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

Washington Monthly 

Otterbein University has been named by Washington Monthly as one of America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting 2020 for its high student voter registration and student voting rates, as well as its ongoing efforts.  

True to this recognition, Otterbein is launching a new #otterbeinVOTES campaign on Constitution Day, Sept. 17. The campaign will lead several initiatives, including voter registration drives, classroom visits, and transportation to polls. 

To make the Washington Monthly list, schools must have submitted an ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge action plan in 2018 and 2020. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a nonpartisan, national initiative recognizing and supporting campuses as they work to increase nonpartisan, democratic engagement and full student voter participation.  The Challenge encourages higher education institutions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship and make democratic participation a core value on their campus. 

Otterbein received a gold seal from the Challenge for achieving a student voting rate between 40% and 49% in the 2018 Midterm Election.  

US News & World Report 

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 U.S. News & World Report 2021 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” Otterbein is ranked in the top 15% among 156 peers in the Regional Universities–Midwest category and 10^th in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.”  

Additionally, Otterbein was recognized on the following lists: 

• “Best Colleges for Veterans” 
• “Best Value School” 
• “A+ School for B Students”  

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

Colleges of Distinction 

Otterbein has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction. Otterbein received program-specific recognition in Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, and Career Development. 

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/.