Otterbein University

Information About the Program Enrollment

Before you can enroll in the Otterbein Pathways Program, you must be a member of the Otterbein Connect organization on Blackboard and complete the "Intent to Participate in the Otterbein Pathways Program" form located within the organization. Completion of this form allows CSCC to share your profile and academic information at the conclusion of each semester you are enrolled and enables Otterbein to advise you on eligibility for admission and scholarships, as well as progress toward completion of your bachelor's degree. Only students who are currently enrolled at CSCC may join the Otterbein Connect Blackboard organization and participate in the Otterbein Pathways Program.  Prospective CSCC students can enroll in the program once they officially enroll in CSCC and begin their courses. Alumni of CSCC or non-enrolled students are not eligible.

Current Students: If you are already a member of the Otterbein Connect organization on Blackboard, click on the “Organizations” tab on your Blackboard landing page on the left-hand side menue and click on “Otterbein Connect”.  Once on Otterbein Connect, look to the left side menu and opt in by clicking on the “Otterbein Pathways Program Enrollment Form” under the Otterbein Pathways Program section.  

If you are NOT already a member of the Otterbein Connect organization on Blackboard (viewable under the "Organizations” tab on Blackboard) and are a currently enrolled student, then you will need to complete the form below to become a member:

Otterbein Connect Blackboard Membership Request

Students with questions about the program are encouraged to reach out to Otterbein representatives at the contact information below. 

Benefits for Columbus State Graduates

• Students who graduate with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will be guaranteed admission to Otterbein. Some academic programs may require separate applications beyond the university admissions application.  Students who graduate with these degrees and a 2.75 overall GPA will be awarded the Columbus State Scholarship of $17,000 (with full-time, non-residential enrollment at Otterbein) Graduates of Columbus State who have a 2.0 to a 2.74 GPA are guaranteed admission to Otterbein and are reviewed for merit funding on an individual basis.
• Courses with grades of "C" or higher will be transferred. 
• To determine how individual courses from Columbus State transfer to Otterbein, students should consult Otterbein's Course equivalency information.
• Information specific to transfer students from Columbus State to Otterbein
• Resources for transfer students at Otterbein
• Apply to Otterbein online with no application fee. 

Beginning with your first semester of study, Columbus State and Otterbein representatives work together to:

• Ensure all requirements are met to earn both an associate and a bachelor's degree through sharing of academic information.
• Communication regarding important benchmarks in a student's academic program and information about programs of interest at Otterbein.
• Establishment of an Otterbein student email account.
• Map the academic path so you know what to take at Columbus State and Otterbein and lock in your academic catalog year. 
• Participate in clubs and organizations on Otterbein's campus (except NCAA athletics).
• Complete the application process your last semester at CSCC in anticipation of earning your associate's degree.

Transfer Scholarships available including, but not limited to the following: 

The Opportunity Scholarship

Otterbein's opportunity scholarship is a statewide, full-need program that covers the direct cost of tuition, up to the student's full financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Opportuntity Scholarship is awarded to:

Ohio residents whose families earn $60,000 or less, OR

Ohio residents that are Pell Grant recipients. 

This scholarship applies after all federal and state aid has been applied, including, the federal Direct Student Loans. The Opportunity Scholarship does not cover room and board or books.

Students receiving the Ohio College Opportunity Grant are awarded full tuition without calculating the value of the federal direct student loan into the scholarship. OCOG is typically awarded to families with incomes less than $50,000. This no loan to tuition program allows students to graduate debt-free.