GCU vs. Dort

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Dort based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 1,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Dordt University is in Sioux Center, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Dordt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Dordt University 14:1.

GCU vs. Dort Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Dort? 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 Dort ($22,928 vs. $28,486).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 0.6% lower than at Dordt University ($11,700 vs. $11,770).
• Dordt University is 107.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCU (about $19,200 more per year; $37,050.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107.6% higher at Dort than at Grand Canyon University (about $19,200 more per year; $37,050.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dordt University than at Grand Canyon University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dordt University students is 136.1% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($23,277 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Dort Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Dort? 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 Dort and GCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dordt University (1200) is 140 points higher than at GCU (1060).
• Incoming Dort students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at GCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Dordt University 1070/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Dordt University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Dort - Test optional.
• GCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.9%) than Dort (68.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 38% at Dort.

GCU vs. Dort Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Dort? 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).

• Dordt University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Grand Canyon University's (31%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Dort graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Dort graduates ($18,750 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dort graduates ($193 vs. $237).
• More Dort graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.