Otterbein University  Admission, Programs, Ranking, Scholarships

If, as they say, every journey begins with a single step – you’ve just made an important one. We’re about to take you on a virtual tour of Otterbein University.

Otterbein is an inclusive community poised to educate everyone about humane values. They seek to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities.

An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.

Otterbein offers more than 75 majors and 44 minors, as well as eight graduate programs.

In this article, Kiiky Forum will help you explore all you need to know about Otterbein University.

About Otterbein University

Otterbein was founded by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1847. From its inception, it included women as faculty members and students from our founding, making them the first institution in the nation to do so.

Otterbein admitted students of color before the Civil War and welcomed Japanese-American students sent to internment camps during World War II. And we gave students a voice in our story through our unique governance system beginning in the 1960s.

This regionally accredited university is renowned for its pace-setting ideals, ground-breaking engaging studies curriculum, and inept commitment to the public good.

Located in Picturesque Westerville, Ohio, Otterbein offers a choice of more than 70 majors and 44 minors, as well as individualized courses of study. We also offer five graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing, including our doctor of nursing practice degree.

In a nutshell,  Otterbein University is a model community of educators, leaders, and learners who set the pace for higher education and contribute to the common good.

Why Should I Study At Otterbein University?

Otterbein is an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities.

An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.

As a learning community, Otterbein is committed to creating a culture that recognizes, respects, and values differences. Here the teachers and faculties are committed to providing avenues for students, faculty, and staff to pursue opportunities to continue developing their skills and knowledge to advance their careers or for personal fulfillment.

Additionally, human values are instilled in the students that help prepare them to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to make an impact in their immediate communities and the world at large.

An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.

Moreso, Otterbein is committed to providing avenues for students, faculty, and staff to pursue opportunities to continue developing their skills and knowledge to advance their careers or for personal fulfillment.

Summarily, Otterbein doesn’t just offer students a place to belong but a place of excellence where students can realize their personal best.

What Is Otterbein University Known For?

According to Forbes, Otterbein is known for its integrative studies core curriculum program that provides students with a holistic education beyond their major.

Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, remains committed to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education and serving the community.

Here students experience hands-on education that helps build their confidence to take risks, learn to work with others, and discover how to ask the right questions.

At Otterbein, you’ll find the perfect learning community that values beneficial friendship.

Otterbein University is also known for its collaborative innovations built on excellence. Here, students work hard to excel individually and collectively.

Otterbein University Rankings

Let’s look at the ranking performance of Otterbein according to top websites.

According to usnews, Otterbein University ranks:

• #21 in the list of Best Colleges in the Midwest
• #14 in Best Colleges for Veterans 
• #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
• #47 in Best Value Schools
• #132 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

According to 4icu, Otterbein University ranks 797 in country rank and 2290 in world rank.

What Are The Programs Offered At Otterbein University?

Otterbein University offers an education system built around mastering your curriculum. This helps students gain hands-on experience, confidence to take risks, and an understanding of how to work as a team.

Here’s a list of academic majors offered at Otterbein University:

• Accounting & Public Accounting
• Acting
• Actuarial Science
• Allied Health
• Art History
• Art (Studio Art)
• Athletic Training
• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Business Administration & Management
• Business Analytics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Communication Studies
• Creative Writing
• Criminology & Justice Studies
• Economics
• Education Studies
• Education: Primary Education PreK-5, Middle Childhood Education (Grades 4-9), Adolescence to Young Adult (Grades 7-12)
• Engineering Physics
• Environmental Science
• Equine Business Management
• Equine Pre-Veterinary / Pre-Graduate
• Equine Veterinary Technology
• Exercise Science & Health Promotion
• Finance
• Global Studies
• Health Communication
• History
• Integrated Language Arts
• Journalism & Media Communication
• Leadership Studies
• Literary Studies
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Music
• Music Education (BME)
• Music Performance (BM)
• Musical Theatre (BFA)
• Nursing (BSN)
• Organizational Leadership
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Physics Degree w. Teaching License
• Physics/Engineering 3+2 Cooperative
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Health Education
• Public Relations
• Religion
• Sociology
• Spanish & Latin American Studies
• Sport Management
• Sustainability Studies
• Systems Engineering
• Theatre
• Theatre Design & Technology
• Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies
• Zoo & Conservation Science

