GCU vs. UWest

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Canyon University is larger than UWest based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); University of the West is in Rosemead, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. University of the West is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; University of the West 4:1.

GCU vs. UWest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or UWest? 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 University of the West than GCU ($14,713 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 17.9% lower than at University of the West ($11,700 vs. $14,244).
• Grand Canyon University is 15.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UWest (about $2,404 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $15,446.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at GCU than at University of the West (about $2,404 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $15,446.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the West than at Grand Canyon University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Canyon University students is 4.4% larger than aid received by University of the West students ($9,861 vs. $9,445).

GCU vs. UWest Admissions comparison

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

• University of the West 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; UWest - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: UWest Jun 15, 2027.
• UWest has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than GCU (78.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 25% at UWest.

GCU vs. UWest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and UWest? 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).

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.