Ottawa University is a private institution. Founded in 1865, it is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple campuses, including its main campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and satellite locations in Arizona, Wisconsin, and online. Unlike public universities, which receive government funding, Ottawa University relies on tuition, donations, and private support. This independence allows it to emphasize a values-based education rooted in its Christian heritage while maintaining academic rigor.
