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Ottawa University-Online

Grad Rate
43.2%
Enrollment
328
Median Salary
$55,552
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Ottawa University-Online offers a highly flexible and career-focused learning experience tailored for working adults. The vibe is practical and supportive, emphasizing real-world application over traditional campus traditions. It feels like a community of driven individuals balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Academics & Majors

The academic strengths lie in career-aligned fields like Health Professions, Business, and Education, with a curriculum designed for immediate professional impact. Teaching is centered on practical, adult-focused pedagogy with dedicated faculty support. Research opportunities are less traditional, focusing on applied projects relevant to students' current work environments.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
44.2%
Business & Marketing
20.9%
Education
18%
Psychology
5.2%
Public Administration
4.1%
Criminal Justice
2.9%
History
2.3%
Communications
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

43.2%
Graduation Rate
328
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

29.5%
Receive Pell Grants
45.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Overland Park

The online format means there is no traditional campus life in Overland Park; students connect virtually from anywhere. Students typically engage through online forums, virtual student organizations, and regional networking events. For fun, students often apply their learning directly in their current jobs or use their flexible schedule for personal pursuits.

Local Rent Check

$839 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Overland Park
Explore Overland Park

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,552):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

As an online institution, there is no physical campus to secure, eliminating traditional campus safety concerns. The virtual learning environment is monitored, and support services are available to ensure a secure and respectful online community.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptional flexibility for working adults and non-traditional students
  • โœ“ Career-focused curriculum in high-demand fields like Health and Business
  • โœ“ Supportive online environment with dedicated faculty and student services
  • โœ“ Strong potential for immediate application of learning in current jobs

Cons

  • โœ— Lacks traditional campus life and on-campus extracurricular activities
  • โœ— Limited in-person networking opportunities compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Smaller online community may feel less vibrant for students seeking a large social scene

Notable Alumni

Dr. Suzy Teele
Chief Marketing Officer at AdvancePierre Foods, known for her leadership in the food industry.
Dr. Tim L. Cottrell
Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Washington, Missouri, recognized for educational leadership.
Dr. John W. Springer
Retired Vice President of Academic Affairs at Ottawa University, a key figure in academic administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is known for its flexible, online degree programs designed primarily for working adults and non-traditional students. The university excels in career-oriented fields such as Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Education, and Criminal Justice. Its model emphasizes practical, real-world learning that can be immediately applied in the professional world.

Admissions are generally accessible, with an open-enrollment philosophy for its adult-focused programs. The university has a high acceptance rate, focusing more on a student's readiness and commitment than on traditional metrics like test scores. With an enrollment of just 328 students, the process is personalized, and applicants are encouraged to apply if they have a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant work experience.

There is no physical campus life in the traditional sense. Instead, students experience a virtual campus through an online learning platform that includes discussion boards, group projects, and virtual student organizations. Life is centered around asynchronous coursework, allowing students to study on their own schedule, with opportunities for online networking and support from faculty and advisors.

For its target demographic of working adults, the degree is often considered a strong investment. The 10-year median earnings of $55,552 provide a solid financial return, particularly when weighed against the flexibility that allows students to maintain employment. The value is enhanced by the practical, career-focused majors that align with employer needs, leading to direct pathways for advancement.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Mercy Hospital Cerner Corporation State Farm US Department of Veterans Affairs Amazon
Smart Start Score
58

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 584
  • Zip Code 66211

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 29% โ™€ 71%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings of $55,552, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially considering the practical nature of its top majors. The Pell Grant rate of 29.5% indicates accessibility for students with financial need, which can lower out-of-pocket costs. For working adults, the value lies in the ability to earn a degree without leaving a job, making the investment highly manageable.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.