Otterbein University
About Otterbein University
Founded in 1847, Otterbein is a small, private, liberal arts university located in Westerville (about 15-20 minutes from Downtown Columbus). Over 2300 students are enrolled at Otterbein's campus with over 60 undergraduate majors and 40 minors.
Otterbein Pathways Program
Otterbein's Pathways Program with Columbus State Community College means students can earn two degrees for less than half the cost of a single, four-year degree at an Ohio public university. The program provides clear academic plans, offers advising support and is such a valuable way to help students transition smoothly from Columbus State to Otterbein.
Students interested in the Pathways Program must choose one of the 2+2 pathways programs (see list below) to participate. Other pathways may become available as Otterbein and Columbus State are committed to creating these additional opportunities for students.
Pathways Programs students who complete an associate's degree with a 2.75 GPA or higher are guaranteed admission to Otterbein and an Otterbein Associate Degree Scholarship of $17,000 per year. Pathways Programs students 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. Specific academic programs may have additional admission requirements. Otterbein encourages all students to apply for Federal Financial Aid.
Enrollment in the program is NOT required to transfer to Otterbein nor does enrollment in the program mean that you MUST attend Otterbein. Students may opt-in and opt-out at any time.
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.
Contact Otterbein
Jennifer Hicks (Jhicks@otterbein.edu) works with students looking to transfer to Otterbein University. Jennifer welcomes inquiries from students who are just beginning their studies at Columbus State to those who have already graduated and are planning on transferring to Otterbein. You may also contact Jennifer by phone at (614) 823-1344.
Mary Mosca (mmosca@otterbein.edu) works with students who've opted into the Otterbein Pathways Program as well as international transfer students. Students with questions about the Pathways Program and/or international transfer admission are welcome to contact Mary via email or by phone at (614) 823-1652.
Virtual Transfer Information Sessions
Register here for Otterbein’s Transfer Tuesday. You will learn about Otterbein's transfer friendly environment, set in the perfect location, with all the right personal touches. You will hear about the transfer process, application requirements, how to manage your successful transition, credit evaluations, internships and financial aid options. To Register, go to visit.Otterbein.edu to sign up for our Transfer Tuesday events.
Virtual Residence Hall tours can be found on Instagram @otterbeinuadmit
Virtual Transcript Evaluation for Students
Transfer students who are interested in an unofficial transcript evaluation for transfer credit to Otterbein should email their transcripts to Jennifer Hicks at jhicks@otterbein.edu
Otterbein Pathways