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Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ · Suburb · 836 students
WebsiteScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$33,393
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
21%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
43% typical
$55,552
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$45,606 typical
78%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
75% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ) is a rapidly growing, faith-based institution best known for its career-focused liberal arts education, featuring highly regarded programs in business, exercise science, and biology. The campus culture is energetic and close-knit, driven by a large population of NAIA student-athletes and a supportive, community-centered environment. What truly sets OUAZ apart is its unique academic structure, which utilizes an accelerated "FlexTerm" calendar and features "Personal Growth Days" on Wednesdays—a midweek break from classes dedicated entirely to spiritual development, community service, and career preparation.

Location
Surprise, AZ, 85374 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PHX · Phoenix
25 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$35,880
Housing & food (on campus)$16,500
Books & supplies$1,300
Cost of attendance$53,650
Average net price$33,393
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$35,880
Housing & food (on campus)$16,500
Books & supplies$1,300
Cost of attendance$53,650
Average net price$33,393
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.ottawa.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Ottawa University-Surprise’s own figures for 2026-27, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$34,000
Fees$3,650
Housing$9,000
Food$7,000
Total of the above$53,650
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$28,636
$30–48k
$30,096
$48–75k
$31,252
$75–110k
$35,696
$110k+
$35,922
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
21%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
14%
Back for yr 2
50%
Transferred
0%
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$49,139
10 yrs after entry$55,552
Debt
Median at graduation$21,500
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$6.4k–$23.5k
90th percentile$32,375
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — diverse fields: $45,606 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
78%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
972
R 440–590 · M 400–570
ACT midpoint
19
Comp 16–21 · E 14–21 · M 16–19
SAT middle 50%: 840–1160
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Ottawa University-Surprise asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 66%Women 34%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
11 : 1
Pell grant
40%
First-gen
40%
Family income
$37,231
Independent
65%
Veterans
1%
Age at entry
29.0
Part-time
7%
Race & ethnicity
White
36%
Hispanic
35%
Black
13%
Asian
2%
Two or more
7%
Non-resident
5%
AI/AN
3%
NH/PI
1%
Varsity sports
NAIA Division I · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Beach Volleyball
    Women's
  • Bowling
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Men's · Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Water Polo
    Men's · Women's
  • Weight Lifting
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$49,139
After 10 yrs
$55,552
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness47
Business Administration, Management and Operations44
Psychology, General23
Biology, General14
Communication and Media Studies9
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods4
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas4
Special Education and Teaching2
Accounting and Related Services2
Human Services, General1
Human Resources Management and Services1
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$8M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$6,690/mo
Teaching spend
$4,030
per student
Federal loans
73%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — diverse fields
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Ottawa University-Surprise is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
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