Minor degrees offered at Otterbein University

• Art History
• Biology or Earth Science
• Business, Accounting & Economics (various)
• Chemistry
• Dance
• Education Studies
• Equine (Various)
• Film Studies
• Health & Sport Science (Exercise Science & Health Promotion, Nutrition & Sport Management)
• History & Political Science (various)
• Leadership Studies
• Modern Language & Cultures (various)
• Psychology
• Religion or Philosophy
• Sociology, Criminology, or Justice Studies
• Studio Art
• Sustainability Studies
• Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Certificate, licenses, professional development degree programs

• English as a Second Language
• Experiential Learning: The Five Cards
• Professional Education Institutes
• Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure
• Pre-Medicine Early Assurance Program
• Pre-Professional Health Studies
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Study Abroad Programs
• Undeclared Majors

Otterbein University Acceptance Rate

Otterbein University’s acceptance rate is 80.1%. Last year, 2,293 out of 2,861 applicants were admitted. This makes Otterbein University an easy school to enter, provided you meet the admission requirements. 

Academically, it has challenging requirements for admission test scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 49 percent. Otterbein University typically accepts and attracts “B+” average high school students.

Only 27% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school. Most incoming freshmen graduated in the top quarter of their high school class.

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Admission Requirements To Study At Otterbein University

To get into Otterbein University, you must satisfy the institution’s admission requirements as spelled below.

Admission to Otterbein is based on a student’s zeal for academic success. Decisions are made after a holistic review.

To get admission into Otterbein, applicants will need less than 30 earned semester hours or 45 quarter hours AFTER high school graduation are reviewed on final high school transcripts, including ACT or SAT scores.

Students who have completed over 30 earned semester or 45 quarter hours are assessed based on the cumulative GPA of all post-secondary transcripts.

Undergraduates’ admission requirements to study at Otterbein University

Application requirements

• Submit a completed Common Application (see link below)
• Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary attended
• NOTE – Transfer students only need to submit an official high school transcript if they have earned less than 30 semester hours or less than 45 quarter hours of college credit after high school.
• With the availability of the ACT and SAT scores being disrupted by COVID-19, Otterbein has adopted a test-optional admission policy for the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms of 2024. Students can choose through the Common Application whether they would or would not like test scores to be used to evaluate their admission application. If available, students with a high school GPA of 2.75 or lower are encouraged to submit a test score. Students will not be disadvantaged for submitting test scores, so we recommend submitting an official score if available.

Click HERE to start the application.

Graduate Admission Requirements To Study At Otterbein University

To apply for graduate admission at Otterbein University, you need to follow the following steps:

• Complete the online application. You will be asked to create a login/password. This will allow you to save and return your application if necessary.
• Submit the application fee. Upon submitting your application, you will be asked to pay the $40 application fee online with your debit/credit card. The application fee is waived for returning students, Otterbein faculty & staff, and those who have served in the U.S. military.
• Order official transcripts from each college/university attended. Transcripts are considered official when they arrive at Otterbein directly from the sending institution (mail or electronic).
• All foreign transcripts must be evaluated course-by-course through World Education Services, Education Credential Evaluators or SpanTran.

Submit admission materials: Each program of study has its admission requirements. Please review your program’s admission requirements and send admission materials to the following:

The Graduate School

Otterbein University

1 South Grove Street

Westerville, OH 43081

You may also scan and send your admission materials to us via email.

