| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Location:
Main campus is in Ottawa, Kansas, with additional campuses and online programs available.
Founded: 1865
Affiliation: Christian (American Baptist Churches USA)
Type: Private, non-profit
Mascot: Braves
School Colors: Black and Gold
Ottawa, Kansas – Main residential campus
Phoenix, Arizona – Known as OUAZ (Ottawa University Arizona)
Online Campus – Offers a wide range of degrees
Additional adult/continuing education campuses in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin
Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees
Popular areas of study:
Business Administration
Education
Psychology
Human & Social Services
Health Care Management
Sport Studies
Strong adult education and online learning programs
Known for flexibility and support for working adults
Ottawa University Braves compete in the NAIA
Part of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)
Sports include:
Football, basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, track & field, volleyball, and more
Tuition varies by program and campus
Offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages
Often considered affordable compared to other private institutions
Personalized attention (small class sizes)
Faith-based learning environment
Strong focus on leadership and service
Great for adult learners, military-affiliated students, and online learners
English
Communication
Creative Writing
Accounting
Business Administration
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Human Resources
Health Care Management
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Physical Education
Education Studies (non-licensure)
Biology
Mathematics
Exercise Science
Human and Social Services
Health Care Management
Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
Psychology
Sociology
Addiction Counseling
Social Sciences
Public Safety
Computer Science
Data Science and Technology
Management Information Systems
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Concentrations: Accounting, HR, Leadership, Finance, Health Care, Strategic Innovation
Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL)
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
Curriculum & Instruction
Educational Leadership
School Counseling
Special Education
Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychology
Ottawa University is especially known for its flexible online degrees — designed for working professionals. Most programs above are available online, including:
RN-to-BSN
Business Admin (BBA, MBA)
MAEd and MAC programs
Cybersecurity, Data Science, and MIS
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Administration |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Accounting |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Marketing |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Finance |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Human Resource Management |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Health Care Management |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Data Science and Technology |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Management Information Systems (MIS) |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Biology |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Exercise Science |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Elementary Education |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Secondary Education |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
English |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Communication |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Sport Studies |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
Addiction Counseling |
4 years |
$33,000 |
|
RN-to-BSN (Nursing, for registered nurses) |
1.5–2 years* |
$12,000–$15,000 total |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1–2 years |
~$11,000–$13,000 |
|
MBA – Accounting |
1–2 years |
~$11,000–$13,000 |
|
MBA – Human Resources |
1–2 years |
~$11,000–$13,000 |
|
MBA – Health Care Management |
1–2 years |
~$11,000–$13,000 |
|
MBA – Strategic Innovation |
1–2 years |
~$11,000–$13,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) |
1–2 years |
~$11,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) |
2.5–3 years |
~$13,000–$14,000 |
|
MAC – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
2.5–3 years |
~$13,000–$14,000 |
|
MAC – School Counseling |
2.5–3 years |
~$13,000–$14,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) |
1.5–2 years |
~$11,000–$12,000 |
|
MAEd – Curriculum & Instruction |
1.5–2 years |
~$11,000–$12,000 |
|
MAEd – Educational Leadership |
1.5–2 years |
~$11,000–$12,000 |
|
MAEd – School Counseling |
2.5–3 years |
~$13,000–$14,000 |
|
MAEd – Special Education |
1.5–2 years |
~$11,000–$12,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Psychology |
1.5–2 years |
~$11,000 |
Ottawa University – Kansas (OUKS) – Main residential campus
Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) – Newer residential campus in Surprise, AZ
Online Programs – Limited availability for international students (depends on visa status)
Business Administration
Computer Science
Psychology
Exercise Science
Accounting
Data Science
Sport Studies
MBA (various concentrations)
MA in Counseling
MA in Education
MA in Leadership
MA in Psychology
Doctoral programs are not currently offered.
Completed online application
Official transcripts (translated to English if needed)
Proof of English proficiency (one of the following):
TOEFL iBT: 70+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 95+
Copy of passport
Proof of financial support (for visa processing)
Statement of purpose (may be required for graduate programs)
Apply and get accepted
Receive I-20 form from Ottawa University
Pay SEVIS fee
Schedule F-1 visa interview at U.S. embassy/consulate
Get student visa and travel to the U.S.
