Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Ottawa University-Ottawa is a private institution in Ottawa with particular strength in business and psychology. With an average SAT of 1011, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 935 undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
29% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,552 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $28,083.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Ottawa University-Ottawa Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1011
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
14.6%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (51)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
58%
- •58% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •European exploration and early development In 1610, Étienne Brûlé became the first documented European to navigate the Ottawa River, passing what would become Ottawa on his way to the Great Lakes.
- •The first non-Indigenous settlement in the area was created by Philemon Wright, a New Englander.
- •Wright founded a lumber town in the area on 7 March 1800 on the north side of the river, across from the present-day city of Ottawa in Hull.
- •In 1827, the town that had developed around canal construction was named after the British military engineer Colonel, John By, who was responsible for the entire Rideau Waterway construction project.
- •Lawrence River bordering the state of New York that had left re-supply ships bound for southwestern Ontario easily exposed to enemy fire during the War of 1812.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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