Brookfield, Wisconsin  –

Two notable post-secondary education institutions in Southeastern Wisconsin have joined together to address what has been called “a national priority” – access to an affordable four-year college degree.

 Ottawa University has announced its partnership with Gateway Technical College to create an education pathway for adult learners that begins with an associate degree at the technical college and moves to Ottawa University for completion of a bachelor’s degree.

 As part of the partnership, Ottawa University is extending its transfer policy to Gateway students for up to 80 credit hours – a full associate degree. Of the 124 credit hours required to complete a bachelor’s degree, the remaining 44 upper division credit hours are taken at Ottawa University and can be completed in less than two years. Available to first-time student transfers, this pathway provides adult learners with an OU Transfer Advantage Scholarship which, combined with their technical college tuition, lets them earn a bachelor’s degree for less than $20,000.

 Brookfield location. Students are also provided a personal academic advisor to help them navigate their degree completion plan.

 Entering its 150th year, Ottawa University (Ottawa, Kansas) opened one of the nation’s first adult-learning campuses in Kansas City in 1974 and expanded to the Milwaukee area in 1994.

“Ottawa University has a long history of providing a solid education to its students, and we are thrilled our graduates have this opportunity to continue their education,” says Gateway Technical College President and CEO Bryan Albrecht. “This partnership with Ottawa University, and at a reduced rate, will benefit their future career and life.”

According to President of Ottawa University Kevin Eichner, “Gateway Technical College is a well-respected institution in Southeastern Wisconsin. By forming this partnership, Ottawa University and Gateway are able to collaboratively give adult learners access to the education that can change their lives at a very affordable cost. Not only is that a win for students, it’s a win for higher education.”

For more information about the transfer program, visit www.ottawa.edu/GTC.

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Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving over 9,000 students through its residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; Phoenix, Chandler and Surprise, Arizona; Brookfield and Oak Creek, Wisconsin; Jeffersonville, Indiana; as well as multiple international instructional sites and online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu.

Gateway Technical College collaborates with communities in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties to ensure economic growth and viability by providing education, training, leadership and technological resources to meet the changing needs of students, employers and communities. For more information, visit www.gtc.edu.