Ottawa University is proud of its heritage and rich history. Our roots stem from a desire to provide educational opportunities to under-served populations.

From 1837 to 1855, Baptist missionaries Reverend Jotham Meeker and his wife, Eleanor, devoted themselves to improving the lives of the Ottawa Indians and inspiring a hunger for education and Christianity. After the Meekers' deaths, John Tecumseh (Tauy) Jones carried on the Meekers' commitment to the tribe. Serving as an interpreter and Baptist minister, he was responsible for arranging a meeting between the Baptists and the Ottawa Indians, which led to the development of Ottawa University.

The Ottawa Indians donated 20,000 acres for a university to ensure the education of their children. In exchange, the Baptists agreed to build and operate the school with a promise to provide free education to the Ottawa Indians. Today, Ottawa University continues to provide tuition-free undergraduate education at The College in Ottawa, Kansas, to descendants of the Kansas Ottawa Indians.

The mission of Ottawa University is to provide the highest quality liberal arts and professional education in a caring, Christ-centered community of grace which integrates faith, learning and life. The University serves students of traditional age, adult learners and organizations through undergraduate and graduate programs.

Ottawa University participates in a variety of financial aid programs, including federal grants and loans, to assist students in obtaining the necessary funds to attend college. Generally speaking, there are three primary types of financial assistance available:

• Grants-including the Federal PELL Grant program awarded on an annual basis.
• Loans-available to students through both federal and private-lending programs.
• Additional Sources of aid such as veteran's benefits, employer reimbursement and local scholarship programs.

We encourage you to make an appointment with the financial services representative at your campus to discuss specific programs for which you may be eligible. Students interested in applying for aid programs should begin by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online. Students are encouraged to apply early for aid to ensure that funds are available when needed, as the application process can take up to six weeks.

Ottawa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ottawa University education programs in Kansas are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).