GCU vs. Western Colorado University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Western Colorado University is in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Western Colorado University 17:1.

GCU vs. Western Colorado University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Western Colorado 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 Colorado University than GCU ($17,711 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 8% lower than at Grand Canyon University ($10,760 vs. $11,700).
• Grand Canyon University is 57.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $6,532 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.9% higher at Western Colorado University than at Grand Canyon University (about $6,584 more per year; $24,434.00 vs. $17,850.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University than at Western Colorado University (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Canyon University students is 17% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($9,861 vs. $8,425).

GCU vs. Western Colorado University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 200 points higher than at GCU (1060).
• Incoming Western Colorado University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at GCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113; Western Colorado University 1163/1353.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22; Western Colorado University 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Western Colorado University - Test optional.
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than GCU (78.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.1% at GCU vs. 11.5% at Western Colorado University.

GCU vs. Western Colorado University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Western Colorado 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).

• Western Colorado University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Grand Canyon University's (31%).
• Graduates from Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Canyon University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Western Colorado University graduates ($18,750 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, GCU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Colorado University graduates ($193 vs. $222).
• More Western Colorado University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.