Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Grand Canyon University
Admission Difficulty: Embry-Riddle Prescott is more selective with a 68% acceptance rate compared to Grand Canyon's 77.87%. Both schools are moderately accessible for qualified applicants.
Cost and Value: Grand Canyon offers significantly lower tuition at $17,450 versus Embry-Riddle's $42,204. The average net price reflects this gap: $21,931 at GCU compared to $39,983 at Embry-Riddle. However, Embry-Riddle graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years post-graduation, nearly double GCU's $42,186, with similar debt loads around $23,000.
Academic Strengths: Embry-Riddle specializes in aerospace engineering, aviation, and related STEM fields with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Grand Canyon, with 68,619 students versus Embry-Riddle's 3,245, offers broader program diversity including business, education, and healthcare, though with a higher 21:1 ratio.
Campus Experience: Embry-Riddle provides a tight-knit community experience in Prescott's mountain setting with an 83.82% retention rate. Grand Canyon's Phoenix location offers urban amenities and NCAA Division I athletics, though retention is lower at 68.38%.
Outcomes: Embry-Riddle achieves a 69.8% six-year graduation rate compared to Grand Canyon's 43%. The substantial earnings difference reflects Embry-Riddle's specialized focus on high-demand technical fields.
Embry-Riddle suits students seeking specialized aerospace or aviation careers who can manage higher costs for superior earning potential, while Grand Canyon better serves students wanting affordable education with diverse program options in an urban environment.
Admission Difficulty: Embry-Riddle Prescott is more selective with a 68% acceptance rate compared to Grand Canyon's 77.87%. Both schools are moderately accessible for qualified applicants.
Cost and Value: Grand Canyon offers significantly lower tuition at $17,450 versus Embry-Riddle's $42,204. The average net price reflects this gap: $21,931 at GCU compared to $39,983 at Embry-Riddle. However, Embry-Riddle graduates earn a median of $84,131 ten years post-graduation, nearly double GCU's $42,186, with similar debt loads around $23,000.
Academic Strengths: Embry-Riddle specializes in aerospace engineering, aviation, and related STEM fields with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Grand Canyon, with 68,619 students versus Embry-Riddle's 3,245, offers broader program diversity including business, education, and healthcare, though with a higher 21:1 ratio.
Campus Experience: Embry-Riddle provides a tight-knit community experience in Prescott's mountain setting with an 83.82% retention rate. Grand Canyon's Phoenix location offers urban amenities and NCAA Division I athletics, though retention is lower at 68.38%.
Outcomes: Embry-Riddle achieves a 69.8% six-year graduation rate compared to Grand Canyon's 43%. The substantial earnings difference reflects Embry-Riddle's specialized focus on high-demand technical fields.
Embry-Riddle suits students seeking specialized aerospace or aviation careers who can manage higher costs for superior earning potential, while Grand Canyon better serves students wanting affordable education with diverse program options in an urban environment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Grand Canyon University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 68.0% | 77.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,275 | |
| Enrollment | 3,245 | 68,619 |
| In-State Tuition | $42,204 | $17,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,204 | $17,450 |
| Net Price | $39,983 | $21,931 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.8% | 43.0% |
| Retention Rate | 83.8% | 68.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $84,131 | $42,186 |
| Median Debt | $23,666 | $22,114 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Grand Canyon University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | $65,080 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $77,476 |
| Computer Engineering. | $62,012 | Homeland Security. | $60,082 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $61,020 | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $59,124 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $59,314 | Finance and Financial Management Services. | $52,357 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $55,964 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $45,455 |