Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Ottawa University-Surprise
Ottawa University-Surprise is selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (75.2%). Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott earn $28,579 more per year at the 10-year mark ($84,131 vs $55,552). For families earning $48k–$75k, Ottawa University-Surprise is more affordable at $34,695 net price vs $37,346. Students at Ottawa University-Surprise graduate with less debt ($21,500 vs $23,666).
Admissions & Outcomes
Ottawa University-Surprise has a higher yield rate (38.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a higher median SAT (1260 vs 970).
Prescott, AZ
Surprise, AZ
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), Ottawa University-Surprise is more affordable at $30,933 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $42,834 vs $36,647.
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- 1 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$65,080
- 2 Computer Engineering$62,012
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$61,020
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$59,314
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$55,964
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- 1 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 2 Air Transportation
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 4 Mechanical Engineering
- 5 Security Science and Technology
Ottawa University-Surprise
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Communication and Media Studies
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$36,456
- Est. total cost/year$49,988
- 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise is more selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, compared to 75.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $84,131 compared to $55,552. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Ottawa University-Surprise?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Ottawa University-Surprise has a lower net price at $34,695 per year vs $37,346. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Ottawa University-Surprise?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 68.8%, compared to 22.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a larger international student population at 9% 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 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott and Ottawa University-Surprise?
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates earn a median of $65,080 within two years. 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.