About Ottawa University
Since its establishment in 1865, Ottawa University has been affiliated with Baptist churches and since 1905 has had a specific affiliation with the American Baptist Church. The university’s purpose is “to provide the highest quality liberal arts and professional education in a caring, Christ-centered community of grace which integrates faith, learning, and life.” Ottawa University has multiple campuses, with its main campus located in Ottawa, Kansas.
Ottawa University offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level that can be earned entirely online from the Ottawa Online Campus. These online degrees are flexible, allowing you to earn your degree and a paycheck at the same time.
Accreditation & Licensing
Ottawa University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Post-master's certificateReligious Affiliation:
American BaptistEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 809 ; Graduate: 713Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 87% ; Graduate: 14%Graduation Rate:
43%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$55,552Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
41%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$7,131Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Ottawa University
All Programs
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Healthcare
Math & Science
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
Ottawa University uses eight-week classes, so students can move ahead in short, clear blocks. This pace works well for adults balancing school and a full-time job. Some programs follow a simple weekly rhythm, with one evening class of about three hours.
Cost and schedule are key reasons many students choose OU. The setup can help working adults keep earning while they study. Views on cost vary, but the path to finish is straightforward. Short terms, steady weekly work, and writing-focused classes help students stay on track from day one to graduation.
At Ottawa University, support often feels personal and caring. Staff are friendly and ready to help. Professors are usually easy to reach and talk with. Many students move through admission with clear steps and steady guidance from start to finish.
Day-to-day service can be mixed at times. Messages from offices are not always consistent, and aid or paperwork follow-through may vary. Even so, classroom access to faculty is a real strength. When students need help with learning, they can often find it quickly.
Ottawa University runs many online classes in eight-week blocks. Some paths are almost entirely online. Some classes meet in person one night weekly, about three hours. Meeting locations can be convenient and spread out.
This schedule can fit full-time work. The pace is quick and steady. Classwork includes lots of writing and deeper thinking. The format works best with regular weekly study time.
At Ottawa University, classes feel personal and focused. Small class sizes make room for real discussion. Many students know their professors by first name. That close contact gives courses a direct, conversation-based style.
The workload is serious and writing is a big part of it. In many eight-week terms, papers come fast. Courses are built for deeper thinking, not quick or easy credit. Ottawa University is a strong fit for learners who want engaged professors, active discussion, and a steady weekly pace.
Ottawa University is a fit-based school. It is not for everyone. The biggest strength is personal scale. Professors are often known by first name.
That closeness shapes daily class life. The format is clear and practical. Courses run in eight-week blocks. Some paths include one evening in-person meeting weekly.
Each meeting is about three hours. This can work with full-time jobs. The pace is fast and writing-heavy. Support is mixed across the school.
Some learners get smooth help start to finish. Others hit uneven admin communication and follow-through. Cost value is also mixed. OU works best when expectations match its personal, writing-intensive, sometimes hybrid structure.
Ottawa University is a fit-based school. It is not for everyone. The biggest strength is personal scale. Professors are often known by first name.
That closeness shapes daily class life. The format is clear and practical. Courses run in eight-week blocks. Some paths include one evening in-person meeting weekly.
Each meeting is about three hours. This can work with full-time jobs. The pace is fast and writing-heavy. Support is mixed across the school.
Some learners get smooth help start to finish. Others hit uneven admin communication and follow-through. Cost value is also mixed. OU works best when expectations match its personal, writing-intensive, sometimes hybrid structure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa University
Is Ottawa University accredited?
Yes. Ottawa University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Ottawa University offer?
Ottawa University offers 72 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Ottawa University offer?
Ottawa University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Ottawa University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Ottawa University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Ottawa University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Ottawa University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Ottawa University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Ottawa University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.5 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Ottawa University military friendly?
Ottawa University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Ottawa University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Ottawa University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Ottawa University accept life experience credit?
Ottawa University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Ottawa University programs fully online or mixed?
Ottawa University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Ottawa University offer?
Ottawa University has online program options in areas such as Business, Education, Psychology & Human Services, and Healthcare; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Ottawa University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Ottawa University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Ottawa University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Ottawa University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Ottawa University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Ottawa University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Ottawa University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Ottawa University is featured in 29 of our ranking reports!
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We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Ottawa University is located in Kansas
Kansas at a Glance:

Top Majors in Kansas:
Top Incentives in Kansas:
- Kansas Comprehensive Grant: Up to $3,500 annually
- Kansas State Scholarship: Up to $1,000 annually
- Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Up to $5,536 annually
Top Career Pathways in Kansas:
- Entry Level: Manufacturing Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Engineering Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Aerospace Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP, Six Sigma
- Entry Level: Farm Operations Manager ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Agribusiness Executive ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Science
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg
- Entry Level: IT Analyst ($60,000)
- Mid Level: IT Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: IT Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Information Technology
- Certifications: CISSP, PMP, AWS






























