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

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Highlights
- Marion spends 52.1% more per student than Surprise.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 19.4% lower in Marion than in Surprise. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Marion had 3.5% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Surprise
 Surprise, AZMarion, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,072$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$8,653  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,206$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.24  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock4424573
 Students per Counselor718  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock0.9%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.4.8%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.9%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock14.5%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.30.6%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock8.5%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.4%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.9%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 Marion    3 Reviews

I've lived in Marion for ~22 years now, and it has its pros (+) and cons (-): + Marion is one of the safest places to live in the country. + The cost of living vs  More

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Over 15 years ago

Marion is clean, affordable and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The people here are friendly and helpful. Marion shares a border with Cedar Rapids  More

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Marion is one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa. We have a highly educated workforce, affordable housing, low crime and excellent education. Plus, there is much  More

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