Analysis
Peer programs in Arizona suggest math majors earn around $52,700 in their first year, positioning Ottawa University-Surprise's estimated outcomes right at the state median. That's moderately above the $48,800 national benchmark for math bachelor's degrees, though the small number of reporting schools in Arizona (just 3 programs) means this estimate has considerable uncertainty baked in.
The estimated debt load of $21,750 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41—meaning students would owe roughly five months of first-year salary. That's reasonable by most standards, though it's worth noting this figure comes from national data across similar private schools rather than Ottawa-Surprise specifically. Math degrees typically open doors to various career paths, from teaching to analytics, but first-year earnings can vary significantly depending on which direction graduates pursue.
For parents weighing this investment, the numbers suggest a workable financial outcome if your student actually lands in the middle of the range comparable programs produce. However, with a 40% admission rate and below-average test scores, you're looking at an institution that may serve a different student population than Arizona's flagship programs. The real question is whether Ottawa-Surprise provides the career support and connections needed to help mathematics graduates reach those estimated earnings—something these peer-based projections can't answer.
Where Ottawa University-Surprise Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,300 | $52,729* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $13,626 | $54,781* | $69,476 | $18,999* | 0.35 | |
| $12,051 | $52,729* | $64,265 | $21,500* | 0.41 | |
| $12,652 | $49,588* | $53,204 | $19,468* | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ottawa University-Surprise, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.