Otterbein University
Otterbein University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Otterbein University at a Glance
Otterbein University is a private university in Westerville, Ohio, United States. The university was founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and named for United Brethren founder, Philip William Otterbein. It has been associated since 1968 with the United Methodist Church.
1847
179 years old
$135M
$134.8 million (2025)
2,357
2,119 undergrad · 238 grad
300
140 acres
Identity
Is Otterbein University Worth It?
Otterbein University offers moderate value at $19,237/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $53,313, which is 1% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Otterbein University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #19 of 142 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #19 | Otterbein University | 47 | $19,237 | $53,313 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Otterbein University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in OH.
Best Programs at Otterbein University
The highest-earning program at Otterbein University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $21,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Otterbein University earns $59,400, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $21,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,237/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,400 | $59,400 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,900 | $41,900 | $26,125 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $35,900 | $35,900 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,600 | $32,600 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $30,700 | $30,700 | $25,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $28,200 | $28,200 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $25,000 | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $21,300 | $21,300 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Westerville, OH
- Student Body
- 2,157 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,237
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,313
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000