Otterbein University Acceptance Rate & Test Scores

Westerville, OH · Private · 4-year

  • Acceptance rate: 85% for fall 2024
  • ACT, middle 50%: 22–28 composite
  • Average net price: $22,242 a year (2022–23)
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Add a test score to compare it with what Otterbein University reported: an acceptance rate of 85% for fall 2024 and an ACT middle 50% of 22–28.

Plan the grades I need

A guide based on reported data, not a prediction. Otterbein University reviews each application.

Otterbein University GPA requirements

Otterbein University requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

Federal data doesn't include GPA averages, and Otterbein University hasn't published one we could verify, so this page doesn't list an average GPA.

Otterbein University acceptance rate

Otterbein University admitted 3,316 of 3,923 first-year applicants for fall 2024, an acceptance rate of 85%, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Otterbein University is a private nonprofit 4-year university in Westerville, Ohio, with 2,211 undergraduates.

SAT and ACT scores

Scores of the first-year students who entered Otterbein University in fall 2024 and submitted them. Half of them scored between the 25th and 75th percentiles:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
ACT Composite222528
ACT English212428
ACT Math212427
25% submitted ACT scores, as Otterbein University reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard estimates an average SAT score of 1220 for admitted students.

Admission requirements

What Otterbein University looks at when it decides on first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024:

Admission factorStatus
High School GPAYour cumulative high school grade point average.Required
High School RecordYour transcript: the courses you took and the grades you earned.Required
College Preparatory ProgramCompletion of a college preparatory curriculum in high school.Required
Essay or Personal StatementA personal statement or essay written for your application.Required
High School Class RankYour ranking relative to other students in your graduating class.Considered if submitted
RecommendationsLetters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors.Considered if submitted
Test ScoresSAT or ACT scores.Considered if submitted
Demonstration of CompetenciesEvidence of specific skills through portfolios, auditions, or other demonstrations.Considered if submitted
Work ExperiencePaid or volunteer work.Considered if submitted
Other TestsOther admission tests, such as the Wonderlic or WISC-III.Not considered
Legacy StatusWhether a parent or other relative attended the college.Not considered
Requirements can differ by program and applicant type, so check with Otterbein University's admissions office before you apply.

AP credit

Otterbein University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.

It doesn't award credit for life experience.

Average net price

First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average net price of $22,242 a year at Otterbein University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Net price is the full cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have a chance at Otterbein University with a 3.0 GPA?

GPA alone can't tell you here. Otterbein University admitted 85% of first-year applicants for fall 2024. It requires a high school GPA but hasn't published an average we could verify, so there's no admitted-student GPA to compare a 3.0 against. Your transcript and test scores are the clearer guide.

Is Otterbein University test optional?

Check Otterbein University's admissions website for the current rule: testing policies change from year to year. Otterbein University was test optional: it considered SAT or ACT scores if you sent them, it said in its report to the U.S. Department of Education (fall 2024). Of its fall 2024 first-year students, 25% sent ACT scores.

How important is GPA for getting into Otterbein University?

A lot: Otterbein University requires high school GPA, high school record, college preparatory program and essay or personal statement. It considers high school class rank, recommendations, test scores, demonstration of competencies and work experience if you send them. It doesn't consider other tests and legacy status. That's what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

What GPA does Otterbein University look for?

Otterbein University requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024. It hasn't published an average GPA we could verify, so we don't list one.

What is the acceptance rate at Otterbein University?

Otterbein University's acceptance rate was 85% for fall 2024: it admitted 3,316 of 3,923 first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Is it easy to get into Otterbein University?

For most prepared students, yes: at least 3 in 4 applicants got in. Otterbein University admitted 85% of first-year applicants for fall 2024.

What ACT scores do Otterbein University students have?

The middle 50% of Otterbein University's fall 2024 first-year students who sent scores had ACT composite 22–28, according to what the college reported to the U.S. Department of Education. A quarter scored below that range.

Does Otterbein University accept AP credit?

Yes. Otterbein University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.

Does Otterbein University look at legacy status?

No. Otterbein University doesn't consider whether a parent or other relative attended, according to its filing with the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.

What is the average net price at Otterbein University?

First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average of $22,242 a year at Otterbein University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.

Before you apply, check Otterbein University's official admissions site: requirements can differ by program and change from year to year.

Sources

  1. College Navigator: Otterbein UniversityU.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS (2024–25 provisional data): admissions, test scores and admission factors for fall 2024, undergraduate enrollment for fall 2024, net price for 2022–23 and credit policies for 2024–25.
  2. College Scorecard dataAverage SAT: an estimate by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (June 10, 2026 release).

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