Psychology at Ottawa University-Ottawa
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ottawa University-Ottawa's psychology program commands a premium price but delivers exceptional national performance that justifies the investment. With graduates earning $39,596 in their first year—beating the national median by more than $8,000—this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally while maintaining relatively modest debt at $27,562. The 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, allowing graduates to earn back their debt in less than a year.
The state context reveals an interesting nuance: while this program excels nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile within Kansas, where psychology programs generally outperform the national average. Ottawa University-Ottawa actually ties for second-best among Kansas schools, trailing Fort Hays State by just $400. This suggests Kansas invests heavily in psychology education, and Ottawa is riding that wave while charging slightly more than the state median debt of $27,281.
For parents weighing the investment, this program offers strong value despite the premium. Your child would graduate with earnings that significantly exceed most psychology graduates nationwide, and the debt burden remains reasonable enough to manage on a psychologist's starting salary. The 80% admission rate makes this accessible outcome worth serious consideration.
Where Ottawa University-Ottawa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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-Ottawa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ottawa University-Ottawa graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | $39,596 | — | $27,562 | 0.70 |
| Fort Hays State University | $40,009 | $40,608 | $29,000 | 0.72 |
| Ottawa University-Kansas City | $39,596 | — | $27,562 | 0.70 |
| Ottawa University-Online | $39,596 | — | $27,562 | 0.70 |
| Washburn University | $38,264 | $37,297 | $25,249 | 0.66 |
| University of Kansas | $36,913 | $43,397 | $22,415 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University Hays | $5,633 | $40,009 | $29,000 |
| Ottawa University-Kansas City Overland Park | — | $39,596 | $27,562 |
| Ottawa University-Online Overland Park | — | $39,596 | $27,562 |
| Washburn University Topeka | $9,578 | $38,264 | $25,249 |
| University of Kansas Lawrence | $11,700 | $36,913 | $22,415 |
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-Ottawa, approximately 35% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.