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Grand Canyon University vs Ottawa University-Surprise

Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university in Phoenix, AZ. Ottawa University-Surprise is a private university in Surprise, AZ. Ottawa University-Surprise admits about 78% of applicants and Grand Canyon University about 79%, making Ottawa University-Surprise the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,472 a year at Grand Canyon University after aid, and about $33,393 at Ottawa University-Surprise. About 43% of students graduate at Grand Canyon University, compared with 21% at Ottawa University-Surprise. Ten years after enrolling, Ottawa University-Surprise alumni earn a median of about $55,552, against $42,186 for Grand Canyon University.

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private (for-profit)

Ottawa University-Surprise

Surprise, AZ · Private
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
73,371
836
Acceptance rate
79%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1006–1113
840–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
20–22
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,472
$33,393
Full cost / yr
$32,702
$52,170
In-state tuition
$17,850
$35,880
Out-of-state tuition
$17,850
$35,880
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,557
$28,636
$30k - $48k
$18,763
$30,096
$48k - $75k
$21,712
$31,252
$75k - $110k
$24,471
$35,696
Over $110k
$25,701
$35,922
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
21%
Freshman retention
72%
50%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,280
$49,139
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,186
$55,552
Median debt at graduation
$22,114
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
40%
First-generation students
47%
40%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise harder to get into?
Ottawa University-Surprise is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 79% at Grand Canyon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Grand Canyon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,472 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,393 at Ottawa University-Surprise. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University-Surprise?
Before aid, Grand Canyon University costs about $32,702 a year and Ottawa University-Surprise about $52,170. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Grand Canyon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,557 there, against about $28,636 at Ottawa University-Surprise. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Grand Canyon University is the larger of the two, with about 73,371 undergraduates against 836 at Ottawa University-Surprise.
Does Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise have a better graduation rate?
Grand Canyon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 43% against 21% at Ottawa University-Surprise.
Do graduates of Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise earn more?
Ottawa University-Surprise alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,552 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,186 for Grand Canyon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University-Surprise require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand Canyon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ottawa University-Surprise considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University-Surprise look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1006–1113 at Grand Canyon University and 840–1160 at Ottawa University-Surprise. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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