Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ottawa University-Kansas City
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ottawa University-Kansas City's nursing program outperforms most Kansas alternatives while keeping debt unusually manageable. Graduates earn $76,207 their first year—placing this program at the 60th percentile statewide and slightly above the national median. More importantly, they carry just $34,747 in debt, well below both the Kansas and national median of $27,000... wait, that's backwards. Let me recalculate: they actually carry $7,747 MORE than typical nursing graduates, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains reasonable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about six months of gross income.
The real story here is value relative to Kansas options. This program ties for the highest first-year earnings among Kansas nursing schools in the dataset, matching Ottawa's online campus while charging slightly higher debt loads than the state norm. The fact that 46% of students receive Pell grants suggests this program successfully serves economically disadvantaged students while delivering competitive outcomes.
For families evaluating in-state nursing options, this represents a solid middle-ground choice. You're paying modestly more in debt than at some Kansas schools but landing near the top of state earnings. The math works—graduates should be able to service this debt level comfortably on an RN salary. Just recognize you're not getting a bargain; you're paying for access to stronger-than-average Kansas outcomes.
Where Ottawa University-Kansas City Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ottawa University-Kansas City graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ottawa University-Kansas City graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Kansas City | $76,207 | — | $34,747 | 0.46 |
| Ottawa University-Online | $76,207 | — | $34,747 | 0.46 |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | $76,207 | — | $34,747 | 0.46 |
| Southwestern College | $75,181 | — | $46,120 | 0.61 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | $74,861 | $82,469 | $39,232 | 0.52 |
| Washburn University | $71,210 | $64,619 | $25,250 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Online Overland Park | — | $76,207 | $34,747 |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa Ottawa | $35,300 | $76,207 | $34,747 |
| Southwestern College Winfield | $38,480 | $75,181 | $46,120 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas Topeka | $15,340 | $74,861 | $39,232 |
| Washburn University Topeka | $9,578 | $71,210 | $25,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ottawa University-Kansas City, approximately 46% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 44 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.