Communication and Media Studies at Ottawa University-Online
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ottawa University-Online's communication program sits right at the Kansas median for earnings ($33,465), but graduates here carry slightly less debt than typical—$27,000 versus the state median of $25,159. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81, graduates would need about 10 months of their full salary to cover their loans, which is manageable. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, and they tell us more about a handful of individual outcomes than a reliable program-wide pattern.
The real challenge is that communication degrees from Kansas schools generally trail their in-state counterparts. Even the top program at University of Kansas only reaches $40,772—still below the national 75th percentile of $39,662. Ottawa's online graduates earn about $7,300 less than KU graduates, placing them near the bottom of Kansas options despite ranking at the 60th percentile statewide. Nationally, this program performs below average at the 42nd percentile.
For families weighing this investment, the relatively low debt load is a plus, but the modest earning potential means graduates will likely face real budget constraints early in their careers. If your child is set on communications, comparing the online program's outcomes and cost to Ottawa's traditional campus (which shows identical earnings) or considering Kansas's higher-performing options would be prudent before committing.
Where Ottawa University-Online Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies 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-Online graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ottawa University-Online graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Online | $33,465 | — | $27,000 | 0.81 |
| University of Kansas | $40,772 | $52,304 | $22,250 | 0.55 |
| Washburn University | $39,932 | $41,062 | $21,875 | 0.55 |
| Emporia State University | $37,095 | $38,330 | $26,000 | 0.70 |
| Wichita State University | $35,035 | $40,440 | $25,159 | 0.72 |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | $33,465 | — | $27,000 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas Lawrence | $11,700 | $40,772 | $22,250 |
| Washburn University Topeka | $9,578 | $39,932 | $21,875 |
| Emporia State University Emporia | $7,356 | $37,095 | $26,000 |
| Wichita State University Wichita | $9,322 | $35,035 | $25,159 |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa Ottawa | $35,300 | $33,465 | $27,000 |
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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.