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 yearβbeating the national median by more than $8,000βthis 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
Earnings Distribution
How Ottawa University-Ottawa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,300 | $39,596 | β | $27,562 | 0.70 | |
| $5,633 | $40,009 | $40,608 | $29,000 | 0.72 | |
| β | $39,596 | β | $27,562 | 0.70 | |
| β | $39,596 | β | $27,562 | 0.70 | |
| $9,578 | $38,264 | $37,297 | $25,249 | 0.66 | |
| $11,700 | $36,913 | $43,397 | $22,415 | 0.61 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.