About Ottawa University-Surprise
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
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
| 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 |
Campus Life
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
| 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
- 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
- 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.
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%.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.