Ottawa University-Kansas City
The Vibe Check
Ottawa University-Kansas City feels like a tight-knit professional hub rather than a traditional sprawling campus. It's an adult-focused learning environment where students are often balancing careers with their degrees, creating a mature and goal-oriented atmosphere. The vibe is practical, supportive, and deeply connected to the Kansas City business community.
Academics & Majors
The university specializes in career-ready programs with strengths in Health Professions, Education, and Business & Marketing. Classes are taught with a focus on practical application and flexibility, catering to working adults through evening and online options. While research opportunities are more limited compared to large research universities, the focus is on hands-on learning and internships.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Overland Park
Located in Overland Park, students have access to a vibrant suburban lifestyle with excellent dining, shopping at stores like Oak Park Mall, and outdoor spaces like the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. The campus is also a short drive from the cultural and nightlife hotspots of downtown Kansas City, including the Power & Light District and the Crossroads Arts District. For recreation, students can enjoy the nearby Corporate Woods park or catch a sporting event.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($55,552):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Overland Park campus is located in one of the safest cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The campus itself is a secure, professional environment, though it is integrated into an urban setting, so standard awareness of your surroundings is advised.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Highly flexible scheduling for working adults, including evenings and online
- ✓ Strong focus on practical, career-oriented majors like Health Professions and Business
- ✓ Generous transfer credit policy for prior learning and work experience
- ✓ Located in a safe, affluent area with strong local job connections
Cons
- ✗ Very small enrollment of 223 limits social diversity and campus life
- ✗ Limited on-campus housing and traditional 'college town' atmosphere
- ✗ Research opportunities are minimal compared to large public universities
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Ottawa University-Kansas City is known primarily for its adult-focused, career-oriented education. It excels in popular majors such as Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Education, and Psychology. The university is distinguished by its flexible learning formats, including evening and online classes, designed to serve working adults and non-traditional students in the Kansas City metro area.
Ottawa University-Kansas City has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. The acceptance rate is 100%, and the university does not require standardized test scores for admission. With an enrollment of just 223 students, the focus is on finding students who are a good fit for their adult-learner model rather than on competitive academic metrics.
Campus life is professional, mature, and academically focused, reflecting the university's adult-learner population. The environment is not centered on traditional undergraduate social activities like Greek life or large sports stadiums. Instead, students engage in study groups, networking events, and career-focused activities, often balancing their education with full-time jobs and family life. The small class sizes foster a close-knit community and personalized attention from faculty.
For its target demographic, Ottawa University-Kansas City can be a worthwhile investment. The 10-year median earnings of $55,552 provide a solid return, especially considering the high Pell Grant rate of 46.2%, which indicates significant financial aid availability. The value is highest for students in high-demand fields like Health Professions who leverage the flexible schedule to advance in their current careers while earning their degree.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 373
- Zip Code 66211
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings of $55,552, the degree offers a solid return on investment, particularly for in-state students. The high Pell Grant rate of 46.2% indicates a commitment to accessibility and affordability for lower-income students. Given the practical nature of its top majors, the investment is often justified by direct career advancement in high-demand fields.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.