College Costs in Ottawa, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Ottawa, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$561
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Ottawa Overview
Population
12,667
Student Population
1,209 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
87.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Ottawa
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,828
Total After Financial Aid
$94,828
Annual Cost
$23,707
Annual After Aid
$23,707
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,828 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,077 |
| Total Interest | $34,382 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,210 |
Universities in Ottawa
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa State University | Public | $9,189 |
| Ottawa Community College | Community | $5,587 |
Ottawa has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ottawa vs. National Average
| Category | Ottawa | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $561 | $1,050 | -$489 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.9 | 100 | -12.099999999999994 |
Ottawa's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Ottawa
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,209 students
Ottawa has a total population of 12,667, with approximately 1,209 college students (9.5% of the population). Ottawa has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ottawa
$34,796
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ottawa earn a median starting salary of $34,796, which is -$204 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,828 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,981 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kansas
Wichita
20 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Overland Park
13 colleges · Avg tuition $3,564
Topeka
14 colleges · Avg tuition $8,640
Lawrence
5 colleges · Avg tuition $5,898
Manhattan
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,383
Emporia
4 colleges · Avg tuition $6,716
Kansas City
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Olathe
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Shawnee
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Lenexa
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Salina
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
Hutchinson
2 colleges · Avg tuition $10,000
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