The university is named for United Brethren founder, Philip William Otterbein.

The north end of the campus is home to most underclassman housing, the health and physical education department, athletic facilities, as well as the Clements Recreation Center.

In its 2012 edition of "America's Best Colleges", Otterbein was ranked 14th in the "Regional Universities (Midwest)" category by U.S. News & World Report.

Other awards include: the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 6 straight years.

Other ensembles include Marching Band, Opus One vocal jazz, Cardinal Singers (formerly Women's Chorale), Vox Otterbein (formerly Men's Chorus), Otterbein Singers, The Anticipations rock cover band, Jazz Combo, Early Music, and Red Noise, the new music ensemble.

A BA degree in Theatre is also available, which allows students to tailor the major to suit their interests in directing, writing, and stage management among others.

The Otterbein Cardinals compete in NCAA Division III, as a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference.

They sponsor ten men's and ten women's varsity sports, including: Otterbein's history of social Greek organizations dates back to 1908, when members of the debate society started Pi Beta Sigma Fraternity, with Sigma Alpha Tau Sorority being founded in 1910.

12 of the 14 Greek chapters on campus are local, meaning they were founded and exist only at Otterbein.

Any full-time sophomore, junior or senior Otterbein student in good standing with the university is eligible to live in a university-operated house.