Ottawa University-Milwaukee
Ottawa University-Milwaukee is a private nonprofit university in Brookfield, WI ranked #222 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, and enrolling about 57 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health and Medical Administrative Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 2:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,139. That's about $5,451 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Ottawa University-Milwaukee Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Ottawa University-Milwaukee does not report a six-year graduation rate and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Ottawa University-Milwaukee's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 46.0% of Ottawa University-Milwaukee students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,139
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,139
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.5%
- Employment Rate 87.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Ottawa University-Milwaukee graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Ottawa University-Milwaukee vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ottawa University-Milwaukee's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ottawa University-Milwaukee's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 57
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 2:1
How to Get Into Ottawa University-Milwaukee
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ottawa University-Milwaukee requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Ottawa University-Milwaukee is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ottawa University-Milwaukee undergraduates. Health and Medical Administrative Services, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 28.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 15.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.6%
- Human Services, General 12.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 10.9%
- Psychology, General 7.8%
See more majors
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.7%
- Management Information Systems and Services 3.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,207
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services $75,385
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,507
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $51,664
- 5. Human Resources Management and Services $49,063
- 6. Psychology, General $39,596
- 7. Human Services, General $35,168
- 8. Communication and Media Studies $33,465
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $61,364
- 2. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $52,174
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $76,207—128% more than Communication and Media Studies ($33,465). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $61,364 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Ottawa University-Milwaukee. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 57
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 17.5%
- Female Students 82.5%
- Caucasian 79.0%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 5.3%
- Black 10.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 46.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ottawa University-Milwaukee's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Ottawa University-Milwaukee's undergraduate population. Women make up 82.5% of the student body, while men represent 17.5%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ottawa University-Milwaukee support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 79.0% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 82.5% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ottawa University-Milwaukee support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Our Take
Ottawa University-Milwaukee offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 0.0% ROI. Ranked #222 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $0 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $49,139 median earnings. With 0.0% graduating within six years and 0.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Ottawa University-Milwaukee's Positioning
With a A- grade and #222 ranking, Ottawa University-Milwaukee competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $0 annually, Ottawa University-Milwaukee charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 0.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $0 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $49,139 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-10,000+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Ottawa University-Milwaukee ranks #222 of 6272 institutions, with 0 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $49,139 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- 87.6% employment rate within three years is 19.4 points above the national 68.2%.
- 2:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
- #222 of 6,272 national placement reflects steady performance among comparable institutions.
Helpfulness for Students
- 2:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.6% employment rate within three years sits 19.4 points above national outcomes.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Ottawa University-Milwaukee—a private nonprofit university in Brookfield, WI—at A- overall. It appears at #222 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support A, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 46.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $49,139 six years after enrollment. That sits about 12% above the national median.
Roughly 87.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ottawa University-Milwaukee admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Brookfield, WI 53005
- Website www.ottawa.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$329,637