k - $48k
$13,086
$12,659
$48k - $75k
$17,827
$16,478
$75k - $110k
$20,839
$23,061
Over $110k
$48,472
$24,620
Outcomes
Graduation rate
79%
68%
Freshman retention
89%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,352
$44,539
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,753
$53,313
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
31%
First-generation students
17%
26%
International students
17%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Denison University or Otterbein University harder to get into?
Denison University is harder to get into. It admits about 17% of applicants, compared with 85% at Otterbein University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Denison University or Otterbein University?
Otterbein University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,237 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,007 at Denison University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Denison University and Otterbein University?
Before aid, Otterbein University costs about $48,321 a year and Denison University about $81,900. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Denison University or Otterbein University?
Otterbein University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,458 there, against about $16,656 at Denison University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Denison University or Otterbein University?
Denison University is the larger of the two, with about 2,380 undergraduates against 2,157 at Otterbein University.
Does Denison University or Otterbein University have a better graduation rate?
Denison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 68% at Otterbein University.
Do graduates of Denison University or Otterbein University earn more?
Denison University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,753 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,313 for Otterbein University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Denison University and Otterbein University require SAT or ACT scores?
Denison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Otterbein University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Denison University and Otterbein University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1320–1490 at Denison University and 1035–1260 at Otterbein University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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