Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Higher Learning Commission Surprise, Arizona 39.9% Acceptance Rate

Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Surprise, Arizona 85374 🏛️ Branch Campus 🌐 www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/home

Ottawa University-Surprise — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

39.9%Acceptance Rate
978Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$51,400Annual Cost
$55,552Grad Salary
37.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
39.9%
Avg SAT
978
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
910–1050
ACT Middle 50%
15–21
Need-Based Aid
37.5% receive Pell

Ottawa University-Surprise offers accelerated degree programs in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Arizona campus serves working adults seeking career advancement through flexible scheduling options.

The campus features evening classes and hybrid learning options for students pursuing degrees in business, education, and healthcare leadership. Programs emphasize practical skills development and leadership training.

Ottawa University-Surprise Acceptance Rate

Ottawa University-Surprise is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Ottawa University-Surprise is 39.9%. This means that 40 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
Ottawa University-Surprise Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 39.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at OUAZ-Surprise

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Ottawa University-Surprise's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into OUAZ-Surprise Without SAT or ACT?

Ottawa University-Surprise considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Ottawa University-Surprise Average SAT Score: 978

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Ottawa University-Surprise is 978 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Ottawa University-Surprise SAT Competitiveness
SAT 978 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 978 on the SAT.

SAT Math
475
SAT Reading
505
Composite
978
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1050 SAT or 21 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Ottawa University-Surprise allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 910, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at OUAZ-Surprise. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Ottawa University-Surprise
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math475430520
SAT Reading505480530
SAT Composite9789101050

It means that if you have scored less than 910 then you are below most of the admitted students at OUAZ-Surprise and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1050 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000

Can I get into Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) with a 1050 SAT?

With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) are good but the admission staff at OUAZ-Surprise tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at OUAZ-Surprise is 18.

ACT Competitiveness

Ottawa University-Surprise ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible

This score makes Ottawa University-Surprise an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 18 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Ottawa University-Surprise
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math181620
ACT English181322
ACT Composite181521

Can I get into Ottawa University-Surprise with a 21 ACT?

A 21 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Ottawa University-Surprise — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Ottawa University-Surprise use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Ottawa University-Surprise — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Ottawa University-Surprise uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 21 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 18

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for OUAZ-Surprise

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At OUAZ-Surprise, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

OUAZ-Surprise Profile

Full Name
Ottawa University-Surprise (OUAZ-Surprise)
City
Surprise
State
Arizona
ZIP Code
85374
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Branch Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)

Is a OUAZ-Surprise Degree Worth It?

Getting into OUAZ-Surprise can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. OUAZ-Surprise offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at OUAZ-Surprise is $65,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.04%.

How much does a degree from OUAZ-Surprise Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Ottawa University-Surprise is $51,400. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Ottawa University-Surprise is much less than this.

37.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 78 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to OUAZ-Surprise and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Ottawa University-Surprise, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist OUAZ-Surprise as your choice in the form.

How much does a OUAZ-Surprise Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $55,552. An average OUAZ-Surprise graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$51,400Annual Cost
37.5%Pell Grant
78%Federal Loan
$55,552Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Ottawa University-Surprise. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Johnson University Florida Kissimmee, FL 940 NA
Warner University Lake Wales, FL 937 17
Gordon State College Barnesville, GA 950 18
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 966 17
Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA 929 18
Baker University Baldwin City, KS 950 17
Union Commonwealth University Barbourville, KY 965 18
Grambling State University Grambling, LA 955 17
Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA 938 17
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Ottawa University-Surprise. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Delaware State University Dover, DE 984 24
Clayton State University Morrow, GA 973 18
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Ottawa University-Surprise. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21

Degree Programs at OUAZ-Surprise

Bachelor Degree Programs

Masters Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Ottawa University-Surprise →

Frequently Asked Questions About OUAZ-Surprise Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55,552 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $51,400 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

37.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of Ottawa University-Surprise is 39.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

Admission to Ottawa University-Surprise is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 978 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 910–1050.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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