Ottawa University-Surprise
The Vibe Check
Ottawa University-Surprise offers a tight-knit, personalized campus experience where students are not just numbers but known by name. The atmosphere is supportive and community-focused, with a strong emphasis on faith-based values and athletic involvement. It feels like a place where you can build close relationships with peers and professors in a quieter, suburban setting.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The university provides a solid liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in Business, Psychology, and Education, often taught through a faith-based lens. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are invested in student success. While research opportunities exist, they are more limited compared to larger institutions, often requiring students to be proactive in seeking them out.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Surprise
Surprise is a peaceful suburb northwest of Phoenix, offering a slower pace of life with plenty of outdoor activities. Students often enjoy hiking, golfing, and exploring nearby parks, while also taking advantage of weekend trips to Phoenix for more urban entertainment and dining. The city hosts local events and is home to the Spring Training facilities for the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($55,552):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a quiet, suburban area of Surprise, AZ, which generally has low crime rates. The university maintains a safe environment with campus security and a close-knit community that looks out for one another.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
- ✓ Strong sense of community and faith-based support system.
- ✓ Opportunities for athletic participation and involvement in NAIA sports.
- ✓ Suburban location offers a safe and peaceful learning environment.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation (22.5%) and retention rates (43.6%) raise concerns about student persistence.
- ✗ Limited research opportunities and fewer academic programs compared to larger universities.
- ✗ High net cost relative to average post-graduation earnings.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Ottawa University-Surprise is known for its faith-based education, strong athletic programs in the NAIA, and personalized student experience. It excels in majors like Business & Marketing, Parks & Recreation, and Education, with a tight-knit campus community.
No, it has a moderate acceptance rate of 39.88%. The average SAT score is 978, and while competitive, admissions are holistic, considering extracurriculars and personal fit. Students with average grades and test scores in this range have a good chance of admission.
Campus life is community-oriented with a focus on faith, athletics, and close social bonds. Students enjoy a quiet suburban setting with opportunities for sports, outdoor activities, and involvement in campus ministries. The small enrollment of 768 fosters a family-like atmosphere.
It can be worth it if you value a faith-based, personalized education and plan to leverage the community for networking. However, with a high net price and modest 10-year median earnings of $55,552, the ROI is moderate. Financial aid, including Pell Grants for 37.5% of students, can improve affordability.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 869
- In-State Tuition $35,300
- Zip Code 85374
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $35,081 and tuition at $35,300, the cost is significant for a private university of its size. However, 37.5% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating access to financial aid. The 10-year median earnings of $55,552 suggest a moderate return on investment, which may be worth it if you leverage the personalized education and strong community for career networking.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.