Otterbein ADVANTAGE PARTNERSHIP Program
At Otterbein, accessibility and affordability are never barriers to achieving higher education; they are the driving forces behind it. The innovative Advantage Partnership program exemplifies this commitment by partnering with employers throughout Ohio to offer a unique benefit — the advantage of a private university education at a public school price.
The Advantage Partnership program is designed to enhance equal accessibility by providing reduced tuition at Otterbein to both full- and part-time employees of participating organizations. Even more unique is the program’s expanded benefits: eligibility extends to the entire household, including dependent children, spouses, and domestic partners. This ensures that every member of the household can build their own success story at Otterbein.
Many families are already taking full advantage of this opportunity.
Cameron Wages, a current sophomore majoring in Finance, said Otterbein was an unexpected yet perfect fit. He had driven past Otterbein’s campus, but didn’t know much else about the University. However, he knew he wanted a small school close to home that fostered a strong sense of community.
His mother, Stephanie Wages, has worked at OhioHealth for more than eight years and first learned about the Advantage Program through a co-worker’s success story. She encouraged Cameron to take a closer look.
While the Advantage Scholarship was a key factor in his decision to choose Otterbein, Cameron has become actively involved on campus. Among other things, he is a leader on the new Esports team, which won the National Association of Collegiate Esports division championship in Valorant. He also values his close relationship with his academic advisor, Stephen Osborne, who chairs the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics.
“Receiving the Advantage Scholarship reassured me that Otterbein was the place for me. After visiting the campus and loving it, seeing the scholarship helped support my decision to attend Otterbein.”
See the ADVANTAGE
2020
The Advantage Partnership program was established.
24
Employers partnering with Otterbein.
740+
Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce members benefiting from Otterbein’s Advantage Partnership.
$80,000
$20,000 Otterbein Advantage Scholarship renewable for FOUR years = $80,000.*
15%
Discount eligible to associates and their spouses or domestic partners are eligible to receive a discount on per-credit-hour charges.
238
Total students who have received the Advantage Scholarship since 2021.
165
Students receiving the Otterbein Advantage Scholarship this year.
14
Employees and spouses/domestic partners currently taking advantage of the Advantage Partnership discount.
* Otterbein Advantage Scholarship represents a 57% discount off of Otterbein’s 2024-2025 tuition. Students’ net tuition price is $15,024 before state, federal or institutional need-based aid or loans.
Danielle Halterman, a sophomore majoring in Adolescentto-Young-Adult Education with an Intervention Specialist License, has a deep-rooted connection to Otterbein. Her mother, Kay Freshour Halterman ’00, is an Otterbein alumna and a Columbus City Schools teacher, her grandmother, Mary Kay Milligan Freshour ’96, P’98, P’00, previously worked in Otterbein’s Office of Financial Aid, and her grandfather, James Freshour ’70, P’98, P’00, also attended Otterbein. Despite these strong ties, Danielle initially doubted whether Otterbein would be financially accessible for her family.
“I’m the seventh person in my family to attend Otterbein. It feels like home here. Receiving the Advantage Scholarship confirmed my decision to attend Otterbein.”
~Danielle Halterman, sophomore Elementary Education
Halterman family at Homecoming & Family Weekend.
She knew Otterbein’s education programs offered the immersive experiences she wanted and was close to home, so Otterbein stayed on her list. When comparing financial aid offers, Danielle was surprised to see Otterbein emerge as one of her three most affordable options, thanks to the Advantage Scholarship.
Today, Danielle said Otterbein has become a second home and the Education Department has exceeded her expectations. As a resident assistant, Danielle fosters a love for the Otterbein experience by advising incoming students and supporting their transition into the University. She encourages other students whose parents work for Advantage Partnership companies to check out Otterbein.
Otterbein Advantage Partners
Want to see your company on the Advantage Partner list? Ask your HR office to contact Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23 at bailey1@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1355.