Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa University-Ottawa is a private nonprofit university in Ottawa, KS ranked #1724 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 870 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 83.0%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health and Medical Administrative Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 58.3% first-year retention, and 27.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $27,963, about $10,965 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -56.1%, roughly 141.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,139. That's about $5,451 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Ottawa University-Ottawa has an acceptance rate of 83.0%, annual tuition of $35,880, average net price of $27,963, and a national rank of #1724 (Grade C), with a 27.9% six-year graduation rate, about 870 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,139 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Ottawa University-Ottawa 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-Ottawa graduates 27.9% of students within six years and keeps 58.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Ottawa University-Ottawa'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 | $35,880 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,646 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,058 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,856 |
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 36.8% of Ottawa University-Ottawa students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,449 to $30,771 depending on family income. Use Ottawa University-Ottawa's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,199/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,771/year
See all income brackets →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-Ottawa 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-Ottawa vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ottawa University-Ottawa's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ottawa University-Ottawa's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Ottawa University-Ottawa graduates earn $49,139 median, the -56.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 420-500
- SAT Math 330-500
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 870
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 58.3%
- Graduation Rate 27.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Ottawa University-Ottawa
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ottawa University-Ottawa 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 83.0%, Ottawa University-Ottawa is relatively open. 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.
EDsmart Insight: With a 83.0% acceptance rate, Ottawa University-Ottawa is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 750 and 1000 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ottawa University-Ottawa undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Management Information Systems and Services draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 29.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 14.9%
- Management Information Systems and Services 6.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.9%
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Human Services, General 5.0%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.0%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 4.0%
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. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $45,345
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $42,056
- 8. Psychology, General $39,596
- 9. Human Services, General $35,168
- 10. 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 reports fully online programs for Ottawa University-Ottawa. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Human Services, General
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Music
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Engineering, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Psychology, General
- Information Science/Studies
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Communication and Media Studies
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 870
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 61.8%
- Female Students 38.2%
- Caucasian 50.2%
- Asian 1.0%
- Hispanic 18.9%
- Black 14.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ottawa University-Ottawa's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Ottawa University-Ottawa's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ottawa University-Ottawa support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ottawa University-Ottawa, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 61.8% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ottawa University-Ottawa support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ottawa University-Ottawa, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ottawa University-Ottawa offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -56.1% ROI. Ranked #1724 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,963 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,139 median earnings. With 27.9% graduating within six years and 58.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Ottawa University-Ottawa's Positioning
With a C grade and #1724 ranking, Ottawa University-Ottawa competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,963 annually, Ottawa University-Ottawa charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 58.3% 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 $19,574 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -56.1% 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 $17,963+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Ottawa University-Ottawa ranks #1724 of 6101 institutions, with 1251 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
- 27.9% six-year graduation rate sits 34.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 58.3% first-year retention is 18.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -56.1% return on investment is 141.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,139 run about 12% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,963 is roughly $10,566 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 58.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.6% employment rate within three years sits 19.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,963 is about $10,566 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 36.8% trails the national share by 2.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ottawa, KS, Ottawa University-Ottawa operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1724 nationally Category results include Completion (C-), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).
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.
About 58.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 27.9% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -56.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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
Families pay about $27,963 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,856.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,893 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.8% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,139 at the median. This is roughly 12% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 87.6% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -56.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
83.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
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-Ottawa 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ottawa University-Ottawa's acceptance rate?
Ottawa University-Ottawa's acceptance rate is 83.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Ottawa University-Ottawa cost?
At Ottawa University-Ottawa, listed tuition and fees are $35,880 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,963. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Ottawa University-Ottawa's ranking?
Ottawa University-Ottawa ranks #1724 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Ottawa University-Ottawa's graduation rate?
At Ottawa University-Ottawa, the six-year graduation rate is 27.9%, and first-year retention is 58.3%.
What are Ottawa University-Ottawa's job outcomes?
Graduates of Ottawa University-Ottawa report median earnings of $49,139 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Ottawa University-Ottawa's student population?
Ottawa University-Ottawa enrolls about 870 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Ottawa, KS 66067-3399
- Website www.ottawa.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$3.9M