International admission requirements to study at Otterbein University

As an all-inclusive community housing over 3,000 students, Otterbein welcomes international applicants every session. Here students get the best of innovative learning. See the application requirements below:

• Common Application, including essay.
• $50 Application fee
• Official transcripts/documents for four years of high school/secondary school (grades 9-12)
• Proof of English proficiency (79 and above on TOEFL IBT, 550 and above on the paper-based TOEFL PBT, 6.5 or higher on the IELTS, 53 or higher on the Pearson PTE)

What GPA do you need to get into Otterbein University?

Applicants require excellent grades in high school to get admission into Otterbein University. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Otterbein University was 3.5 on the 4.0 scale, indicating that primarily B+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #16 in Ohio for the highest average GPA. If your high school grades are above the average 3.5 GPA, you have a strong chance of securing admission, as Otterbein University accepts 80% of all applicants.

ACT Requirements For Prospective Students To Get Into Otterbein University

Data indicates that Otterbein University regularly accepts students with acts of 20 and above. Successful applicants typically send ACT scores in the top 49 percent nationally.

We estimate the school sometimes accepts minimum ACT composite scores of around 16. Prospective students submitting an ACT composite of 24 or higher should be in the upper half of applicants – and students with a 27 and above have very competitive chances. 

With the availability of the ACT and SAT scores being disrupted by COVID-19, Otterbein has adopted a test-optional admission policy for the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms of 2024.

Students can select through the Common Application if they would or would not like test scores to be used in evaluating their admission application.

If available, students with a high school GPA of 2.75 or lower are encouraged to submit a test score. Students will not be disadvantaged in raising test scores, so we recommend submitting an official score if available.

Scoring well on the ACT is vital, as 92 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Otterbein University.

Otterbein University Tuition Rate

Knowing the financial involvements to studying at Otterbein University is a step forward. This will help you create an effective financial plan. Take a look at Otterbein University’s tuition fee below.

2024-2024 Expenses
Tuition	$ 32,624
Room & Board	$ 11,774
Student Fee	$ 450
TOTAL	$44,848

For more information, click here

Are There Scholarship Opportunities Available To Study At Otterbein University?

Otterbein University offers financial aid to students as a way to encourage learning.

The Otterbein application for admission is also the application for consideration for Otterbein scholarships. The completed application, including additional materials submitted as part of the application, such as the student’s high school or college transcript(s), ACT or SAT scores, and recommendations, may be used in scholarship decisions.

Some scholarships also require submission of the FAFSA, interviews, portfolio reviews, auditions, and participation in additional activities. Unless otherwise noted, Otterbein scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters or the first undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. A 2.75 Otterbein GPA is required for renewal.

Here’s a list of scholarships awarded at the time of admission at Otterbein University:

Merit Scholarships available at Otterbein University

These scholarships are awarded to high school students who have demonstrated scholarship and leadership. Consideration for these awards is based on a student’s overall application for admission. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

President’s Scholarship starts at $15,500 – almost half of the tuition!

Typically awarded to students with a high school GPA > 3.75 or students with an HS GPA >3.5 and are in the top 15% of their class and have an ACT composite of 24 or higher (SAT 1180 EBW & M). Four-year value $62,000.

Provost’s Scholarship starts at $11,000 – one-third of tuition!

Typically awarded to students with a high school GPA > 3.2 or students with an HS GPA > 2.95 and are in the top 40%of their class and have an ACT composite of 21 or higher (SAT 1080 EBW & M). Four-year value $44,000.

Alumni Scholarship starts at $8,000 – almost one-quarter of tuition!

Typically awarded to students with a high school GPA >2.75, students with an HS GPA <2.75, and an ACT composite of 18 or higher (SAT 970 EBW & M). Four-year value $32,000.

Scholarship awards requiring additional evaluation at Otterbein University

Opportunity Scholarship

This last-dollar award covers the direct cost of tuition up to the student’s total financial need as determined by the FAFSA after all federal and state aid, including the Direct Student loan, has been applied.

