2025 Compare Cities Education:
Surprise, AZ vs Ankeny, IA

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Highlights
- Ankeny spends 35.3% more per student than Surprise.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 14.9% lower in Ankeny than in Surprise. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Ankeny had 4.7% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Surprise
 Surprise, AZAnkeny, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$8,653  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.24  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor718  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.4.8%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock97.9%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.9%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock11.7%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.30.6%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock11.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.4%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 11 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  More

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Reviews for Ankeny    3 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

I moved to Ankeny from Southern CA in June, 2005. My immediate and lasting impression is the incredible home values here, the relatively low population density, and the  More

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Over 17 years ago

Ankeny is a great community to raise a family or to be single. The shools are wonderful and so many activities for kids and families. The weather when it is good, it  More

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Over 18 years ago

We don't call it "Ankenytopia" for nothing! This is the best town in Iowa! The schools are top-notch, the town is growing and getting more attractions. We are missing  More

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