Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,552/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $22,000 |
Analysis
Ottawa University-Kansas City lands in mixed territory, and the gap between two headline numbers explains why. The school reports median earnings of about $55,552 ten years out, but the two bachelor's programs listed here,business administration and teacher education,pay $39,369 and $36,437. That spread tells you the strong median is not coming from these undergraduate tracks. If you enroll in either of these programs, plan around the lower figures, not the school-wide median.
Business administration is the better bet of the two. You earn roughly $3,000 more a year than in teacher education while carrying $2,000 less debt ($20,000 versus $22,000). Teacher education is the weaker deal on paper: you take on more debt for less pay. In the Kansas City metro, that math works only if a public teaching salary and its benefits, plus loan forgiveness for educators, matter more to you than raw early earnings.
The debt side is manageable. Median debt of $21,500 sits below a full year of the reported earnings, so you are not looking at a crushing balance. The risk is earnings, not borrowing. If your program pays in the high $30,000s and you borrow near the median, repayment stretches longer than the school's overall numbers suggest.
This school fits you if you want the business track and value a Kansas City-area private school close to work or family. If you are aiming for teacher education, weigh whether a cheaper public option gets you the same license for less. Check the net price tiers by income before committing,the lower your family income band, the more the aid changes what you actually pay, and that shifts the return more than any program choice here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa University-Kansas City worth the cost compared to other schools?
Ottawa University-Kansas City graduates earn $55,552 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With median debt around $21,500, the debt-to-income ratio is manageable but the overall return on investment lags behind larger state universities.
Which programs at Ottawa University-Kansas City have the best job prospects?
Business Administration graduates from Ottawa University-Kansas City earn around $39,369 annually, while Teacher Education graduates earn $36,437. Both figures are below national averages for these fields, making program choice less about high earning potential and more about career fit.
How much student debt do Ottawa University-Kansas City graduates typically have?
The median debt for Ottawa University-Kansas City graduates is $21,500, which is lower than many private colleges. However, this debt level represents about 39% of typical graduate earnings, requiring careful budgeting after graduation.
Should I attend Ottawa University-Kansas City if I want to maximize my earning potential?
Ottawa University-Kansas City is not the best choice for maximizing earnings, as graduate salaries are below national averages across programs. Consider this school if you value small class sizes and personal attention over high income potential.