Must be an Ohio resident with a family income of $60,000 or less or be a federal Pell Grant recipient. Amount varies. The Opportunity Scholarship does not cover room and board or books. FAFSA required.

Housing Grants

It may be offered to students choosing to live in a university residence hall (not available for students living in apartments, theme houses, fraternity and sorority houses, or commuting.) Award amounts vary.

Renewable if the student remains in eligible university housing. Stacks on base merit award. FAFSA required.

Otterbein United Methodist Ministerial Grants $500 to $7,000

Awarded to Otterbein students whose parent or guardian is a United Methodist Minister and who has unmet financial needs. Replaces all other Otterbein need-based aid. FAFSA Required.

Full Tuition Scholarships

Otterbein awards three full-tuition scholarships through an essay competition. The value of this award replaces all other Otterbein aid. 

By invitation only. You must apply by December 15.

Battelle Half Tuition Scholarship

Competitive award for student leaders from Franklin and contiguous counties. Stacks on base merit award. The value of this award replaces all other Otterbein aid. 

By invitation only. You must apply by December 15.

Adult and transfer student scholarship at Otterbein University

Transfer students with less than 30 earned credit hours will be considered for the same scholarships, but their complete academic history will be used (high school GPA, class rank, ACT/SAT scores, and college GPA). All students can file for need-based aid by completing the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.gov.

Associate Degree Scholarship – $17,000

We want to ensure all Community College graduates from an accredited institution know they are valued and will make a great addition to the Cardinal family. Students who have already earned their Associate’s Degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher are eligible for our Associate Degree Scholarship.

Students must remain in full-time status while completing their Bachelor’s degree to maintain the Associate Degree Scholarship.

Presidential Scholarship – $15,500

Awardees have an accumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for college-level work

Provost Scholarship – $11,000

Awardees have an accumulative GPA of 2.71-3.4 for college-level work

Alumni Scholarship – $8,000

Awardees have an accumulative GPA of 2.0-2.7 for college-level work

For more information on available scholarships at Otterbein, please visit HERE.

Graduate Studies at Otterbein

Otterbein University offers a range of graduate programs in various fields. These programs include:

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2. Master of Arts in Educational Mathematics
3. Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
4. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
5. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Each graduate program has its own admission requirements and application process. Generally, applicants must provide transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and in some cases, scores from standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT.

In addition to the specific requirements for each program, there may be additional requirements for international students, transfer students, or applicants with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

Suppose you are interested in pursuing graduate studies at Otterbein University. In that case, visiting their website or contacting their admissions office for more information on specific program requirements and the application process is best.

What is Campus Life Like In Otterbein University?

Otterbein is a perfect campus picture. The campus environment in Columbus, Ohio, is fun, has top attractions, and is highly secure. The school can be the next home with the vast opportunities available on campus.

You can start a new club, volunteer, perform in our marching band, cheer for the Cardinals in the Red Zone, take advantage of our rich Art Scene shows and exhibits, or catch up with friends on our student-friendly campus.

At Otterbein Universities, roommates quickly become friends, and pizza parties on Wednesday nights turn into doughnut runs on Friday nights.

As a residential campus, Otterbein expects all students to live in campus housing until their senior year unless they live at home with their parents within a 30-mile radius of campus.

While the students are encouraged to have as much fun as they can, students of Otterbein find time for academics and educational discussions.

Otterbein’s dining service cares about delicious food, dietary needs, allergies, and nutrition as much as sustainable practices. Meals made from scratch with options that match your schedule and preferences — What more?!

Welcome to campus life! Claim your space and make it your own — from your room to your favorite place to study, hang out, or soak in your picture-perfect campus.

Conclusion

I hope this article satisfies your search intent. Do well to make the best out of this guide. Cheers!

FAQs On Otterbein University Admission

References

• otterbein.edu – School’s official website
• collegesimply.com – Otterbein University Admission Requirements

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