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Oberlin College vs Otterbein University

Oberlin College is a private college in Oberlin, OH. Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, OH. Oberlin College admits about 34% of applicants and Otterbein University about 85%, making Oberlin College 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 $38,645 at Oberlin College. About 80% of students graduate at Oberlin College, compared with 68% at Otterbein University. Ten years after enrolling, Oberlin College alumni earn a median of about $58,343, against $53,313 for Otterbein University.

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · Private

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Oberlin, OH
Westerville, OH
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,887
2,157
Acceptance rate
34%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1360–1520
1035–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,645
$19,237
Full cost / yr
$87,404
$48,321
In-state tuition
$67,366
$35,548
Out-of-state tuition
$67,366
$35,548
Application fee
$100
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,774
$12,458
$30k - $48k
$15,799
$12,659
$48k - $75k
$22,123
$16,478
$75k - $110k
$29,207
$23,061
Over $110k
$48,731
$24,620
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
68%
Freshman retention
91%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,871
$44,539
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,343
$53,313
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
31%
First-generation students
9%
26%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
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 Oberlin College or Otterbein University harder to get into?
Oberlin College is harder to get into. It admits about 34% 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, Oberlin College or Otterbein University?
Otterbein University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,237 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,645 at Oberlin College. 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 Oberlin College and Otterbein University?
Before aid, Otterbein University costs about $48,321 a year and Oberlin College about $87,404. 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, Oberlin College or Otterbein University?
Otterbein University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,458 there, against about $18,774 at Oberlin College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Oberlin College or Otterbein University?
Oberlin College is the larger of the two, with about 2,887 undergraduates against 2,157 at Otterbein University.
Does Oberlin College or Otterbein University have a better graduation rate?
Oberlin College has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 68% at Otterbein University.
Do graduates of Oberlin College or Otterbein University earn more?
Oberlin College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,313 for Otterbein University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Oberlin College and Otterbein University require SAT or ACT scores?
Oberlin College 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 Oberlin College and Otterbein University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1360–1520 at Oberlin College and 1035–1260 at Otterbein University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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