Otterbein University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Otterbein University
Otterbein sits in a tree-lined pocket of Westerville, just outside Columbus, and it feels built for learning. The university is known for blending the liberal arts with practical study in the sciences, business, education, the arts, and health. You'll find well-kept labs, studios, performance spaces, a busy library, and a fitness and recreation hub. Support runs deep, with advising, tutoring, counseling, and a career center that actually picks up the phone.
Campus life is lively without being overwhelming. Students jump into clubs, ensembles, student media, service projects, and intramurals, or head to nearby parks and bike paths. The vibe is collaborative, welcoming, and proudly Midwestern. And career prep gets real through internships and projects tied to Columbus hospitals, schools, nonprofits, startups, and firms. Uptown Westerville's coffee shops and locally owned spots make everyday life easy, while simple traditions on the campus lawn keep the community tight.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Otterbein University offers 59 degree programs across 20 major academic fields, graduating approximately 564 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (8 programs, 105 graduates), Business (7 programs, 85 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 42 graduates), Arts (7 programs, 41 graduates) and Education (6 programs, 40 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (8 programs, 105 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Nurse Anesthesia | 23 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3804 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 11 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3805 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 7 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
51.3810 |
| Health Administration and Management | 5 |
|
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Public Health Education and Promotion | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2207 |
| Health and Wellness | 2 |
|
Master's
|
51.0001 |
| Nursing Practice | 1 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
Business (7 programs, 85 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Finance, General | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing Management | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Management Science | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1301 |
| Actuarial Science | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1304 |
| Organizational Leadership | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0213 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 42 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Arts (7 programs, 41 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0502 |
| Musical Theatre | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
| Music | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0499 |
| Acting | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0506 |
| Music | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0999 |
Education (6 programs, 40 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1210 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1203 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 7 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Special Education Teaching | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| General Education | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.0101 |
| Music Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
Natural Resources (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0601 |
| Environmental Science | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
03.0104 |
Psychology (1 programs, 36 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 36 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 30 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Management | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education Fitness | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0599 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 30 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Criminology | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0401 |
| Sociology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| International Relations | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0901 |
| Economics | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
Communication (4 programs, 25 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations and Image Management | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0902 |
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
| Health Communication | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0905 |
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Otterbein University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Otterbein University
How much does it cost to attend Otterbein University?
The annual tuition at Otterbein University is $34,899 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $52,539 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,968 (on) / $8,926 (off) and books and supplies $1,508.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Otterbein University offer?
Otterbein University offers 59 academic programs across 20 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (7 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Otterbein University?
Otterbein University has an 83.3% acceptance rate and a 17.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 3,498
- Students admitted: 2,914
- Students enrolled: 519
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Otterbein University?
Otterbein University provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $25,535 and average loans of $10,801.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,317
- State/Local grants: $4,909
- Institutional grants: $22,484
- Federal loans: $9,234
The university supports 545 students with grants and 521 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Otterbein University graduates?
Otterbein University graduates earn a median salary of $44,539 after 6 years and $53,313 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $36,344 (25th percentile) to $77,271 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $80,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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