Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ottawa University-Kansas City

Ottawa University-Kansas City's business program positions itself squarely in the middle of the Kansas market, matching the state median earnings of $51,627 while charging the state-typical $27,000 in debt. This puts graduates about $6,000 ahead of the national median for business programs, though Kansas students have access to stronger options: five schools in the state produce graduates earning $55,000 to $60,000 within their first year. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 is manageable, and with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves many first-generation college families.

The concern here isn't the starting position—it's the lack of trajectory. Earnings barely budge between year one and year four, suggesting graduates may hit a ceiling early in roles that don't require the credential for advancement. Compare this to programs where business degrees open doors to management tracks with meaningful salary progression.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers middle-of-the-pack results at middle-of-the-pack cost. The debt load won't be crushing, but your student will likely need to be strategic about their first job and proactive about career advancement to justify the investment over time. If they're choosing Ottawa for location or fit, the numbers are workable—just don't expect the degree alone to drive significant income growth.