GCU vs. New Mexico Highlands University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than New Mexico Highlands University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 2,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); New Mexico Highlands University is in Las Vegas, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. New Mexico Highlands University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; New Mexico Highlands University 10:1.

GCU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University than GCU ($11,062 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Mexico Highlands University are 13.5% lower than at Grand Canyon University ($10,116 vs. $11,700).
• Grand Canyon University is 140.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than New Mexico Highlands University (about $10,434 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $7,416.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.7% higher at GCU than at New Mexico Highlands University (about $5,514 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $12,336.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University than at New Mexico Highlands University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Canyon University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by New Mexico Highlands University students ($9,861 vs. $9,722).

GCU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or New Mexico Highlands 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 New Mexico Highlands University and GCU.

• New Mexico Highlands 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; New Mexico Highlands University - Open admission.

GCU vs. New Mexico Highlands University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and New Mexico Highlands 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 Canyon University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than New Mexico Highlands University's (21%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than New Mexico Highlands University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have a $5,748 lower median loan debt than GCU graduates ($13,002 vs. $18,750).
• Among borrowers, New Mexico Highlands University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GCU graduates ($134 vs. $193).
• More New Mexico Highlands University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.