GCU vs. National University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with National University in San Diego, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than National University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 22,115 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

GCU vs. National University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or National 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 National University ($22,928 vs. $25,043).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 49.3% lower than at National University ($11,700 vs. $23,076).
• Grand Canyon University is 34.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than National University (about $4,566 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at GCU than at National University (about $4,566 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $13,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University than at National University (96% vs. 79%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by National University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($10,200 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. National University Admissions comparison

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

• National University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; National University - Open admission.

GCU vs. National University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and National 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).

• Graduates from National University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than GCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $54,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $9,892 lower median loan debt than National University graduates ($18,750 vs. $28,642).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National University graduates ($193 vs. $296).
• More National University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.