Ottawa University-Kansas City: 223 Students

223Students

$55,552Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24American Baptist

About Ottawa University-Kansas City

Ottawa University's Kansas City campus operates as a tight-knit learning community with just 223 students enrolled. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know every student by name. This American Baptist-affiliated institution focuses heavily on adult and working professionals, offering flexible degree programs designed around busy schedules.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students graduate with a median debt load of $21,500, which translates to monthly loan payments of just $228. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $55,552, making the debt burden quite reasonable compared to typical college costs. About 46% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income students.

The student body skews heavily female, with women making up 82% of enrollment. This reflects the school's strength in fields like nursing, education, and social work that traditionally attract more women. The 97.4% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes, though the 46.52% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates face challenges meeting their payment obligations. The diverse student population includes 30% students of color, creating a multicultural learning environment in suburban Overland Park.

Academics & Faculty

Ottawa University-Kansas City operates as a small private university with an strongly intimate academic environment. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide intensive mentoring. With only 223 students total, classes resemble graduate seminars more than typical undergraduate lectures. The university maintains its American Baptist heritage while serving a diverse student body that is 82% female. Students often choose Ottawa for its personalized approach to adult and continuing education programs. The employment rate of 97.4% reflects the practical, career-focused curriculum that emphasizes real-world application. Most students are working professionals seeking to advance their careers through flexible degree programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,369
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,437

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Ottawa University-Kansas City operates from a compact urban campus in Overland Park, just 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City. With only 223 students and a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know virtually everyone by name within your first semester. The student body is overwhelmingly female at 82%, creating a collaborative atmosphere that reflects the school's focus on adult and working professionals.

Kansas winters demand a heavy coat and snow boots, while summers reach the 90s with high humidity. Most students commute rather than live on campus, as this branch primarily serves working adults pursuing career advancement. Weekend social life centers around Kansas City's attractions rather than traditional campus events. The Overland Park location puts you minutes from the Country Club Plaza shopping district and Kansas City's barbecue scene.

Nearly half of students receive financial aid, with a median debt load of $21,500 that's manageable given the strong employment rate of 97.4%. The American Baptist affiliation influences the school's values-based approach to education.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–38°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 13.8"

Student Demographics

Ottawa University-Kansas City draws primarily working professionals seeking career advancement, with women making up over 80% of the student body. This gender split reflects the campus's focus on health sciences, education, and social work programs that traditionally attract female students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves middle and lower-income learners looking to improve their economic prospects. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic and Black representation alongside a white majority. Most students are local Kansas City area residents drawn to the school's flexible scheduling and practical degree programs.

Men: 17.9%
Women: 82.1%
White: 70.4%
Black: 9.9%
Hispanic: 14.8%
Asian: 0.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.2%

Location

Ottawa University-Kansas City sits in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The campus is roughly 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, placing students in a thriving suburban environment. Overland Park ranks among the most educated cities in Kansas, with a median household income well above the national average. The Kansas City metro area offers internship opportunities across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Students benefit from big-city amenities while avoiding urban campus constraints. The region blends Midwestern values with metropolitan sophistication. Major employers like Sprint, Garmin, and Black & Veatch maintain significant presences nearby. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Ottawa University-Kansas City with similar schools in the region.

Address: Overland Park, Kansas 66211

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,681
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Ottawa University-Kansas City?

The campus enrolls just 223 students, creating an intimate learning environment. Women make up 82% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing and education that traditionally attract female students.

How much does Ottawa University-Kansas City cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which is relatively manageable for a private university. Nearly half of students receive financial aid, with 46% qualifying for federal Pell Grants based on financial need.

What are class sizes like at Ottawa University-Kansas City?

The student-faculty ratio stands at an exceptional 5:1, meaning students get highly personalized attention from professors. This small ratio reflects the university's commitment to individualized learning, a hallmark of the American Baptist educational tradition.

How successful are graduates from Ottawa University-Kansas City in finding work?

The employment rate reaches an impressive 97.4% for graduates. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $55,552, demonstrating strong career outcomes despite the small school size.

Where is Ottawa University-Kansas City located?

The campus sits in Overland Park, Kansas, a thriving suburb in the Kansas City metropolitan area. This location provides students access to internships and job opportunities in healthcare, business, and technology sectors throughout the greater Kansas City region.

Is Ottawa University-Kansas City affiliated with a religious denomination?

The university maintains ties to the American Baptist denomination, part of its heritage as a faith-based institution. Students benefit from values-centered education while the diverse student body includes 70% White, 15% Hispanic, and 10% Black students.