Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 looks manageable on paper, but there's significant uncertainty here. Based on the national median for Business/Managerial Economics bachelor's programs, Ottawa University-Online graduates would earn around $53,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $24,000 in debt—figures derived from peer institutions rather than Ottawa's actual outcomes. The 30% Pell grant population suggests the school serves many price-sensitive students, making that debt load particularly relevant for families calculating affordability.
The challenge is that neither earnings nor debt figures come from Ottawa-Online's actual graduates in this program, so you're essentially betting on whether this specific online program will perform like the typical managerial economics degree nationally. Similar programs across the country show a wide range—top performers hit $60,000+ in first-year earnings, while others fall below. Where Ottawa-Online lands in that spectrum matters enormously for whether that $24,000 debt feels reasonable or burdensome, especially since online programs can vary dramatically in employer recognition and career support.
Before committing, push the admissions office for more concrete outcomes data: job placement rates, employer partnerships, where recent graduates actually landed. The national benchmarks suggest this credential *can* lead to a viable career start, but without knowing how Ottawa-Online's graduates specifically fare, you're making a financial decision with less information than ideal.
Where Ottawa University-Online Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ottawa University-OnlineOverland Park | — | $53,219* | — | $24,000* | — |
 Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis | $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 |
 Brigham Young UniversityProvo | $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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-Online, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.