Student Financial Consumer Information

Choosing to pursue a college degree is an important decision.

Knowing how you’re going to finance your degree is also important. At Otterbein, we will work with you to put together a financial aid package to help you pay for your education. Getting to this spot is a big step. But you’re not alone. We’ll be here for you every step of the way.

  • Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

    The FSA ID is a username and password combination that serves as a student’s or parent’s identifier to allow access to personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems and acts as a digital signature on some online forms. Click here for the Department’s webpage with a questions and answers section, as well as a direct link to creating an FSA ID.

  • Net Price Calculator

    Click here to access our Net Price Calculator.

  • Special Provisions for Books and Supplies

    If your financial aid award is complete and will create a credit on your student account after the funds are credited, you may contact Student Accounts to have funds from the anticipated refund added to a bookstore account on your Cardinal Card to purchase books at the Campus Center bookstore. Pell Grant recipients may contact the Student Accounts Office to have funds added to the bookstore account on your Cardinal Card to purchase books at the Campus Center bookstore.

  • Financial Literacy

    Does the world of credit, banks and student loans seem intimidating?

    GradReady is here to help. It’s a money management website that has engaging videos and tools about real-world topics like credit, student loans and identity theft. This service is free for you to use, and because GradReady is online, it is right at your fingertips when your busy schedule permits.

  • Understanding Your Award

    We understand that this is one of the most important investments you and your family will make. We have compiled the answers about the types of aid you have been offered, loan processes, costs and billing, and consumer resources and information. View our Understanding Your Award document (PDF) for more information.

  • Code of Conduct for Student Loans

    In compliance with the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, Otterbein University follows a Code of Conduct by which all loan programs directly administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid adheres. More information is available here.

  • Campus Security

    Otterbein’s campus annual security report can be found here. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Otterbein and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters.

  • Drug Law Violations and Financial Aid

    A federal or state drug convictions can disqualify a student for federal student aid funds (FSA) if it was for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal Title IV aid. Click here to view the policy.

  • Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act

    Information regarding the University’s commitment to provide equitable opportunities available for men and women students may be requested from the Department of Athletics. Otterbein is a member of Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and, as such, follows their policies and principles. A student-athlete may receive financial aid through Otterbein’s established and continuing program to aid students. The University does not consider athletic ability as a criterion in the formulation of the financial aid package.

  • Student Right-to-Know

    In accordance with the Student Right-To-Know Act, section 668.44; of the Title IV Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, the Otterbein University annually publishes graduation, persistence and transfer rates. Copies of the current statistics are available through the Office of Academic Affairs.

  • The Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

    FERPA grants students certain rights in connection with educational records maintained at Otterbein University. Learn more here.

  • Nondiscrimination Policy

    Otterbein University is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunity regardless of sex, marital or parental status, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance by the way of grant, contract or loan. Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is similar in its prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, color or national origin. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. Additional information can be requested from the Director of Human Resources.

  • Services and Facilities for the Disabled

    Otterbein University adheres to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to provide requested services for disabled students as specified by the requirements contained in the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) policy guidelines. The University encourages disabled students or parents to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid if special arrangements are needed in regard to financial aid advising. Also see Disability Services.

  • Study Abroad

    Contact the Center for Student Success for information regarding Study Abroad programs at 614-823-1624.

  • Conflicting Information

    The Office of Student Financial Aid has authority to resolve any conflicting information in the student’s financial aid or other related educational records prior to determining or disbursing financial aid funds. In most cases, additional documents will be requested from the student or family. Failure to resolve the conflicting information with documentation acceptable to the Office of Student Financial Aid will eliminate financial aid eligibility.

  • Voter Registration

    Voter registration forms are available here or in the Office of Student Financial Aid.

  • Selective Service Registration

    Male students who are 18 years old must be registered with Selective Service to receive federal aid. Registration forms are available at any post office or you may register online at www.sss.gov/.

  • Student Veterans

    Otterbein will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • Other Web Sites

    Additional on-line information about financial assistance is available through the following addresses:

Special Circumstances

Families who have had significant changes in their financial status after the student’s FAFSA has been submitted are advised to contact Otterbein University’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Depending upon the allowable circumstances, adjustments to the financial aid award may be possible through the Financial Aid Special Circumstance Committee.

Examples of changes that could affect the family contribution are:

  • Separation/divorce
  • Involuntary unemployment
  • Excessive medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance

The first step in the Special Circumstance process is to consult with a Financial Aid Counselor.  The counselor will review your circumstance with you and determine if it meets the criteria for our appeal process.  The submission of a Special Circumstance does not always result in increased financial aid eligibility. In fact, due to corrections made during the initial audit, your financial aid may be reduced or could remain unchanged.