At $28,083/yr net price, Ottawa University-Ottawa graduates earn $55,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,083 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,332 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,092/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,749/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,099/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,480/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,254/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Ottawa University-Ottawa graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The financial picture at Ottawa University-Ottawa is weak. You pay $28,083 a year net, and only 28.7% of students finish. That combination is the core problem: most people who enroll leave without the degree they borrowed for, and leaving with debt but no credential is the worst outcome you can land in.
Median earnings ten years out land around the mid-$50,000s, but the three bachelor's programs with reported data pay far less. Business Administration is the strongest at roughly $39,000, and it carries the lowest debt of the three at $20,000. Teacher Education pays a bit less with slightly more debt. Health and Physical Education is the worst deal here: the lowest pay, near $32,000, paired with the highest debt at $27,000. If you enroll for that major, the math does not work in your favor.
The retention rate of 57.6% is the risk to watch. Four in ten first-year students don't come back, and each year you pay before dropping out is money spent with nothing to show. Business is the safest bet if you're set on this school, since it clears its own debt load fastest.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay about $21,000 a year. over $110,000, you pay about $30,000. A $9,000 spread across the entire income range means low-income families get little relief here, and $21,000 a year is steep money against a 28.7% chance of graduating.
This school fits you if you're committed to Business Administration and confident you'll finish. If you're undecided, price-sensitive, or looking at Health and Physical Education, a cheaper public option will leave you with less debt and better odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa University-Ottawa worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Ottawa University-Ottawa has concerning ROI metrics with a 29% graduation rate and $55,552 median earnings after 10 years against a $28,083 annual net price. The low graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying programs at Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Business Administration graduates earn around $39,369 annually, while Education majors earn $36,437. These earnings are below national averages for college graduates, but the $21,500 median debt load is manageable if you complete your degree.
How much debt do Ottawa University-Ottawa students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $21,500, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, with only 29% of students actually graduating, many take on debt without earning a degree.
Should I attend Ottawa University-Ottawa for teacher education?
Teacher education graduates earn $36,437 annually, which is typical for the field. The main concern is the school's 29% graduation rate, meaning 7 out of 10 students don't finish their teaching degree.