Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa University-Ottawa's nursing program manages to outpace most Kansas nursing schools despite the institution's modest selectivity. With first-year earnings of $76,207, graduates earn over $7,800 more than the typical Kansas nursing graduate and slightly exceed the national median. Among Kansas programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable performance for a school with an 80% admission rate and average SAT scores around 1000. The program essentially ties with the university's online campus for top earnings in the state.

The financial structure works strongly in students' favor. At $34,747, median debt sits well above the state average, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable—graduates earn roughly $2 for every $1 borrowed. More importantly, this debt level ranks in just the 16th percentile nationally, meaning 84% of nursing programs nationwide leave students with higher debt burdens. That's an advantage that compounds over a nursing career.

For families seeking an accessible nursing program that doesn't sacrifice earning potential, Ottawa delivers. Your child won't need elite test scores to get in, yet graduates match or exceed outcomes from more selective Kansas institutions. The higher debt compared to state averages deserves attention, but the strong earnings trajectory makes this a workable investment for students committed to nursing careers.