Columbia College vs. OUAZ-Surprise

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia College in Columbia, SC with Ottawa University Surprise in Surprise, Arizona on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia College is larger than OUAZ-Surprise based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Ottawa University Surprise is in Surprise, Arizona (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Surprise is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia College 12:1; Ottawa University Surprise 11:1.

Columbia College vs. OUAZ-Surprise Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College 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 Columbia College than OUAZ-Surprise ($18,790 vs. $34,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 43.1% lower than at Ottawa University Surprise ($9,390 vs. $16,500).
• Ottawa University Surprise is 61.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $13,666 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.5% higher at OUAZ-Surprise than at Columbia College (about $13,666 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ottawa University Surprise than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ottawa University Surprise students is 11.4% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($18,321 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. OUAZ-Surprise Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College 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 Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is the same as at OUAZ-Surprise (1000).
• Incoming OUAZ-Surprise students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Ottawa University Surprise 840/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Ottawa University Surprise 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; OUAZ-Surprise - Test optional.
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than OUAZ-Surprise (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 26.3% at OUAZ-Surprise.

Columbia College vs. OUAZ-Surprise Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College 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.