GCU vs. Western New Mexico University

Comparable Facts

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

Grand Canyon University is larger than Western New Mexico University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 3,531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Western New Mexico University is in Silver City, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Western New Mexico University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Western New Mexico University 12:1.

GCU vs. Western New Mexico University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University than GCU ($9,477 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New Mexico University are 6.5% lower than at Grand Canyon University ($10,940 vs. $11,700).
• Grand Canyon University is 126.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western New Mexico University (about $9,982 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $7,868.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at GCU than at Western New Mexico University (about $3,508 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $14,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University than at Western New Mexico University (96% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New Mexico University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Grand Canyon University students ($12,666 vs. $9,861).

GCU vs. Western New Mexico University Admissions comparison

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

• Western New Mexico 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; Western New Mexico University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Western New Mexico University Aug 12, 2027.

GCU vs. Western New Mexico University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University's (13%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Western New Mexico University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $1,936 lower median loan debt than Western New Mexico University graduates ($18,750 vs. $20,686).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western New Mexico University graduates ($193 vs. $213).
• More Western New Mexico University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (34% 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.