Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Ottawa University-Kansas City

Ottawa University-Kansas City's teaching program sits right at the national median for earnings ($42,056 versus $41,809), but that's actually below average for Kansas, where teachers typically start at $43,014. Among the state's 27 teaching programs, this ranks at just the 40th percentile—meaning about 60% of Kansas programs produce higher-earning graduates. Top Kansas programs like Washburn and Friends University place graduates earning $4,000-$5,000 more annually, a meaningful gap when you're starting a teaching career.

The debt load of $25,583 translates to a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is reasonable for teaching. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need affordable pathways into education. The concern isn't whether graduates can manage their debt—they likely can—but whether they're getting the best positioning for their careers within Kansas's teaching market.

Keep in mind these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary significantly. For families committed to this institution for location or community fit, the program won't derail financial futures. But if you're comparing Kansas teaching programs purely on starting salary potential, several state schools consistently place graduates into higher-paying positions right from the start.