GCU vs. Arizona Christian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Arizona Christian University in Glendale, AZ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Arizona Christian University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 1,421 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Arizona Christian University is in Glendale, AZ (Large City setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Arizona Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Arizona Christian University 16:1.

GCU vs. Arizona Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Arizona Christian University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Grand Canyon University than Arizona Christian University ($22,928 vs. $32,514).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 20.4% lower than at Arizona Christian University ($11,700 vs. $14,700).
• Arizona Christian University is 96.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCU (about $17,248 more per year; $35,098.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 96.6% higher at Arizona Christian University than at Grand Canyon University (about $17,248 more per year; $35,098.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arizona Christian University than at Grand Canyon University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arizona Christian University students is 127.8% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($22,459 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Arizona Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Arizona Christian University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Arizona Christian University and GCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Arizona Christian University (1070) is 10 points higher than at GCU (1060).
• Incoming GCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Arizona Christian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Arizona Christian University 960/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Arizona Christian University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Arizona Christian University - Test-free.
• GCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than Arizona Christian University (70.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 35.7% at Arizona Christian University.

GCU vs. Arizona Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Arizona Christian University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at GCU is the same as at Arizona Christian University (31% vs. 31%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $20,800 more per year than Arizona Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $33,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Arizona Christian University graduates ($18,750 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arizona Christian University graduates ($193 vs. $232).
• More Arizona Christian University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.