Business Administration, Management and Operations at Ottawa University-Surprise

Ottawa University-Surprise's business program costs slightly more than most (just above the national median debt of $26,000), but first-year earnings of $51,627 beat 71% of similar programs nationally. However, Arizona families should know this ranks in just the 40th percentile among the state's 21 business programs—roughly $2,000 below Arizona State and University of Phoenix, and nearly $15,000 behind top performers like Embry-Riddle.

The bigger concern is stagnation. Earnings barely budge from year one to year four, suggesting limited advancement opportunities or graduates hitting their ceiling quickly. For context, the state median for business programs sits at $53,770, meaning this program underperforms the typical Arizona business graduate by about $2,000 annually. That gap compounds over a career, while the debt stays fixed.

The math works—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means manageable payments—but Arizona families have access to stronger options at similar or lower debt levels. If your child has been admitted to multiple Arizona schools, compare earning potential carefully. This program won't burden them financially, but it likely won't distinguish them in Arizona's competitive business job market either. The moderate debt and decent national standing provide a safety net, just not a launchpad.