Arizona Christian University vs Ottawa University-Surprise
Ottawa University-Surprise is selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Arizona Christian University (74.4%). Graduates of Ottawa University-Surprise earn $9,824 more per year at the 10-year mark ($47,355 vs $37,531). For families earning $48k–$75k, Arizona Christian University is more affordable at $28,131 net price vs $32,848.
Admissions & Outcomes
Arizona Christian University has a higher yield rate (40.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Arizona Christian University is more affordable at $25,114 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $32,189 vs $32,510.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Ottawa University-Surprise enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (37%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Ottawa University-Surprise
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$39,369
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$36,437
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness$32,391
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Arizona Christian University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- 3 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 4 Bible/Biblical Studies
- 5 Biology, General
Ottawa University-Surprise
- 1 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Arizona Christian University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$27,500
- Est. total cost/year$41,250
- School typePublic
Ottawa University-Surprise
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$28,000
- Est. total cost/year$45,762
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Arizona Christian University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise is more selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, compared to 74.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Arizona Christian University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $47,355 compared to $37,531. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Arizona Christian University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Arizona Christian University has a lower net price at $28,131 per year vs $32,848. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Which school has more international students: Arizona Christian University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise has a larger international student population at 3% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Arizona Christian University and Ottawa University-Surprise?
At Ottawa University-Surprise, the top-earning major is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $39,369. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.