GCU vs. Bethesda University of California

Should I go to Grand Canyon University or Bethesda University of California? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if GCU or Bethesda University of California is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.
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Grand Canyon University vs. Bethesda University of California comparison
Grand Canyon University Bethesda University of California College 3 College 4
Grand Canyon University
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Overview

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Location Phoenix, AZ Anaheim, CA
Setting Large City Large City
Enrollment 107,563 271
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking
Religious Affiliation - Other (none of the above) - -
Status For-profit Non-profit
Website gcu.edu buc.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Tuition (In State) $16,500 $6,960
Tuition (Out of State) $16,500 $6,960
Room & Board $11,162 $11,066
Avg Net Price $22,239 $13,965
Avg Grant Aid $9,308 $2,647
% Receiving Grant Aid 98% 42%

Admission

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 47,978 -
Admitted 28,960 -
Acceptance Rate 60.4%
Enrolled % 29.1%
Avg High School GPA - -
Typical High School Grades - -
Admissions Standards Unavailable Unavailable
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 19/24
SAT Range 1058/1175
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 11, 2026

Academics

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Student to Faculty Ratio 21:1 11:1
Popular Majors
  • Health Professions (56%)
  • Business (16%)
  • Education (13%)
  • Psychology (4%)
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies (2%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (62%)
  • Visual and Performing Arts (24%)
  • Education (14%)

Outcomes

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Graduation Rate 31% 34%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $54,300 N/A
Making Student Loan Payments 32% 53%
Median Student Loan Debt $18,750 N/A
Median Loan Payment $193 N/A

Diversity

 GCU Bethesda University of California
% Men 7% 13%
% Women 27% 9%
Racial Diversity Very High Very High
HBCU No No
% White 48% 8%
% Black 18% 19%
% Hispanic 19% 18%
% Native American 1% 0%
% Pacific Islander 1% 0%
% Two or More Races 3% 0%
% International 0% 38%
% Unknown Race 6% 6%

Students

 GCU Bethesda University of California
% In-State 27% 36%
% Out-of-State 72% 8%

Campus

 GCU Bethesda University of California
Campus Housing Yes No
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes No
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility Yes No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Grand Canyon University is larger than than Bethesda University of California based on total student enrollment (107,563 students vs. 271 students)

GCU vs. Bethesda University of California Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Bethesda University of California?

  • Grand Canyon University is 137.1% more expensive to attend than Bethesda University of California for in-state tuition ($16,500.00 vs. $6,960.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 137.1% higher at GCU than Bethesda University of California ($16,500.00 vs. $6,960.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethesda University of California than GCU ($13,965 vs. $22,239)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethesda University of California are 0.9% lower than costs at Grand Canyon University ($11,066 vs. $11,162)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Grand Canyon University than Bethesda University of California (98% vs. 42%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Canyon University students is 251.6% larger than aid received Bethesda University of California ($9,308 vs. $2,647)

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Bethesda University of California? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Bethesda University of California or GCU .

GCU vs. Bethesda University of California Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, GCU or Bethesda University of California? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Bethesda University of California and GCU.

  • The graduation rate at Bethesda University of California is higher than Grand Canyon University (34% vs. 31%)
  • More Bethesda University of California graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/