Cal State Fullerton vs. OUAZ-Surprise

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA with Ottawa University Surprise in Surprise, Arizona on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Fullerton is larger than OUAZ-Surprise based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Ottawa University Surprise is in Surprise, Arizona (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Surprise is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Fullerton 26:1; Ottawa University Surprise 11:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. OUAZ-Surprise Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton or OUAZ-Surprise? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Fullerton than OUAZ-Surprise ($7,064 vs. $34,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ottawa University Surprise are 13.5% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($16,500 vs. $19,080).
• Ottawa University Surprise is 380.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $28,410 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.8% higher at OUAZ-Surprise than at California State University Fullerton (about $15,810 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ottawa University Surprise than at California State University Fullerton (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ottawa University Surprise students is 63.1% larger than aid received by California State University Fullerton students ($18,321 vs. $11,234).

Cal State Fullerton vs. OUAZ-Surprise Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton or OUAZ-Surprise? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between OUAZ-Surprise and Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 90 points higher than at OUAZ-Surprise (1000).
• Incoming Cal State Fullerton students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at OUAZ-Surprise).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Ottawa University Surprise 840/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Ottawa University Surprise 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; OUAZ-Surprise - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Cal State Fullerton has a higher acceptance rate (90.5%) than OUAZ-Surprise (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 26.3% at OUAZ-Surprise.

Cal State Fullerton vs. OUAZ-Surprise Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton and OUAZ-Surprise? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.