International Student Advisors (visa, travel, cultural adjustment)
Academic support & tutoring
Orientation program for new international students
Career services and job search support
Student organizations & multicultural events
On-campus housing available (especially in Ottawa, KS and OUAZ)
Modern facilities, sports teams, clubs, events
Safe, student-friendly environment in small-town Kansas or sunny Arizona
Small class sizes & personalized attention
Affordable tuition compared to many U.S. private universities
Faith-based values and inclusive community
Accredited institution with career-focused programs
Strong support for international and first-time U.S. students
Review the list of available undergraduate or graduate programs.
Decide on your campus:
Ottawa University Kansas (OUKS)
Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ)
Online Campus (for eligible international students)
Visit: www.ottawa.edu/apply
Application fee: Free or ~$50 depending on program (often waived)
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Transcripts |
Official, translated into English if needed |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL (70+), IELTS (6.0+), Duolingo (95+), or equivalent |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid passport identification page |
|
Proof of Finances |
Bank statement showing funds to cover tuition and living expenses |
|
SAT/ACT Scores |
Optional for most programs |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree Transcript |
Official, accredited degree equivalent to U.S. bachelor's |
|
English Proficiency |
Same as above |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Personal or professional goals (especially for counseling/education) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Typically 1–2 (depends on program) |
|
Resume or CV |
For professional master’s programs like MBA or Counseling |
|
Proof of Finances |
Required for international students |
Typically within 2–3 weeks of completing your application
Accepted students will receive:
Official admission letter
I-20 form (for international students applying for an F-1 visa)
Required to secure your spot
Usually around $200–$300 (USD) for international students
Refundable in some cases
Pay SEVIS fee
Schedule your F-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Prepare your I-20, passport, proof of finances, and admission letter for the interview
Ottawa University provides academic advising and international student orientation
Get help with housing, campus setup, and class selection
Ottawa University offers multiple intakes per year, making it flexible for students to begin their studies.
Intake |
Start Month |
Application Window |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
August |
May – July |
|
Spring Intake |
January |
September – November |
|
Summer Intake |
May |
February – April |
Fall is the primary intake with the largest course availability and campus events.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., A-levels, IB, CBSE, WAEC) |
|
Minimum GPA |
Typically 2.0+ on a 4.0 scale (some programs may require higher) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 70+, IELTS: 6.0+, Duolingo: 95+, or equivalent |
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional for most programs |
|
Transcripts |
Official transcripts (in English) |
|
Passport |
Required for international students |
|
Financial Documentation |
Proof of funds for tuition/living costs (for I-20/visa purposes) |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university |
|
Minimum GPA |
Typically 2.75+ (some programs may accept 2.5+ with conditions) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 79+, IELTS: 6.5+, Duolingo: 100+, or equivalent |
|
Transcripts |
Official undergraduate transcripts (in English) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
1–2 (varies by program) |
|
Statement of Purpose / Essay |
Required for programs like Counseling, Psychology, or Education |
|
Resume/CV |
Recommended or required for MBA, MA in Leadership, Counseling, etc. |
|
Passport & Proof of Finances |
Required for international students (for visa processing) |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Academic Merit Scholarship |
Based on GPA and test scores |
($5,000 - $15,000) |
Renewable if GPA requirement is met |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
Outstanding academic achievement |
Up to full tuition |
Competitive; requires application & interview |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
High GPA (usually 3.5+) |
$8,000 - $12,000 |
Renewable annually |
|
Transfer Student Scholarship |
For transfer students with strong academics |
$5,000 - $10,000 |
Based on college GPA |
|
Athletic Scholarships |
Based on athletic ability |
N/A |
Awarded by coaches in different sports |
|
International Student Scholarship |
For non-US students with strong academics |
N/A |
Need-based & merit-based options available |
|
Talent-Based Scholarships |
For students in arts, music, or leadership programs |
N/A |
Requires audition/portfolio |
|
Need-Based Grants |
Based on financial need |
N/A |
Requires FAFSA submission |
|
Alumni Grant |
Children of Ottawa University alumni |
$1,000 - $3,000 |
Automatically awarded if eligible |
|
Faith-Based Scholarships |
For students involved in church leadership |
N/A |
Requires recommendation from church |
Campus Location |
Facilities |
Accommodation Options |
Cost (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ottawa, Kansas (Main Campus) |
Library, fitness center, student union, dining hall, sports facilities |
Traditional dorms, suite-style housing, apartments |
$4,500 - $9,500 |
|
Surprise, Arizona |
Modern classrooms, athletic fields, dining services, student lounges |
Residence halls, apartments |
$6,000 - $10,500 |
|
Online Campus |
Virtual classrooms, student support services |
Not applicable |
N/A |
Housing Type |
Room Features |
Cost (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Dorms (Bennett Hall, Martin Hall) |
Shared rooms, community bathrooms |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Suite-Style Housing (Brown Hall, Prairie Place) |
Semi-private rooms, shared bathrooms |
$6,500 - $8,000 |
|
Apartments (Gillette House, University Apartments) |
Private bedrooms, kitchen, living area |
$8,500 - $9,500 |
Students at Ottawa University can participate in various student organizations, leadership programs, and social events. The university hosts annual events such as welcome week, cultural festivals, and themed campus activities. There are clubs for academic interests, arts, faith-based activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Ottawa University has a strong athletic program, especially at its Kansas and Arizona campuses. The Ottawa Braves compete in NAIA sports, offering opportunities in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Fitness centers and intramural sports leagues allow students to stay active, even if they aren’t on varsity teams.
