University of Arizona vs Grand Canyon University
Both Arizona universities offer different pathways to higher education, with distinct admission profiles and outcomes.
Admission and Accessibility: University of Arizona accepts 87% of applicants compared to Grand Canyon's 78%, making both relatively accessible. However, their student bodies differ significantly in size, with Grand Canyon enrolling 68,619 students versus Arizona's 40,769.
Cost and Financial Value: In-state students pay $13,626 at Arizona versus $17,450 at Grand Canyon, though out-of-state students face a dramatic difference ($41,095 vs $17,450). Arizona's average net price of $15,960 beats Grand Canyon's $21,931. Arizona graduates earn a median $59,979 after 10 years compared to $42,186 for Grand Canyon graduates, representing a $17,793 annual difference. Arizona students typically graduate with $19,620 in debt versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon.
Academic Environment: Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios (Arizona 19:1, Grand Canyon 21:1), but Arizona demonstrates stronger academic support with an 88% retention rate versus Grand Canyon's 68%. Arizona's 66% six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds Grand Canyon's 43%.
Campus Experience: Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing similar sporting opportunities.
Outcomes: Arizona clearly delivers superior post-graduation results, with higher earnings potential and better completion rates.
University of Arizona suits students seeking strong academic outcomes and traditional university experiences, while Grand Canyon University fits students prioritizing consistent tuition costs regardless of residency and more flexible academic timelines.
Both Arizona universities offer different pathways to higher education, with distinct admission profiles and outcomes.
Admission and Accessibility: University of Arizona accepts 87% of applicants compared to Grand Canyon's 78%, making both relatively accessible. However, their student bodies differ significantly in size, with Grand Canyon enrolling 68,619 students versus Arizona's 40,769.
Cost and Financial Value: In-state students pay $13,626 at Arizona versus $17,450 at Grand Canyon, though out-of-state students face a dramatic difference ($41,095 vs $17,450). Arizona's average net price of $15,960 beats Grand Canyon's $21,931. Arizona graduates earn a median $59,979 after 10 years compared to $42,186 for Grand Canyon graduates, representing a $17,793 annual difference. Arizona students typically graduate with $19,620 in debt versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon.
Academic Environment: Both maintain similar student-faculty ratios (Arizona 19:1, Grand Canyon 21:1), but Arizona demonstrates stronger academic support with an 88% retention rate versus Grand Canyon's 68%. Arizona's 66% six-year graduation rate significantly exceeds Grand Canyon's 43%.
Campus Experience: Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing similar sporting opportunities.
Outcomes: Arizona clearly delivers superior post-graduation results, with higher earnings potential and better completion rates.
University of Arizona suits students seeking strong academic outcomes and traditional university experiences, while Grand Canyon University fits students prioritizing consistent tuition costs regardless of residency and more flexible academic timelines.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| University of Arizona | Grand Canyon University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 86.8% | 77.9% |
| SAT Average | 1,255 | |
| Enrollment | 40,769 | 68,619 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,626 | $17,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,095 | $17,450 |
| Net Price | $15,960 | $21,931 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% | 43.0% |
| Retention Rate | 87.7% | 68.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,979 | $42,186 |
| Median Debt | $19,620 | $22,114 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| University of Arizona | Grand Canyon University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $79,199 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $77,476 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | $73,215 | Homeland Security. | $60,082 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | $73,035 | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | $59,124 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,699 | Finance and Financial Management Services. | $52,357 |
| Systems Engineering. | $68,047 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $45,455 |