Otterbein University vs Capital University: which has better ROI?
Otterbein University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $76,948 in 15.5 years versus 15.6 years at Capital University, on median earnings of $53,313 vs $54,143 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Otterbein University | Capital University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,237 | $22,576 |
| Total net cost | $76,948 | $90,304 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,313 | $54,143 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,889 |
| Payback | 15.5 yrs | 15.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $22,112 | $25,356 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Otterbein University or Capital University?
Otterbein University, at $19,237 a year after aid versus $22,576 — a gap of $3,339 a year, or $13,356 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Otterbein University or Capital University graduates earn more?
Capital University graduates report a median $54,143 ten years after entry, $830 more than the $53,313 at Otterbein University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Otterbein University or Capital University?
Otterbein University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,889 at Capital University, a difference of $889. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at Otterbein University, against 60% at Capital University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.