Wheeling University vs. OUAZ-Surprise

Comparable Facts

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

Ottawa University Surprise is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (912 students vs. 774 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wheeling University is located in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting); Ottawa University Surprise is in Surprise, Arizona (Large Suburban setting).
• Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Surprise is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wheeling University 15:1; Ottawa University Surprise 11:1.

Wheeling University vs. OUAZ-Surprise Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wheeling University 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 Wheeling University than OUAZ-Surprise ($21,073 vs. $34,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 24.4% lower than at Ottawa University Surprise ($12,470 vs. $16,500).
• Ottawa University Surprise is 20.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheeling University (about $6,005 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.1% higher at OUAZ-Surprise than at Wheeling University (about $6,005 more per year; $35,880.00 vs. $29,875.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ottawa University Surprise than at Wheeling University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Ottawa University Surprise students ($21,931 vs. $18,321).

Wheeling University vs. OUAZ-Surprise Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wheeling University or OUAZ-Surprise? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between OUAZ-Surprise and Wheeling University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 70 points higher than at OUAZ-Surprise (1000).
• Incoming Wheeling University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 18 at OUAZ-Surprise).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Wheeling University 950/1180; Ottawa University Surprise 840/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Wheeling University 17/23; Ottawa University Surprise 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wheeling University - Test-free; OUAZ-Surprise - Test optional.
• OUAZ-Surprise has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at Wheeling University vs. 26.3% at OUAZ-Surprise.

Wheeling University vs. OUAZ-Surprise Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wheeling University and OUAZ-Surprise? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate is 62%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for OUAZ-Surprise.
• Graduates from Wheeling University have median earnings of about $48,100 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for OUAZ-Surprise.

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.