2025 Compare Cities Education:
Surprise, AZ vs Rio Rancho, NM

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Highlights
- Rio Rancho spends 31.4% more per student than Surprise.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 16.9% lower in Rio Rancho than in Surprise. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Rio Rancho had 0.8% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Surprise
 Surprise, AZRio Rancho, NMUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$13,881$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$8,653  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$6,119$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.24  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock9434573
 Students per Counselor718  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.6%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.4.8%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock94.3%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.9%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock12.5%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.30.6%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock9.1%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.4%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.3%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 Rio Rancho    21 Reviews

I have lived in the area for the past three years with my husband. Although vastly better than Albuquerque, this is not a safe area. We have had overt and petty crime on  More

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The pros: -Fairly good year-round weather. Sunny days outnumber cloudy days, there are days when the temps fall below freezing and the sun will still be shining. It's  More

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Over 5 years ago

Affordable housing, low crime (compared to Albuquerque), awesome weather with all 4 seasons, beautiful environment and some pretty awesome people. I love Rio Rancho,  More

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