Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Ottawa, Kansas |
| Online | ottawa.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Religious Affiliation | American Baptist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Ottawa University's main residential campus is located in Ottawa, Kansas, approximately 45 miles southwest of Kansas City in the state's eastern region. Established in 1865 in collaboration with the Ottawa Indian tribe, the university maintains its historic roots through a traditional liberal arts campus featuring limestone buildings and modern academic facilities spread across 65 acres. As a private, Christian institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, Ottawa University operates with selective admission standards and offers undergraduate programs primarily in business, education, and health sciences. The campus provides traditional dormitory housing for its residential student population, and the Ottawa Braves compete in the NAIA's Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, where they have established a notable presence in basketball and football.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
OU is rated within the lower 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Ottawa University Ottawa within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#822 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#515 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Kansas
#6 in Best Private Colleges in Kansas
#46 in Best Value Colleges in Kansas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 880/1140 |
| ACT | 16/21 |
| GPA | 3.12 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $3,400 |
| Room and Board | $12,160 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,640 |
| Total One Year Cost | $52,300 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 33% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 18% |
| Education | 8% |
| Communication | 8% |
| English and Literature | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering OU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=155627 IPEDS survey data for Ottawa University Ottawa.
Current students may use the Ottawa University Ottawa GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025