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Grand Canyon University vs Arizona Christian University

Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university in Phoenix, AZ, and Arizona Christian University is a private university in Glendale, AZ. Arizona Christian University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 79% at Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,472 a year against $32,839 at Arizona Christian University. About 43% of students graduate at Grand Canyon University, compared with 41% at Arizona Christian University. Ten years after enrolling, Arizona Christian University alumni earn a median of about $51,612, against $42,186 for Grand Canyon University.

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Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private (for-profit)

Arizona Christian University

Glendale, AZ · Private
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Glendale, AZ
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
73,371
1,165
Acceptance rate
79%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1006–1113
960–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
20–22
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,472
$32,839
Full cost / yr
$32,702
$54,792
In-state tuition
$17,850
$35,098
Out-of-state tuition
$17,850
$35,098
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,557
$30,522
$30k - $48k
$18,763
$29,991
$48k - $75k
$21,712
$32,259
$75k - $110k
$24,471
$34,557
Over $110k
$25,701
$34,323
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
41%
Freshman retention
72%
54%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,280
$39,524
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,186
$51,612
Median debt at graduation
$22,114
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
34%
First-generation students
47%
38%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University harder to get into?
Arizona Christian University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 79% at Grand Canyon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University?
Grand Canyon University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,472 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,839 at Arizona Christian University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Grand Canyon University and Arizona Christian University?
Before aid, Grand Canyon University costs about $32,702 a year and Arizona Christian University about $54,792. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University?
Grand Canyon University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,557 there, against about $30,522 at Arizona Christian University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University?
Grand Canyon University is the larger of the two, with about 73,371 undergraduates against 1,165 at Arizona Christian University.
Does Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University have a better graduation rate?
Grand Canyon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 43% against 41% at Arizona Christian University.
Do graduates of Grand Canyon University or Arizona Christian University earn more?
Arizona Christian University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,612 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,186 for Grand Canyon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Grand Canyon University and Arizona Christian University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand Canyon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Arizona Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand Canyon University and Arizona Christian University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1006–1113 at Grand Canyon University and 960–1170 at Arizona Christian University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school