FAQs

Why should I attend a private liberal arts college like Otterbein?
Otterbein offers you a lot of choices when it comes to selecting a major since there are as many as 49 majors and 37 minors. At the same time, it is a relatively small college with 3,100 students, which means, that classes are small and you can get individual attention from your professors. On average, there are only 14 students for each professor teaching at the college.

How can I afford a private college like Otterbein?
That's a very good question and you should plan your finances very carefully. It is true that costs for attending Otterbein are higher than at a state university. However, financial aid and scholarships are available to help you afford college. It's good to keep in mind that 95% of Otterbein students receive financial assistance.

How is the Gateway Program different from regular college?
The major difference between Gateway and regular college is that you and a small group of other students will have a special sequence of classes you are taking (English class is open only to Gateway students). The main focus will be on developing your English, math, and reading/study skills, which will help you make the transition to regular college classes in your major. In addition, you will meet frequently with your academic advisor/mentor to discuss your progress toward your educational goals.

How is college different from high school?
The greatest difference is perhaps that you will be expected to take ownership of your own learning. That means your success in college will very much depend on you becoming a responsible and active learner pursuing your education because you want to learn (and not because you're made to be there!). No doubt, this will a great shift in thinking on your part. Another difference is that the subject matter is going to be much more challenging and there will be more of it. As a result, you'll have to develop new strategies for processing large amounts of information.

Will I fit in at Otterbein?
Whether you'll fit in at Otterbein will of course very much depend on you. But as a student from a multicultural background you might be interested to learn that Otterbein students come from 29 U.S. states and 26 countries from around the world. It's also worth noting that about 10% of incoming students are students of color and that Otterbein is continually increasing the number of students, professors, and staff of color. Finally, there are many on-campus cultural and ethnic organizations at Otterbein which are open to all students, regardless of race, national origin, or religion. You can become part of organizations such as the African-American Student Union (AASU), Sisters United, the Asian Student Interest Association (ASIA), and the International Student Association (ISA), to name just a few. Also see Diversity at Otterbein.