Otterbein University

Otterbein University is a regionally accredited liberal arts university founded in 1847 with the vision of providing an inclusive and broad minded institution to everyone.

The institute is one of the National Colleges of Distinction.

Located in Westerville, Ohio, the university is very close to Columbus, America’s 15th largest city. The college has a population of around 3,000 students from throughout the United states and foreign countries. 

Here are some factors which make Otterbein one of the best places to study in the USA:

• One of America’s first universities to offer admissions to women and people of color
• One of only six schools in the country to serve as the site for the Association of American Colleges and Universities project on Experiential learning
• Recognized for its renowned integrative studies curriculum 
• Launched the historic 50 million USD campaign Where We Stand Matters towards building a model community, enabling accessible and affordable education to all

Programs offered at Otterbein include undergraduate, graduate as well as individualized courses of study. It currently offers more than 70 major and 44 minor courses.

Quick Fact: America’s first university to include women as faculty. 

Rankings

According to US News Rankings, Otterbein University holds these positions:

• #20 in Regional Universities MidWest
• #10 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
• #39 in Top Value Schools

According to Niche rankings, Otterbein holds :

• #7 of 69 Best College Locations in Ohio
• #19 of 71 Colleges With The Best Academics in Ohio

Highlights

Otterbein University Programs, Campus, and Accomodation

Programs

Otterbein University offers more than 70 majors and 44 minors in undergraduate programs. It also offers five graduate programs in business administration, education and nursing. 

Business, marketing, management,visual and performing arts, nursing and health profession related programs are among the most popular majors. The average starting salary of an Otterbein graduate is 35,200 USD.

Campus

Otterbein boasts of a lush green, picture-perfect campus. What’s more, the campus is barely 15 minutes drive away from the bustling city of Columbus, often called the ‘Brain Magnet’. While students can live a quiet life in the safe and small community of Westerville, they are always open to the big opportunities in the city.

The residential campus is brimming with fun and activities once the classes are over. 

Volunteer clubs, marching bands, Art clubs or 2 AM doughnut runs are some highlights from the everyday life of this student-friendly campus. Their musical theatre group is one of the best in America. Otterbein’s varsity team ‘Cardinals’ have a whole website dedicated to them!

Accomodation

There are various options available to Otterbein students seeking accomodation inside or outside the campus.

On-campus

Since Otterbein is a residential campus, it expects all its students to live in campus housing until their senior year. It offers a variety of housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to suites and apartments.

Off-campus

There may be some students who meet one or more criteria which may enable them to live off campus. For example, if a student has a spouse or children, or has lived in Otterbein or any other residence hall for three full years, they may be allowed to do so.

The Student of Affairs Office also provides a handy guide to make this transition smoother. The guide contains basic but thorough information related to apartment hunting, tenant- landlord responsibilities, and many tips for safety and for arranging essentials.

Incase any student has not been approved for off-campus status and is found otherwise living outside the campus, they will be automatically assessed full room and board charges for the entire academic year.

Otterbein University Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of living an academic year is tabulated below:

Quick Fact: 99% of First year students receive some sort of need-based financial aid.

Otterbein University Admission/Application Process

Otterbein is a home to about 3,000 students from America and many other nations. International students can apply through the Common Application. The deadline is December 1st and October 1st for Fall and Spring semesters respectively. Interested candidates are required to submit a 50 USD Application fee.

How to apply?

The University typically sends an application decision within 2-4 weeks after all the application documents have been submitted. Aspiring candidates can apply for admissions by providing following documents :

• Completed Application form along with the essay 
• Enrollment fee of 150 USD
• Proof of English proficiency:

• Official school/college transcripts for four years of high school/secondary school evaluated by WES or ECE

Students need to submit the following documents [email protected]

 upon acceptance:

• Proof(s) of financial support
• Copy of passport
• Copy of student visa

Quick Fact: SAT/ACT scores and letter(s) of recommendations are optional.

Financial aid/ Scholarships

The University offers many awards and scholarships to any student who needs it, based on various parameters. Students entering the academic year of can avail any of the following:

• Academic Merit Scholarships based on academic performance, high school rank, GPA, SAT/ACT score and maintaining it till the end of the second year of study.
• Housing grants may be offered to students opting for living on campus in traditional residence halls with meal plans. These grants are not available for those who choose to live outside campus(including theme houses and Greek houses)
• Talent Awards are also available on the basis of auditions, portfolios, or interviews.
• Competitive scholarships like Otterbein Full Tuition Scholarship Competition and Battelle Half Tuition Scholarship.

International students are encouraged to apply by December 15th so that they have maximum options. In case of new information or updates, the deadline is January 31st.

Following are the scholarship opportunities which will be provided to international students entering the academic year:

Work while you study

Otterbein provides students employment on-campus and through community service.

Once enrolled, students can then schedule interviews with prospective employers and sort their hiring documents.

• Who all are eligible for work-study?
  • International students who are studying on F-1 visa
  • Students then need to complete and submit form I-9 within three days of their employment.
  • Students can contact the Centre for Career and Professional Development incase of trouble while logging on to Handshake.
• How many hours can you work?
  • Students are permitted to work 20 hours in a week. They may work only while their classes are in session.
• How are you paid?
  • Students will be paid on the 10th of every month.
  • The students will be paid according to the actual hours worked in the previous month.
• How to find jobs on campus?
  • Students can find jobs by logging in to their Handshake.
  • Students can search for jobs available in the campus as well as the outer community of Westerville.

Alumni Network

The office of alumni relations provides numerous opportunities to stay connected. As an alumni, you get lifetime access to the Alumni Online directory,transcripts from the Registrar’s office and even an affinity program with Liberty Mutual, along with special discounts. 

List of a few notable alumni:

• Benjamin Hanby - American poet, educator and Pastor
• Rachael Harris - American actress and Comedian
• Jonathan Bennett - American actor and model