Overview
Otterbein University is a accessible private four-year institution in Westerville, Ohio. The school accepts 83.7% of applicants and enrolls 2,055 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 83.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,148
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,035–1,260
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 24
- Total Enrollment
- 2,055
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Otterbein University accepts most applicants, but nursing remains highly competitive and requires separate application materials including prerequisite coursework completion. You'll need to submit your application through the Common Application or directly through Otterbein's portal, along with official transcripts and one letter of recommendation. The priority deadline falls in February for maximum financial aid consideration, though rolling admissions continues into summer.
Housing fills quickly despite the smaller student body, so submit your housing application immediately after your admission deposit. You'll choose from traditional residence halls or themed communities, with upperclassmen having access to apartment-style living in the newer complexes. The campus sits in historic Westerville, just 20 minutes north of Columbus, giving you both small-town atmosphere and easy city access.
Theater programs at Otterbein carry national recognition and require auditions for admission. Music education and performance majors also face additional requirements beyond general admission. Business and education programs offer strong regional job placement, particularly in the Columbus metro area where many alumni work.
Orientation happens in summer with multiple session options, and you'll register for fall classes during this visit. The academic calendar follows a traditional semester system with a short January term offering intensive courses or study abroad opportunities. Campus traditions center around Cardinal football games and the annual Homecoming celebration that draws significant alumni participation.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $22,140/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $34,899
- Students Receiving Aid
- 29%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,313/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 82.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Otterbein University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Otterbein University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Otterbein University?
Otterbein University has rolling admissions with priority deadlines of December 1 for merit scholarships and February 15 for general admission.
Does Otterbein University offer early decision or early action?
Otterbein University does not offer early decision or early action programs. The school uses rolling admissions instead.
What GPA do you need to get into Otterbein University?
Otterbein University does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The school reviews applications using multiple factors beyond just grades.