Westerville, OH · Private University
Is Otterbein University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$53,313
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$34,899
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,899
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$139,596
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.53x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
69.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$22,140
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Otterbein University graduates earn $8,313 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Otterbein University ranked by graduate earnings
20 graduates
77 graduates
22 graduates
22 graduates
19 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Otterbein University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Otterbein University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General: $65,592) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $35,396) is $30,196/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $65,592 | 1.9x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,564 | 1.9x |
| Systems Engineering(1yr data) | $63,243 | 1.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $60,614 | 1.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $55,364 | 1.6x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $54,544 | 1.6x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $50,571 | 1.4x |
| Biology, General | $41,140 | 1.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,365 | 1.2x |
| Psychology, General | $38,492 | 1.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $37,373 | 1.1x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $35,396 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Otterbein University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,313 10 years after starting, $8,313 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.6 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.