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Grand Canyon University vs Northern Arizona University

Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university in Phoenix, AZ. Northern Arizona University is a public university in Flagstaff, AZ. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants and Northern Arizona University about 90%, making Grand Canyon University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,158 a year at Northern Arizona University after aid, and about $22,472 at Grand Canyon University. About 59% of students graduate at Northern Arizona University, compared with 43% at Grand Canyon University. Ten years after enrolling, Northern Arizona University alumni earn a median of about $54,384, against $42,186 for Grand Canyon University.

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Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private (for-profit)

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
73,371
22,903
Acceptance rate
79%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1006–1113
1010–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
20–22
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,472
$14,158
Full cost / yr
$32,702
$29,933
In-state tuition
$17,850
$13,009
Out-of-state tuition
$17,850
$29,881
Application fee
Not reported
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,557
$9,709
$30k - $48k
$18,763
$10,398
$48k - $75k
$21,712
$13,330
$75k - $110k
$24,471
$18,050
Over $110k
$25,701
$20,686
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
59%
Freshman retention
72%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,280
$47,308
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,186
$54,384
Median debt at graduation
$22,114
$19,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
46%
31%
First-generation students
47%
39%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1

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 Northern Arizona University harder to get into?
Grand Canyon University is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 90% at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,158 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,472 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University?
Before aid, Northern Arizona University costs about $29,933 a year and Grand Canyon University about $32,702. 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 Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,709 there, against about $18,557 at Grand Canyon 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 Northern Arizona University?
Grand Canyon University is the larger of the two, with about 73,371 undergraduates against 22,903 at Northern Arizona University.
Does Grand Canyon University or Northern Arizona University have a better graduation rate?
Northern Arizona University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 43% at Grand Canyon University.
Do graduates of Grand Canyon University or Northern Arizona University earn more?
Northern Arizona University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,384 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 Northern Arizona University require SAT or ACT scores?
Grand Canyon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Arizona University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1006–1113 at Grand Canyon University and 1010–1280 at Northern Arizona 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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