At $22,140/yr net price, Otterbein University graduates earn $53,313/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,313/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,140 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,313/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,313/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,326/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,057/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,323/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,815/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,227/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $144,240 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $111,017 | $60,824 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,858 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $44,170 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $26,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $21,025 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Otterbein University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Otterbein University delivers strong returns for nursing students but mixed results elsewhere. The school's nursing programs produce graduates earning $60,000 to $144,000 annually, making them clear financial winners despite higher debt loads reaching $60,824 for some nursing tracks.
Your financial outlook depends heavily on your major choice. Business and accounting graduates earn around $47,000 to $52,000, which barely justifies the investment when you factor in the $26,000 median debt load. The overall median earnings of $53,313 after ten years falls short of what you need for strong ROI at this price point.
The 68.9% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly one in three students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 82.4% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you an early warning if Otterbein isn't working financially.
You should consider Otterbein if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the higher debt loads that come with those programs. The nursing career pipeline here clearly works. For other majors, you face mediocre earning potential that may not cover your investment.
Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial assistance for middle-income families. You'll likely pay close to the full $22,140 net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships. Shop around for better deals if you're not pursuing nursing, as comparable schools may offer stronger returns for business and liberal arts programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otterbein University worth the cost?
Otterbein's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $111,000+ within 10 years, making the $26,000 median debt manageable, but other programs show weaker returns with average earnings of $53,313 across all majors.
What are the best paying majors at Otterbein University?
Nursing programs at Otterbein deliver strong ROI, with graduates earning $59,858 to $144,240 depending on specialization. Business and accounting majors see more modest returns at $47,260-$52,107.
How much debt do Otterbein University students typically graduate with?
Otterbein graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is reasonable for nursing majors but concerning for lower-earning programs. The net price of $22,140 per year helps keep debt manageable compared to many private colleges.
Does Otterbein University have good job placement after graduation?
Otterbein's 68.9% graduation rate is below average for private colleges, suggesting some students struggle to complete their programs. Job outcomes vary significantly by major, with nursing showing strong employment prospects while other fields are less clear.