Grand Canyon University vs Chamberlain University-Arizona
Both Phoenix-based institutions offer distinct educational paths with contrasting admission profiles. Grand Canyon University accepts 77.87% of applicants while Chamberlain University-Arizona admits 83.33%, making both relatively accessible options.
Cost and Value
Grand Canyon provides lower upfront costs at $17,450 annually versus Chamberlain's $20,462 tuition. However, average net prices tell a different story: Grand Canyon students pay $21,931 compared to Chamberlain's $37,002. Both schools generate similar debt loads around $21,000-$22,000.
Academic Environment
The schools differ dramatically in size and structure. Grand Canyon serves 68,619 students with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, while Chamberlain maintains intimate classes with 745 students and an 11:1 ratio. Grand Canyon retains 68.38% of students compared to Chamberlain's 55.56%.
Campus Experience
Grand Canyon offers NCAA Division I athletics and traditional college activities across its large campus. Chamberlain focuses on specialized healthcare education with limited extracurricular options due to its smaller size.
Outcomes
The earnings gap is substantial: Chamberlain graduates earn a median $92,405 after ten years versus Grand Canyon's $42,186. However, Grand Canyon's six-year graduation rate lags at 43% compared to Chamberlain's 66.7%.
Grand Canyon suits students seeking affordable education with traditional college experiences and diverse program options, while Chamberlain serves focused healthcare students willing to invest more for specialized training and significantly higher earning potential.
Both Phoenix-based institutions offer distinct educational paths with contrasting admission profiles. Grand Canyon University accepts 77.87% of applicants while Chamberlain University-Arizona admits 83.33%, making both relatively accessible options.
Cost and Value
Grand Canyon provides lower upfront costs at $17,450 annually versus Chamberlain's $20,462 tuition. However, average net prices tell a different story: Grand Canyon students pay $21,931 compared to Chamberlain's $37,002. Both schools generate similar debt loads around $21,000-$22,000.
Academic Environment
The schools differ dramatically in size and structure. Grand Canyon serves 68,619 students with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, while Chamberlain maintains intimate classes with 745 students and an 11:1 ratio. Grand Canyon retains 68.38% of students compared to Chamberlain's 55.56%.
Campus Experience
Grand Canyon offers NCAA Division I athletics and traditional college activities across its large campus. Chamberlain focuses on specialized healthcare education with limited extracurricular options due to its smaller size.
Outcomes
The earnings gap is substantial: Chamberlain graduates earn a median $92,405 after ten years versus Grand Canyon's $42,186. However, Grand Canyon's six-year graduation rate lags at 43% compared to Chamberlain's 66.7%.
Grand Canyon suits students seeking affordable education with traditional college experiences and diverse program options, while Chamberlain serves focused healthcare students willing to invest more for specialized training and significantly higher earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Grand Canyon University | Chamberlain University-Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 77.9% | 83.3% |
| Enrollment | 68,619 | 745 |
| In-State Tuition | $17,450 | $20,462 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,450 | $20,462 |
| Net Price | $21,931 | $37,002 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.0% | 66.7% |
| Retention Rate | 68.4% | 55.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $92,405 |
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $20,919 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Grand Canyon University | Chamberlain University-Arizona | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $77,476 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $71,315 |
| Homeland Security. | $60,082 | ||
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $59,124 | ||
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $52,357 | ||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $45,455 | ||