Chandler-Gilbert Community College vs Ottawa University-Surprise: which has better ROI?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,904 in 18.5 years versus 18.6 years at Ottawa University-Surprise, on median earnings of $51,111 vs $55,552 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Ottawa University-Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,726 | $33,393 |
| Total net cost | $50,904 | $133,572 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,111 | $55,552 |
| Median debt | $7,000 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 18.5 yrs | 18.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $4,116 | $10,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chandler-Gilbert Community College or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, at $12,726 a year after aid versus $33,393 — a gap of $20,667 a year, or $82,668 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chandler-Gilbert Community College or Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn more?
Ottawa University-Surprise graduates report a median $55,552 ten years after entry, $4,441 more than the $51,111 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Chandler-Gilbert Community College or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Chandler-Gilbert Community College: its completers carry a median $7,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Ottawa University-Surprise, a difference of $14,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
30% of students finish at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, against 18% at Ottawa University-Surprise. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.