Otterbein University vs Muskingum University

Otterbein University and Muskingum University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Otterbein, located in Westerville, Ohio, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Muskingum's 67%. With a larger student body, Otterbein provides a more diverse range of academic programs, including popular majors like Business, Education, and Nursing. Muskingum, nestled in New Concord, Ohio, excels in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with notable programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. While Otterbein's student body is predominantly female, Muskingum maintains a more balanced gender ratio. Both universities share a commitment to student success, reflected in their impressive graduation rates. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two outstanding universities. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Muskingum University	Otterbein University
Overview
Location	New Concord, Ohio	Westerville, Ohio
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	68.0%	80.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian	Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.6%	82.9%
Application fees	$20	$40
SAT range	N/A	1028 - 1233
ACT range	N/A	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		12.0%
Students submitting ACT score		65.0%
Total number of applicants	2,504	3,537
Total number of admissions given out	2,144	2,932
Admitted students who chose to enroll	422	570
Yield rate	19.7%	19.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$44,786	$49,638
Average net price	$18,575	$22,138
Tuition	$29,300	$33,224
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,200 Meal plan: $5,850	Room/dormitory: $6,318 Meal plan: $5,674
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $23,812	100.0% Average amount $23,065
Students receiving federal student loan	97.0% Average amount $6,447	94.0% Average amount $7,792
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $7,725	9.0% Average amount $13,529

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,580 Men 45.6% Women 54.4%	2,253 Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
Graduate students	591 Men 21.2% Women 78.8%	352 Men 29.8% Women 70.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	13.3%
International students	1.7%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,144	1,268
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Ohio New York Michigan Florida Texas

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	51.3%	69.2%
Dropout rate	47.9%	9.2%
Transferred out	N/A	21.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,931 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $57,825 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,476 Year 2: $46,790 Year 3: $50,174 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,175 Year 2: $42,363 Year 3: $48,532 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,619 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $46,002 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,838 Year 2: $32,772 Year 3: $37,952 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,682 Year 2: $28,236 Year 3: $37,640 Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $34,835 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,358 Year 2: $30,305 Year 3: $34,095 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,844 Year 2: $29,322 Year 3: $32,514 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,659 Year 2: $111,017 Year 3: $112,239 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,815 Year 2: $59,858 Year 3: $61,251 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $60,614 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,332 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $50,181 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,872 Year 2: $35,060 Year 3: $43,144 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,792 Year 2: $44,170 Year 3: $42,185 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $22,912 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $37,500 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,416 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $37,480 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,439 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $37,205 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,081 Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $34,506

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Otterbein University and Muskingum University?

Otterbein University, located in Westerville, Ohio, is known for its strong theatre and performing arts programs, as well as its commitment to experiential learning. Muskingum University, situated in New Concord, Ohio, emphasizes a liberal arts education with a focus on leadership development and community engagement. Otterbein tends to attract students interested in a more urban environment, while Muskingum offers a more traditional, small-town college experience.
Where are Otterbein University and Muskingum University located?

Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, offering easy access to a major metropolitan area. Muskingum University is located in New Concord, Ohio, a smaller, more rural town providing a close-knit campus community.
What is the student population size at each university?

Otterbein University has a student population of around 3,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Muskingum University has a smaller student body, typically around 2,200 students.
How do the academic programs compare between Otterbein and Muskingum?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs. Otterbein is particularly strong in theatre, music, and nursing, while Muskingum excels in education, business, and natural sciences. Both institutions emphasize a liberal arts foundation, but Otterbein has a stronger focus on pre-professional programs.
What is the campus environment like at Otterbein versus Muskingum?

Otterbein's campus is integrated into the charming uptown Westerville area, offering students access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Muskingum's campus is more self-contained, providing a traditional college atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
What are the athletic programs like at Otterbein and Muskingum?

Both Otterbein and Muskingum are members of the NCAA Division III and offer a variety of varsity sports. Otterbein's athletic teams are known as the Cardinals, while Muskingum's teams are called the Fighting Muskies. Both universities offer a competitive athletic environment with a focus on student-athlete development.
What is the cost of attendance at Otterbein University and Muskingum University?

The cost of attendance varies depending on factors such as tuition, fees, room and board, and financial aid. It's best to check the official websites of Otterbein University and Muskingum University for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students afford their education.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both Otterbein and Muskingum offer a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. Otterbein benefits from its proximity to Columbus, offering students access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. Muskingum provides a more close-knit campus community with a strong emphasis on student involvement and leadership development.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both Otterbein and Muskingum offer career services to help students with career exploration, resume writing, and job searching. Otterbein's location near Columbus provides students with access to a larger job market and internship opportunities. Muskingum also has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable internship experiences.
What are the admission requirements for Otterbein and Muskingum?

Admission requirements vary, but generally include a high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though many schools are test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. It's best to check the official websites of Otterbein University and Muskingum University for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements and deadlines.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific major, like Biology?

While both universities offer Biology programs, Muskingum is often recognized for its strong natural science programs, including Biology, with dedicated research facilities. Otterbein also has a solid Biology program, and its proximity to Columbus may offer more diverse internship opportunities in related fields. Students should research the specific faculty, research opportunities, and curriculum of each program to determine the best fit.
How do the graduation rates compare between Otterbein and Muskingum?

Graduation rates can vary from year to year. It's recommended to consult the official websites of Otterbein University and Muskingum University, as well as resources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), for the most current graduation rate data. These rates can provide insight into student success and retention at each institution.

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