College Search

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ · Suburb · 836 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Suburb
Small (<3k)
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
Cost of attendance
$52,170
Avg net price
$33,393
Room & board
$16,500
Tuition
$35,880
Books & supplies
$1,300/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$28,636
$30–48k
$30,096
$48–75k
$31,252
$75–110k
$35,696
$110k+
$35,922
Admissions
Admit rate
78%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
972
Reading 440590
Math 400570
ACT midpoint
19
Composite 1621
English 1421
Math 1619
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

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

Scout 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
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
21%
4-yr on-time completion
14%
1st-yr retention
50%
Transfer-out rate
0%
Median earnings (6yr)
$49,139
Median earnings (10yr)
$55,552
Median debt
$21,500
Monthly loan payment
$228
Debt range (25th–75th)
$6,383$23,500
Debt (90th percentile)
$32,375
Student Body
Men 66%Women 34%
11
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
40%
First-generation
40%
Median family income
$37,231
Independent students
65%
Veterans
1%
Avg age at entry
29.0
Part-time students
7%
Race & ethnicity
White
36%
Hispanic
35%
Black
13%
Asian
2%
Two or more
7%
Non-resident
5%
AI/AN
3%
NH/PI
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$49,139
10 years after entry
$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
Endowment
$8M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Diverse)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
100%
Avg faculty salary
$6,690/mo
Instructional spend/student
$4,030
Federal loan rate
73%

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

Scout 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
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample report first