Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. 

U.S. News Best Colleges 

Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. 

In the 2024-2025 U.S News Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein is ranked 13th among 163 peers in the Regional Universities–Midwest category. It is in the top 3 regional universities in Ohio. Otterbein moved up seven places over last year’s ranking. 

Additionally, Otterbein was recognized on the following lists: 

• Best Value Schools – Otterbein jumped 9 places to rank 17th in its category. 

• Top Performers on Social Mobility Regional – Otterbein jumped 45 places to rank 44th, in its category. 

• Undergraduate Engineering Programs (no Doctorate) – Otterbein ranked #205 nationally among colleges and universities with undergraduate engineering programs. 

Otterbein’s focus on undergraduate teaching and experiential learning opportunities prepares its students for success in their careers, as reflected in the University’s impressive outcomes.  The Class of 2023 reported that 96% were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or serving in the military within six months of graduation, and 87.4% of those employed are working in their major, minor, or are business owners/entrepreneurs.  

Among its more than 60 undergraduate majors, Otterbein offers programs in many high-demand STEM careers, like nursing and engineering, as well as programs in business and communication, health and sport sciences, social sciences and the arts and humanities, and is committed to providing opportunities to students who might not realize college is attainable.  

The entire survey can be viewed at usnews.com/best-colleges. 

Washington Monthly  

Washington Monthly has recognized Otterbein University for its contributions to the public good in its 2024 College Guide and Rankings. Among 589 Master’s Universities, Otterbein ranked 7th in the service category, which encompasses community and national service. The rankings can be viewed at https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024-college-guide.  

Colleges of Distinction 

Otterbein has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for 2024-2025. Otterbein received program-specific recognition in Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Career Development. Otterbein was also recognized for its Equity and Inclusion. 

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of a review of each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, alumni success, strategic plan, student satisfaction, and more. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. 

In addition to the College of Distinction inclusion, the Field of Study badges that Otterbein earned are true marks of honor in the world of higher education, representing programs that invest in student engagement in fields that demand innovative, critical thinking. Colleges of Distinction has granted these awards after a comprehensive vetting process, individually selecting schools based on such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, and a track record for success. More information can be found at https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/otterbein-university/.  

Money Best Colleges and The Columbus Dispatch 

The Columbus Dispatch named Otterbein University the second most affordable private university in Ohio, and the seventh most affordable university in Ohio when publics are also considered, based on a study conducted by Money.  

The Columbus Dispatch reviewed data collected by Money to identify the 10 best Ohio colleges based on tuition affordability. The Money study looked at 745 colleges and ranked them based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more. The Columbus Dispatch then compiled a list of the 10 most affordable Ohio colleges according to Money, with grant money included in the per-year cost.  

The full Money Best Colleges listing is online at https://money.com/best-colleges/.  

The Columbus Dispatch story is available at https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/06/28/most-affordable-ohio-colleges-universities/74235555007/.