Living on campus provides students with a sense of community. Residence halls offer shared or private rooms, common areas for socializing, and easy access to dining halls. Residential advisors organize game nights, movie screenings, and educational workshops to help students feel at home.
The university dining halls provide a variety of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, and international cuisine. Students can choose from different meal plans based on their preferences. There are also coffee shops and grab-and-go options for those with busy schedules.
The university prioritizes student success through tutoring services, career counseling, and internship programs. The career center helps students with resume building, job placements, and networking opportunities with alumni and local businesses.
Students from diverse backgrounds can engage in cultural clubs, international student groups, and religious organizations. Ottawa University, originally founded as a Christian institution, offers chapel services, Bible study groups, and faith-based retreats.
The Kansas campus is in a small-town setting, providing a close-knit community feel, while the Arizona campus is in the Phoenix metro area, offering access to city life, entertainment, and outdoor adventures. Students can explore local restaurants, shopping centers, and nearby attractions.
Ottawa University boasts a high placement rate, with many graduates securing jobs or pursuing higher education within six months of graduation.
Alumni work in diverse industries, including business, healthcare, education, technology, and sports management.
The university has partnerships with local and national companies, providing internship opportunities for students.
Students gain hands-on experience through internships, co-op programs, and research assistantships.
Ottawa University graduates have been recruited by:
Amazon
Microsoft
Bank of America
Cigna Healthcare
State Farm
Nike
IBM
Local school districts & universities
The university provides:
Career counseling & mentorship
Job fairs & employer networking events
Resume & interview workshops
Alumni networking opportunities
Salaries vary by major and industry, but the average starting salary for Ottawa University graduates ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year.
Business, healthcare, and IT-related fields tend to have higher salary prospects.
Many students also choose to pursue further studies in universities such as:
Harvard University
Arizona State University
University of Kansas
University of Arizona
Ottawa University has a high acceptance rate of approximately 70-80%, making it a moderately selective institution. The university has a student-friendly admission process, welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds.
To increase chances of acceptance, applicants should meet the following criteria:
High School GPA: Minimum 2.5 - 3.0 (varies by program)
Standardized Tests (Optional): SAT/ACT scores are not mandatory but may strengthen the application
English Proficiency (for International Students):
TOEFL: Minimum 70 (IBT)
IELTS: Minimum 6.0
Duolingo: Minimum 95
Letters of Recommendation & Personal Statement (Optional but Recommended)
Submit Online Application (via university website or Common App)
Provide Academic Transcripts
Submit Test Scores (If applicable)
Proof of English Proficiency (for international students)
Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid (Optional)
Location: Ottawa, Kansas
Features:
Traditional college experience with on-campus housing
Strong athletics programs (Ottawa Braves)
Small-town atmosphere with a close-knit community
Modern academic buildings, library, and research facilities
Student recreation center and sports complex
Location: Surprise, Arizona (near Phoenix)
Features:
Newer, growing campus with state-of-the-art facilities
Focus on business, healthcare, and athletics programs
Located in a fast-growing city with job opportunities
Offers student housing, dining, and fitness centers
Warm climate with outdoor recreational activities
Locations:
Overland Park, Kansas
Phoenix, Arizona
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Features:
Designed for working professionals and adult learners
Flexible online and hybrid programs
Focus on business, education, and healthcare degrees