Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,596
95th percentile
60th percentile in Kansas
Median Debt
$27,562
8% above national median

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 yearβ€”beating the national median by more than $8,000β€”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

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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ottawa University-OttawaOttawa$35,300$39,596β€”$27,5620.70
Fort Hays State UniversityHays$5,633$40,009$40,608$29,0000.72
Ottawa University-Kansas CityOverland Parkβ€”$39,596β€”$27,5620.70
Ottawa University-OnlineOverland Parkβ€”$39,596β€”$27,5620.70
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$38,264$37,297$25,2490.66
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$36,913$43,397$22,4150.61
National Medianβ€”$31,482β€”$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.