Ottawa University-Ottawa: 78.2% Acceptance Rate

78.2%Acceptance

$35,300Tuition

935Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,552Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24American Baptist

About Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa University builds personal relationships between professors and students in a small Kansas town setting. The 935-student Baptist university has earned recognition for its teacher preparation program, emphasizing hands-on learning and individual attention. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than student ID numbers.

The financial picture tells a mixed story for families considering Ottawa. Students pay an average net price of $28,083 after aid, while graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $55,552, which helps explain the manageable monthly loan payment of $228. The school offers institutional grants averaging $23,303 to nearly 23% of students, making the education more affordable than the sticker price suggests.

Athletics dominates campus life in ways that surprise many prospective students. With 846 total athletes competing in 26 varsity sports, nearly every student participates in NAIA competition as a Brave. The university awards $9.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. However, the 28.7% six-year graduation rate and 57.6% retention rate suggest academic success requires significant personal motivation beyond the supportive environment.

Academics & Faculty

Ottawa University delivers personalized education through its 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing professors to work closely with each student. The Baptist-affiliated institution built its reputation on teacher preparation programs that have trained educators across Kansas for over 150 years. Students pursue liberal arts degrees in small classes where participation matters more than lecture hall anonymity. However, the 28.7% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement as part of its mission-driven approach. Faculty know students by name and often serve as mentors throughout the college experience. Academic support services help address the retention struggles that affect nearly half of each incoming class.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 92.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 28.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.7%
Retention Rate: 57.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

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
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$32,391

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Ottawa sits 45 minutes southwest of Kansas City, placing students in a town of 12,000 people surrounded by farmland. The campus houses 633 students, meaning about 68% of the 935 total enrollment lives on campus. Kansas winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall bring mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

With 846 total athletes across 26 varsity sports, nearly every student either plays or knows someone who does. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and notice when you miss class. The 63% male enrollment reflects the school's strong athletic programs and appeal to students seeking small-school sports opportunities. Weekends revolve around NAIA games, especially during football and basketball seasons when the Braves compete. Students often drive to Kansas City for shopping and entertainment, though campus activities and intramural sports keep many busy locally. The American Baptist affiliation shows up in optional chapel services and community service projects rather than strict rules.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 633 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–39°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.3"
Annual Snowfall: -765.4"

Student Demographics

Ottawa University draws students from across the Midwest, with nearly two-thirds coming from outside Kansas. The student body is 63% male, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's athletic programs and traditional career-focused majors. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the Baptist university serves many first-generation college students. The diverse campus includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. These working-class students often choose Ottawa for its teacher preparation programs and tight-knit community where everyone knows your name.

Men: 63.0%
Women: 37.0%
White: 53.4%
Black: 15.0%
Hispanic: 16.2%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 36.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.3%

Location

Ottawa University sits in Ottawa, Kansas, about 50 miles southwest of Kansas City. The campus serves 935 students in a small town setting surrounded by rolling prairie landscape. Ottawa itself has around 12,000 residents and maintains a quiet, close-knit community feel typical of eastern Kansas. The town centers around the university and local agriculture, offering students a peaceful environment removed from urban distractions. The 78% acceptance rate reflects the school's welcoming approach to students from both Kansas (36% in-state) and beyond. The rural Kansas setting provides outdoor recreation opportunities along the Marais des Cygnes River. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Ottawa University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ottawa, Kansas 66067-3399

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 acceptance rate at Ottawa University-Ottawa?

Ottawa University-Ottawa accepts 78% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 980, with middle 50% scores ranging from 860 to 1100. This Baptist-affiliated university focuses on personalized education with small class sizes.

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

The average net price is $28,083 after aid, though tuition starts at $35,300. Students with family incomes under $30,000 pay an average of $21,092 net. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this private Baptist university more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ottawa University-Ottawa?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with total enrollment of 935 students. This small size allows for personalized attention that the university emphasizes. The school is particularly known for its strong teacher preparation program.

What are the graduation rates at Ottawa University-Ottawa?

The 4-year graduation rate is 29%, with the 6-year rate at 29% as well. The retention rate is 58%, meaning many students leave after their first year. However, graduates earn a median salary of $55,552 ten years after graduation.

Where is Ottawa University-Ottawa located?

The campus is located in Ottawa, Kansas, a town setting that's distant from major metropolitan areas. Housing capacity is 633 students, allowing most of the 935-student body to live on campus. About 36% of students are from Kansas, while the majority come from other states.

Does Ottawa University-Ottawa have a strong athletics program?

The Braves compete in NAIA athletics with 26 varsity sports and 846 total student-athletes. The university awards $9.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 90% of the student body participating in athletics, sports are central to campus culture at this Baptist university.