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University of Arizona vs Grand Canyon University

University of Arizona is a public university in Tucson, AZ, and Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university in Phoenix, AZ. Grand Canyon University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 79% of applicants against 86% at University of Arizona. University of Arizona is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,674 a year against $22,472 at Grand Canyon University. About 67% of students graduate at University of Arizona, compared with 43% at Grand Canyon University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Arizona alumni earn a median of about $59,979, against $42,186 for Grand Canyon University.

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University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Tucson, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
42,537
73,371
Acceptance rate
86%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1150–1420
1006–1113
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
20–22
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,674
$22,472
Full cost / yr
$29,423
$32,702
In-state tuition
$13,926
$17,850
Out-of-state tuition
$42,278
$17,850
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,353
$18,557
$30k - $48k
$14,984
$18,763
$48k - $75k
$16,051
$21,712
$75k - $110k
$19,777
$24,471
Over $110k
$22,307
$25,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
43%
Freshman retention
83%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,665
$47,280
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,979
$42,186
Median debt at graduation
$19,620
$22,114
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
46%
First-generation students
31%
47%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Apr 15
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 University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University harder to get into?
Grand Canyon University is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 86% at University of Arizona. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University?
University of Arizona is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,674 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 University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University?
Before aid, University of Arizona costs about $29,423 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, University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University?
University of Arizona. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,353 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, University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University is the larger of the two, with about 73,371 undergraduates against 42,537 at University of Arizona.
Does University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University have a better graduation rate?
University of Arizona has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 43% at Grand Canyon University.
Do graduates of University of Arizona or Grand Canyon University earn more?
University of Arizona alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,979 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,186 for Grand Canyon University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Arizona considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Grand Canyon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1150–1420 at University of Arizona and 1006–1113 at Grand Canyon 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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