Information for Future Students
Are you looking for a college that’s right for you?
Here’s what our students tell us helps them stand out. They know students at other schools aren’t getting the same level of attention or opportunity — having multiple internships or doing research with faculty from year one — let alone getting published and presenting at national conferences. At Otterbein, you’ll be in contention for major internship opportunities and adding experiences to your resume that students at other schools simply don’t get until later. Otterbein specializes in preparing you for all that comes next in life.
EXPLORE Otterbein.
Are you ready to learn more about Otterbein University and explore if this could be the perfect fit for your college home? Talk with an admission counselor about everything we have to offer you. Make time to explore Otterbein’s scholarship opportunities and learn more about how we keep college affordable for most families. Finally, let us help you plan your perfect customized campus visit so you can see this place for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
Admission Team
Meet your counselor
Refer a Future Cardinal.
We’re always looking for great new Cardinals to join our flock. We welcome your recommendation on a student you think might be a great fit for Otterbein.
VISIT campus.
We have a wide range of options available for you to visit Otterbein. Connect with students, faculty, and our admission counselors to find out about everything our campus and the cities of Westerville and Columbus have to offer.
Tour the Residence Halls
Take an online tour of our first-year residence halls.
Virtual Campus Tour
Explore Otterbein's beautiful campus.
Plan your visit.
Check out the #Travel section of our Visit Otterbein page for information on how to get to campus, where to park, places to stay, and more!
START your application.
This is a big decision, but you’re not alone. We know that Otterbein is the perfect place to take all your talent and build a great career and life with it. We’ll be here for you every step of the way.
UNDERGRADUATE
TRANSFER
COLUMBUS STATE PATHWAY PROGRAMS
GRADUATE SCHOOL
ADULT ADMISSION
INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
I am currently in high school or am 22 years old or younger and have never attended college before.
First-year, first-time students use the Common Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Undergraduate Admission page.
I have taken college level courses before and am looking to switch to Otterbein.
Transfer students use our Transfer Student Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Transfer to Otterbein page.
I am a current Columbus State student following a pathway program.
Columbus State students should use the transfer admission application to apply to Otterbein after earning their associate degree. Visit our Transfer page for more details.
I have an undergraduate degree and am looking to advance my education with a higher-level degree program.
Visit our Graduate School page for information about graduate programs at Otterbein or open our Graduate Admissions page for details and instructions.
I am 24 years or older and looking to come to college for the first time.
Adult students use our Adult Student Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Adult Student Programs page.
I am an international student outside of the U.S. or currently in the U.S. with a non-resident visa status.
First year International students attending college for the first time should use the Common Application to apply for admission. International students who want to transfer credit from another institution should use the International transfer application.
I am a current high school student wanting to take college courses while enrolled in high school through the College Credit Plus or Otterbein Collegiate Institute programs.
Visit our College Credit Plus page to learn more about the opportunity to take college courses at Otterbein while in high school.
UNDERGRADUATE
I am currently in high school or am 22 years old or younger and have never attended college before.
First-year, first-time students use the Common Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Undergraduate Admission page.
TRANSFER
I have taken college level courses before and am looking to switch to Otterbein.
Transfer students use the Coalition Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Transfer to Otterbein page.
CSCC
I am a current Columbus State student and part of the Dual Admission program.
CSCC Dual Admission students use the apply to Otterbein through our partnership with CSCC. Visit our Columbus State Dual Admission page for details and instructions.
GRADUATE
I have an undergraduate degree and am looking to advance my education with a higher-level degree program.
Visit our Graduate School page for information about graduate programs at Otterbein or open our Graduate Admissions page for details and instructions.
ADULT
I am 23 years or older and looking to come to college for the first time.
Adult students use the Coalition Application to apply for admission at Otterbein. For additional materials and instructions, visit our Adult Student Programs page.
HUMANITIES
I am an international student outside of the U.S. or currently in the U.S. with a non-resident visa status.
First year International students attending college for the first time use the Coalition Application to apply for admission. Students who want to transfer credits from another institution use the Coalition Application to apply. For additional materials and instructions, visit our International Admissions page.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
I am a current high school student wanting to take college courses while enrolled in high school through the College Credit Plus or Otterbein Collegiate Institute programs.
Visit our College Credit Plus page to learn more about the opportunity to take college courses at Otterbein while in high school.
Admission to Otterbein is based on a student’s overall potential for academic success. Otterbein places more emphasis on the academic transcript, as we believe it is one of the best indicators of student success and college preparation. Students are also considered for the unique talents and contributions they will offer the Otterbein community.
APPLY for Scholarships and Financial Aid.
At Otterbein, we are committed to opportunity. If you want a college education, Otterbein wants to make sure you can afford it. The information below will let you explore the wide range of opportunities we have to offer as you complete your application to the university.
Explore our Commitment to Affordability
100%
of traditional first-year students receive merit and/or need-based aid.
| FAMILY INCOME | AVG. NET TUITION & FEES (AFTER AID) | FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN ELIGIBILITY |
| OCOG recipient (<$42,800) | $0 | $5,500 |
| Pell recipient (<$60,000) | $4,122 | $5,500 |
| <$125,000, no Pell | $9,983 | $5,500 |
| >$125,000 | $13,326 | $5,500 |
| Did not file FAFSA | $16,268 | N / A |
Aid includes all Otterbein merit, talent, and need-based aid, plus state and federal need-based aid.
Otterbein awards more than
$35 million
in academic MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
and GRANTS every year as part of our
commitment to making a 21st century
education affordable.
You can learn more about what your merit scholarship and financial aid package might be by using Otterbein’s Cost Estimator.
– Otterbein’s FAFSA Code is 003110
– FAFSA applications are available online at studentaid.gov: December, 2023
– FAFSA priority filing date for May 1 decision: January 31, 2024
NEXT steps…
Follow these suggestions to stay connected and on track. We can’t wait to have you join the Otterbein family!
Contact Otterbein Admissions
uotterb@otterbein.edu
614-823-1500
Clippinger Hall
1 South Grove St.
Westerville, OH 43081
IT’S EASY TO BECOME A CARDINAL!
