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 puts you in a financial hole that most of your classmates never climb out of. You pay about $35,000 a year net, but only 22.5% of students graduate and just 43.6% return after their first year. That means more than half of you leave, likely with debt and no degree to show for it, which is the worst financial outcome a college can hand you.
Even if you finish, the payoff is thin. The median graduate earns $55,552 a decade out, but the school's own top-paying bachelor's programs tell a harsher story. Business Administration, the best-paying undergraduate major here, reports early earnings under $40,000. Teacher Education lands around $36,000 against $22,000 in debt, and Health and Physical Education comes in lowest at roughly $32,000 while carrying the heaviest debt load of the three at $27,000. None of these bachelor's programs start you at a salary that quickly retires the loans you take on.
The net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30k, you still pay close to $31,000 a year, only about $5,700 less than the wealthiest families pay. Ottawa does little to shield low-income families from the sticker price, so the cost falls hard on the people least able to absorb it.
This school makes financial sense for very few of you. If you are certain you will graduate, already have your tuition covered, or need a specific local credential in business or teaching that this campus provides, it may work. If you are paying your own way and weighing the odds, the combination of a 22.5% graduation rate, high net price, and modest starting salaries points you toward a cheaper public option in Arizona.
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.