Otterbein University vs Hiram College: which has better ROI?
Hiram College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,232 in 14.2 years versus 15.5 years at Otterbein University, on median earnings of $54,311 vs $53,313 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Otterbein University | Hiram College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,237 | $21,058 |
| Total net cost | $76,948 | $84,232 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,313 | $54,311 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 15.5 yrs | 14.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $22,112 | $34,788 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Otterbein University or Hiram College?
Otterbein University, at $19,237 a year after aid versus $21,058 — a gap of $1,821 a year, or $7,284 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 Hiram College graduates earn more?
Hiram College graduates report a median $54,311 ten years after entry, $998 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 Hiram College?
Otterbein University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Hiram College, a difference of $1,000. 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 55% at Hiram College. 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.