Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,596
95th percentile (60th in KS)
Median Debt
$27,562
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.70
Manageable
Sample Size
30
Adequate data

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

Ottawa University-OttawaOther psychology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ottawa University-Ottawa$39,596$27,5620.70
Fort Hays State University$40,009$40,608$29,0000.72
Ottawa University-Kansas City$39,596$27,5620.70
Ottawa University-Online$39,596$27,5620.70
Washburn University$38,264$37,297$25,2490.66
University of Kansas$36,913$43,397$22,4150.61
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Kansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.