GCU vs. Grand View University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Canyon University is larger than Grand View University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 1,856 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Grand View University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Grand View University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Grand View University 12:1.

GCU vs. Grand View University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Grand View 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 View University than GCU ($22,319 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 15.9% lower than at Grand View University ($11,700 vs. $13,912).
• Grand View University is 94.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GCU (about $16,912 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.7% higher at Grand View University than at Grand Canyon University (about $16,912 more per year; $34,762.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand View University than at Grand Canyon University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand View University students is 167% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($26,330 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Grand View University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Grand View 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 Grand View University and GCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Grand Canyon University (1060) is 60 points higher than at Grand View University (1000).
• Incoming GCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Grand View University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Grand View University 920/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Grand View University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Grand View University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Grand View University Aug 15, 2027.
• Grand View University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than GCU (78.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 20.9% at Grand View University.

GCU vs. Grand View University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Grand View 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).

• Grand View University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Grand Canyon University's (31%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Grand View University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $5,158 lower median loan debt than Grand View University graduates ($18,750 vs. $23,908).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Grand View University graduates ($193 vs. $247).
• More Grand View University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.