Grand Canyon University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe holds a 11-point ROI advantage over Grand Canyon University, scoring 36/100 versus 25/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Grand Canyon University comes in at $22,472 per year (net price after aid) versus $31,681 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe - a difference of $9,209 annually, or roughly $36,836 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Grand Canyon University graduates earn a median of $42,186 compared to $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe. The payback period is 32 years at Grand Canyon University versus 999 years at Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe.
Graduates leave Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe with a median $9,500 in debt versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.61 and 0.40 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | Arizona College of Nursin... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,850 | $26,091 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,850 | $26,091 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,472 | $31,681 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,888 | $126,724 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,000 | $23,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $34,657 |
| Graduation Rate | 43.5% | 88.9% |
| Payback Period | 32 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $9,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $234 | $101 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.61 | 0.40 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.8% | 36.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 35.9% | 29.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.9% | 100.0% |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 1,202 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Grand Canyon Univers... | Arizona College of N... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $18,557 | $27,061 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,763 | $32,566 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,712 | $36,830 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,471 | $35,163 |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 | $38,153 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Grand Canyon Univers... | Arizona College of N... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $103,884 | $87,378 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Grand Canyon Univers... | Arizona College of N... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 7 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 17 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 48 | 87 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 27 | 95 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 3 |
| Overall ROI Score | 25 | 36 |
The Verdict
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe has a meaningfully higher ROI score (36 vs 25). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if Grand Canyon University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Grand Canyon University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.