About Otterbein University
Otterbein University sits in suburban Westerville just north of Columbus, serving 2,055 students who come mostly from Ohio. This private liberal arts school has built a national reputation for theatre and music programs that blend academic study with professional training. The school's performing arts graduates regularly work on Broadway, in regional theatre, and in the entertainment industry. WWE superstar John Cena studied here, as did NFL player Dee Brown, showing the breadth of paths students can take after graduation.
The sticker price hits $49,375 including room and board, but most students pay much less. The average net price after aid drops to $22,140, making this private education more affordable than it first appears. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and earn a median of $53,313 ten years after graduation. That debt-to-income ratio works out better than many schools, especially considering the strong job placement rate of 97.9%.
With an 83% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1148, Otterbein welcomes students who are solid but not necessarily top-tier academically. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the 82% retention rate suggests students are happy once they arrive. Women make up 61% of the student body, and nearly 90% of students come from Ohio.
The sticker price hits $49,375 including room and board, but most students pay much less. The average net price after aid drops to $22,140, making this private education more affordable than it first appears. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and earn a median of $53,313 ten years after graduation. That debt-to-income ratio works out better than many schools, especially considering the strong job placement rate of 97.9%.
With an 83% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1148, Otterbein welcomes students who are solid but not necessarily top-tier academically. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the 82% retention rate suggests students are happy once they arrive. Women make up 61% of the student body, and nearly 90% of students come from Ohio.
Academics & Faculty
Otterbein specializes in theatre and music, offering professional-level training that has produced graduates like WWE star John Cena. The school's 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and can provide hands-on coaching in performance and technical skills. About 69% of students graduate in four years, which is solid for a school that attracts many arts students who sometimes take longer to complete intensive training programs. Beyond the arts, this Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university offers traditional majors in a close-knit environment where students get personal attention. The small size (2,055 students) creates a supportive community where professors mentor students individually rather than teaching to packed lecture halls.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.9%
- Retention Rate
- 82.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,313
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $144,240 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $111,017 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,858 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,342 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Otterbein sits in Westerville, a quiet suburb about 20 minutes northeast of Columbus. You'll need a good winter coat here since Ohio gets cold and snowy from December through March, though spring and fall are pleasant for walking between classes. With housing capacity for 1,295 students and total enrollment of 2,055, about 63% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces everywhere.
The campus centers around the historic Towers Hall, and with only 2,055 students, you'll quickly learn your way around the compact grounds. Weekends often revolve around Cardinal sports (17 varsity teams compete in Division III), theatre productions in the well-regarded drama program, or trips into Columbus for shopping and restaurants. The school's United Methodist roots show up in community service traditions, though the 88.89% in-state student body means many people head home on some weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students describe the atmosphere as friendly and supportive rather than competitive or cutthroat.
The campus centers around the historic Towers Hall, and with only 2,055 students, you'll quickly learn your way around the compact grounds. Weekends often revolve around Cardinal sports (17 varsity teams compete in Division III), theatre productions in the well-regarded drama program, or trips into Columbus for shopping and restaurants. The school's United Methodist roots show up in community service traditions, though the 88.89% in-state student body means many people head home on some weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students describe the atmosphere as friendly and supportive rather than competitive or cutthroat.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,295 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1846
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -758.3"
Student Demographics
Otterbein draws mostly Ohio students (89% in-state) who want a close-knit college experience without traveling far from home. The student body leans heavily female (61% women), which reflects the university's strength in theatre, music, and education programs that traditionally attract more women. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families looking for quality liberal arts education. The diverse mix includes 11% Black students, higher than many Ohio private colleges, and the Methodist affiliation creates a welcoming environment for students from various faith backgrounds.
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 69.5%
- Black
- 11.1%
- Hispanic
- 6.0%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 88.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.1%
Location
Otterbein University sits in Westerville, Ohio, about 15 miles northeast of Columbus. The campus occupies a classic college town setting where 88.89% of students come from Ohio. Westerville blends small-town charm with easy access to Ohio's capital city, giving students internship and job opportunities in Columbus while maintaining a close community feel. The area offers typical Midwestern suburban life with tree-lined streets and local shops within walking distance of campus. Students can reach downtown Columbus in about 20 minutes for concerts, sports games, or internships at major companies. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Otterbein University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Westerville, Ohio 43081
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,313
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,677
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Otterbein University?
Otterbein accepts 83.68% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1148. The school attracts students who value close-knit learning environments and hands-on training in the arts.
How much does Otterbein University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,140 annually, less than the sticker price of $49,375. The typical graduate leaves with $26,000 in debt and makes monthly loan payments of $276.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Otterbein University?
Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across the 2,055-student campus. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship opportunities.
What do Otterbein University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $53,313 ten years after graduation with a 97.9% employment rate. The school's strong theatre and music programs prepare students for professional careers in the arts alongside traditional liberal arts fields.
Where is Otterbein University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Westerville, Ohio, housing 1,295 students in residence halls. With 17 varsity sports teams and 496 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Cardinals foster a tight community where 60.54% of students are women.
Is Otterbein University known for any famous alumni?
Notable graduates include WWE wrestler and actor John Cena and former NFL player Dee Brown. The university's reputation for strong performance training has produced professionals across entertainment and athletics since its founding in 1846.
