At $21,931/yr net price, Grand Canyon University graduates earn $42,186/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,186/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,186/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,186/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,114 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,474/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,082/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,037/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,907/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,177/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,061 | $43,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $101,964 | $30,520 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,705 | $32,443 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $87,641 | $30,869 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $79,450 | $65,634 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $77,476 | $17,188 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $66,821 | $77,896 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,265 | $33,911 |
| Homeland Security. | Bachelor | $60,082 | $25,616 |
| Education, General. | Master | $59,621 | $18,920 |
The Risk Factor
43.0% of students at Grand Canyon University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Grand Canyon University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning six-figure salaries that justify the debt load. Computer science also pays off well with strong earnings potential.
Psychology presents a concerning picture at this school. While graduates earn $79,450 annually, they carry $65,634 in debt - creating a debt-to-income ratio that makes repayment challenging. This program represents the school's biggest financial risk.
The 43% graduation rate creates significant dropout risk for your investment. With a retention rate of just 68%, many students leave without completing their degrees while still owing money. The for-profit structure means tuition costs can change, adding another layer of financial uncertainty.
You should consider Grand Canyon University if you plan to study nursing or computer science and can complete your degree efficiently. The school works best for focused students who know their career path and can handle the online learning environment effectively.
Avoid this school if you're undecided about your major or considering psychology without a clear career plan. The combination of modest overall earnings, high dropout rates, and debt levels makes exploration expensive here.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students, so expect to pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but are limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning program and completing your degree quickly to minimize both debt accumulation and opportunity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Canyon University worth the money?
Grand Canyon University's graduates earn a median of $42,186 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $21,931 per year and only a 43% graduation rate, the return on investment is poor for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Grand Canyon University?
Nursing programs at Grand Canyon University offer the strongest earning potential, with graduates making $96,000-$119,000 annually. Computer science graduates earn around $87,641, while psychology majors typically earn $79,450.
How much debt do Grand Canyon University students graduate with?
Grand Canyon University graduates have a median debt of $22,114. Given the relatively low post-graduation earnings of $42,186, this debt level represents a significant burden for most graduates outside of nursing programs.
Does Grand Canyon University have good job placement rates?
Grand Canyon University's 43% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data varies by program, the low overall graduation rate and below-average earnings indicate employment outcomes are mixed at best.