Ottawa University-Surprise: 28.7% Acceptance Rate

28.7%Acceptance

$35,300Tuition

768Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,552Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24American Baptist

About Ottawa University-Surprise

Ottawa University's Arizona campus draws 768 students who want small classes and strong athletic programs in the desert suburbs of Phoenix. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. This American Baptist-affiliated university has built a reputation around athletics, fielding 30 varsity sports teams that compete in NAIA division. Nearly every student here is an athlete, with 623 total participants across all sports programs.

The financial picture tells a complicated story. Students pay an average net price of $35,081 after aid, which is steep for a small private college. Graduates earn a median of $55,552 ten years after graduation, but only 22.5% complete their degree within six years. The low graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no diploma. Those who do graduate typically carry $21,500 in student loans with monthly payments of $228.

This campus skews heavily male at 63.8%, reflecting its athletic focus and programs that attract more men than women. The retention rate of just 43.6% suggests many students transfer or drop out after freshman year. The diverse student body is 34.9% Hispanic and 41% White, with strong representation from Arizona and neighboring states.

Academics & Faculty

Ottawa University-Surprise operates as a small private liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on athletics and career preparation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings where professors know students by name. However, the 22.5% six-year graduation rate reveals significant academic challenges many students face. The university focuses heavily on business, education, and health sciences programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment. With 97.4% of graduates finding jobs, the career services approach clearly works for those who complete their degrees. The American Baptist affiliation influences campus culture but doesn't dominate academics. Students seeking highly competitive academic programs or research opportunities will find limited options at this teaching-focused institution.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 94.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 22.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 22.5%
Retention Rate: 43.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,369
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,437
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$32,391

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Ottawa University-Surprise sits in Arizona's Valley of the Sun, where students swap winter coats for year-round sunscreen and temperatures regularly hit triple digits in summer. Only 52% of the 768 students can live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but with 43.6% of students not returning for sophomore year, building lasting campus connections proves challenging.

Athletics dominate campus life with 623 students competing across 30 NAIA sports teams. The school awards over $9.3 million in athletic scholarships, making sports the primary pathway to affordability at this Baptist-affiliated institution. Men outnumber women 64% to 36%, reflecting the strong emphasis on traditionally male-dominated sports programs. Students often head to nearby Phoenix for weekend entertainment, as Surprise offers limited college town amenities. The diverse student body is 35% Hispanic and 41% White, bringing different cultural perspectives to this small desert campus where academic rigor takes a backseat to athletic achievement.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 401 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	6	6	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–65°F
July Avg: 79°–104°F
Annual Precipitation: 8.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Ottawa University-Surprise draws primarily from Arizona, with 57% of students staying in-state for this Baptist-affiliated campus. The student body skews male at nearly two-thirds, reflecting the school's emphasis on athletics and business programs. Hispanic students make up 35% of enrollment, while Black students represent 10%, creating a diverse campus that mirrors Arizona's demographics. With 37% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves working-class families seeking a faith-based education. The athletic focus attracts students who want to compete at the NAIA level while pursuing their degrees.

Men: 63.8%
Women: 36.2%
White: 41.0%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 34.9%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 56.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.5%

Location

Ottawa University-Surprise sits in the rapidly growing Phoenix suburb of Surprise, Arizona, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix. The campus serves a suburban community that has more than doubled in population since 2000, transforming from desert farmland into a sprawling residential area. Surprise averages over 300 sunny days per year and sits in the Sonoran Desert landscape of saguaro cacti and mountain views. The area attracts retirees and young families drawn to Arizona's year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and relatively affordable housing compared to other Southwest metros. Students considering colleges in Arizona may also compare Ottawa University-Surprise with similar schools in the region.

Address: Surprise, Arizona 85374

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,681
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ottawa University-Surprise?

Ottawa University-Surprise accepts 28.66% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Baptist-affiliated campus attracts students with an average SAT score of 1105 and focuses on small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Ottawa University-Surprise cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $35,081 despite the $51,840 total cost of attendance. Only 37.45% receive financial aid, and those who do get institutional grants averaging $15,459 to help offset the private school tuition.

What are the graduation rates like at Ottawa University-Surprise?

The university has a concerning 22.5% six-year graduation rate and retains only 43.59% of students after their first year. Despite these challenges, graduates who complete their degrees earn a median salary of $55,552 ten years after enrollment.

How strong are athletics at Ottawa University-Surprise?

The Spirit compete in NAIA athletics with an impressive 30 varsity sports programs serving 623 total athletes. The university invests heavily in athletics with $9.3 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting the school's commitment to sports as a major draw for students.

What is campus life like at Ottawa University-Surprise?

The 768-student campus has housing capacity for 401 students in the large suburban setting of Surprise, Arizona. Men outnumber women at 63.8% to 36.2%, and the student body is diverse with 34.9% Hispanic and 41% White students.

Does Ottawa University-Surprise help students find jobs after graduation?

The university boasts an exceptional 97.4% employment rate for recent graduates. However, student debt averaging $21,500 with monthly payments of $228 reflects the financial investment required, though the loan repayment rate stands at a modest 46.52%.