Otterbein University's published cost of attendance is $48,321. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,458, middle-income families pay around $16,478, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,620.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $48,321 |
| Tuition and Fees | $35,548 |
| Room and Board | $13,236 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,554 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$29,084 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,237 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,458 |
| $30–48k | $12,659 |
| $48–75k | $16,478 |
| $75–110k | $23,061 |
| $110k+ | $24,620 |
Otterbein University's published cost of attendance is $48,321. Need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,458, middle-income families pay around $16,478, and higher-income families pay approximately $24,620. Azimuth ranks Otterbein University #880 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Otterbein participates in federal need-based aid programs, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, alongside institutional aid. The institution's aid structure aims to meet demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families apply using the FAFSA to determine eligibility and aid packages. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $39,500; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $58,068, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Otterbein University earn median 4-year earnings of $58,068, placing Otterbein University in the 33.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $2,727 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Otterbein University in the 46.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Otterbein University #830 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Otterbein University's concentration in health-related fields. Nursing is the largest program with 59 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $80,188, representing 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Teacher Education program graduates 28 students earning $47,383 four years after enrollment, while Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General and Business Administration round out the institution's primary program portfolio with four-year earnings of $62,364 and $70,328 respectively. This program mix — anchored in Health — drives consistent outcomes across Otterbein University's graduate cohort and supports long-term career stability in fields with sustained employer demand.
