At $35,081/yr net price, Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn $55,552/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,552/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,081 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,552/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,552/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,933/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $33,393/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,695/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,196/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,647/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,437 | $22,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
22.5% of students at Ottawa University-Surprise graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ottawa University-Surprise presents a troubling financial picture with weak returns across all major programs and alarming completion rates. Your median earnings of $55,552 after ten years barely justify the $35,081 annual net price, especially when only 22.5% of students actually graduate.
The top-earning program, Business Administration, produces graduates making just $39,369 annually with $20,000 in debt. Teacher Education graduates fare worse at $36,437, while Health and Physical Education majors earn only $32,391 despite carrying $27,000 in debt. These earnings fall well below national averages for college graduates and create lengthy payback periods.
The most concerning risk is the graduation rate. With fewer than one in four students completing their degree, you face a high probability of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The 43.59% retention rate signals that nearly half of first-year students leave, suggesting academic or financial struggles.
This school makes financial sense only if you secure substantial merit aid that dramatically reduces the net price below $20,000 annually. Adult learners with established careers might benefit from specific professional programs, but traditional students should consider community college transfers or state universities with stronger completion rates.
With only 37.45% of students receiving aid, financial assistance appears limited. The relatively low median debt of $21,500 suggests either students are paying cash or leaving before accumulating significant loans. Given the weak job outcomes and low graduation rates, you should exhaust other options before enrolling at Ottawa University-Surprise unless your financial situation makes the risk negligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ottawa University-Surprise worth the cost?
With a net price of $35,081 per year and 10-year median earnings of $55,552, Ottawa University-Surprise offers poor return on investment. The 22.5% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, making the financial risk substantial.
What programs at Ottawa University-Surprise have the best ROI?
Business Administration graduates earn the highest at $39,369 annually, but this still represents weak returns given the school's high costs. Teacher Education ($36,437) and Health/Physical Education ($32,391) programs show even lower earning potential.
How much debt do Ottawa University-Surprise graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to the net price. However, with the extremely low 22.5% graduation rate, most students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Ottawa University-Surprise provide good financial aid?
Despite financial aid, students pay an average of $35,081 annually after aid is applied. The high net price combined with low graduation rates suggests inadequate support for student success and completion.