Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Ottawa University-Surprise worth it?
Pay $33,393/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $55,552 ten years out — about 1.7× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Ottawa University-Surprise vs Arizona avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Arizona college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Ottawa University-Surprise | Arizona avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $33,393 | $23,328 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▲ $55,552 | $45,671 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $21,500 | $18,635 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 18.2% | 44.9% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▲ 78.2% | 88.7% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $208,680 over four years. Most students get $18,777/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $21,500 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 39% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're well below that threshold.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Ottawa University-Surprise grad earns about $422,080 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Ottawa University-Surprise
The average student at Ottawa University-Surprise pays $33,393 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $52,170 published sticker price. That is above the AZ average net price of $23,328.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $55,552 — above the AZ median of $45,671. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $21,500, roughly $233 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a manageable load at about 39% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper Arizona colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Ottawa University-Surprise.
Flagstaff, AZ · Public Northern Arizona University B 
Tucson, AZ · Public University of Arizona B Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Ottawa University-Surprise?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $33,393 per year. That's $18,777/yr in financial aid against the $52,170 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $133,572.
How much do Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn a median of $55,552 per year — above the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.7× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Ottawa University-Surprise graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $21,500 — about $233/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 73.3% of students take federal loans.
Is Ottawa University-Surprise worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Ottawa University-Surprise a value grade of D — top 90% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $33,393/yr, earn $55,552/yr ten years out, ROI score of 4.16. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at Ottawa University-Surprise?
39.8% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 73.3% take federal student loans. On average, students get $18,777 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Ottawa University-Surprise?
In-state tuition is $35,880 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $35,880 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Ottawa University-Surprise?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $28,636. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $35,922. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →