Ottawa University Online

OU is a 100% online university, and it offers 28 bachelor's and 16 master's programs that students can complete entirely remotely. For example, distance learners can choose from online bachelor's degree programs such as accounting, human resources, nursing (RN to BSN), and secondary education. 

Additionally, OU has made three of our rankings lists that include the best online colleges. It was placed in the #1 spot for having the best online healthcare management degrees, and it was in the top 10 for the best online human services degree. Finally, it made our list for being one of the best online Christian colleges overall.

Employers respect OU's online degrees because of the school's favorable accreditation status: OU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation means that OU has demonstrated ethical accounting practices, and it provides high quality academic programming. OU's online programs rival those offered on campus, providing the same instruction, rigor, and outcomes. 

OnlineU only includes accredited online schools on its site.

Importantly, transcripts and diplomas generally don't state whether degrees are completed remotely, so you don't have to disclose this information to prospective employers if you don't want to.

OU is known for its long-standing relationship with the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma since the 1860s. In 2008, an agreement between OU and the Tribe was signed. This agreement allows any certified Ottawa tribal member to attend its residential college free of tuition, board, and room charges in any of the school's on-campus and online programs. This agreement is preserved "in perpetuity" and has strengthened the relationship between the Tribe and OU, increasing the number of Ottawa Tribe members who enroll.

Additionally, OU is known for its affiliation with the American Baptist Church. However, it appears that undergraduate students must only take one three-credit course in religious studies as part of general education requirements. This requirement is minimal compared to other faith-based institutions, though it may not be for everyone. 

There's no available data that conveys which OU degrees provide the highest earnings for graduates. However, to give some perspective, OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score ranks colleges by how much their alumni earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. OU has a bachelor's degree Salary Score of 66 (out of 100) and 65 for its master's degree programs. More specifically, its bachelor's degree in health and medical administrative services, such as non-clinical healthcare management, has a near-perfect salary score of 99 and median yearly earnings of approximately $58,900.

Getting into OU is easy because it has an open admission policy and accepts 100% of applicants. This is called an open admission policy, and it helps create greater access to higher education. It reduces competition by waiving entrance exams and minimum GPA requirements. You usually only need a high school diploma or its equivalent to enroll.

OU's first-year admission requirements generally require the following:

• An application 
• A $50 application fee
• Official high school transcripts or GED scores
• Official college transcripts, if transferring credits
• Military transcripts, if applicable

Always give yourself enough time to enroll in college. Consider scheduling a professional college advisory session with an OU enrollment advisor early to clearly understand what you'll need. They can also let you know if your specific program has additional requirements, such as licensing or other credentials.

If you're still undecided, we've identified the most popular online colleges to assist your search.