Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A $26,500 debt load for a business degree sounds manageable until you see what similar Ohio programs produce. Based on eleven business programs across the state, the typical first-year salary runs just $28,900—nearly $22,000 below what Otterbein's peers nationally command. The estimated earnings here use a national benchmark of $50,740, but that figure may not reflect Ohio's reality, where business graduates at nearby schools like Wilberforce and Notre Dame College start in the $26,000-$31,000 range.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 looks reasonable if the earnings estimate holds, putting annual loan payments around 5% of gross income. But if actual outcomes track closer to Ohio's median, that same debt becomes a significantly heavier burden—closer to 11 months of salary rather than six. Otterbein's 83% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it draws students similar to other Ohio private institutions where business outcomes have been documented as much weaker.
Without actual graduate data for this specific program, parents are making a bet: either Otterbein defies Ohio trends and delivers national-level outcomes, or its graduates face the uphill financial reality common to business majors in the state. Given the $32,800 median debt at other Ohio business programs, the estimated figure here might even be optimistic. Request outcome data directly from Otterbein's career services before committing to this path.
Where Otterbein University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Otterbein UniversityWesterville | $34,899 | $50,740* | — | $26,500* | — |
 Wilberforce UniversityWilberforce | $14,776 | $31,290* | $49,391 | $35,674* | 1.14 |
 Notre Dame CollegeCleveland | $32,606 | $26,541* | — | $30,000* | 1.13 |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Otterbein University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.