Grand Canyon University vs Ottawa University-Surprise
Ottawa University-Surprise is selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Grand Canyon University (60.4%). Graduates of Ottawa University-Surprise earn $13,366 more per year at the 10-year mark ($55,552 vs $42,186). For families earning $48k–$75k, Grand Canyon University is more affordable at $21,712 net price vs $34,695.
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. Grand Canyon University has a higher median SAT (1105 vs 970).
Phoenix, 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), Grand Canyon University is more affordable at $18,557 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,701 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. Grand Canyon University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (43%), 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.
Grand Canyon University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$77,476
- 2 Homeland Security$60,082
- 3 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$59,124
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services$52,357
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations$45,455
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.
Grand Canyon University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Human Services, General
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
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.
Grand Canyon University
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$16,500
- Est. total cost/year$25,600
- 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 Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise is more selective with a 39.9% acceptance rate, compared to 60.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $55,552 compared to $42,186. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Grand Canyon University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Grand Canyon University has a lower net price at $21,712 per year vs $34,695. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Grand Canyon University vs Ottawa University-Surprise?
Grand Canyon University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 43.3%, 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: Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University-Surprise?
At Grand Canyon University, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $77,476 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.