Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.7%
- Retention Rate
- 57.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $55,552
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
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 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Ottawa University graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,500, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 39% against their $55,552 median salary after 10 years. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 5% of typical graduate income, which sits below problematic thresholds. The 97.4% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success. Many graduates enter education given the university's reputation for teacher preparation, along with business and ministry roles reflecting its Baptist heritage. The relatively low debt burden compared to the $35,300 annual tuition suggests effective financial aid packaging. While earnings lag behind some peer institutions, the manageable debt levels and high employment rates create an average return on investment for students seeking personalized education in a faith-based environment.