Analysis
Ohio's Management Sciences graduates show a wide spread, and Otterbein likely lands somewhere in the middle of that range based on similar programs statewide. The estimated $57,927 first-year salary matches the state median but trails the national figure by about $4,000, suggesting geography may limit early opportunities. Meanwhile, debt loads around $24,840 are fairly typical for private universities in Ohio offering this major.
The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment if those peer-program earnings hold trueβmonthly loan payments would consume roughly 6-7% of gross income under standard terms. That's workable, though not particularly advantageous compared to what you'd see at state flagships. The real wildcard is whether Otterbein's specific outcomes mirror those of comparable Ohio programs or fall closer to the lower performers like Ohio Northern. With an 83% admission rate and moderate SAT scores, the university draws a different student profile than Miami or Ohio State, which could affect career placement and starting salaries.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable but not exceptional value. If your student has offers from Ohio's public universities with reported outcomes in the $68,000-$75,000 range, those represent clearer financial wins. Otterbein might make sense if fit and support services justify the modest debt premium, but don't assume the career outcomes will match what flagship programs deliver.
Where Otterbein University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,899 | $57,927* | β | $24,840* | β | |
| $17,809 | $74,770* | $69,671 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $12,859 | $68,814* | $78,642 | $20,500* | 0.30 | |
| $12,613 | $47,040* | $63,587 | $24,050* | 0.51 | |
| $37,800 | $45,730* | $50,493 | $25,000* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | β | $62,069* | β | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 median of 4 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.