Grand Canyon University vs Full Sail University
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
Grand Canyon University holds a 12-point ROI advantage over Full Sail University, scoring 25/100 versus 13/100. 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 $38,875 at Full Sail University - a difference of $16,403 annually, or roughly $65,612 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Grand Canyon University graduates earn a median of $42,186 compared to $38,219 at Full Sail University. The payback period is 32 years at Grand Canyon University versus 91.8 years at Full Sail University.
Graduates leave Grand Canyon University with a median $22,114 in debt versus $27,000 at Full Sail University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.61 and 0.79 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,850 | $26,906 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,850 | $26,906 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,472 | $38,875 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,888 | $155,500 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,000 | $34,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $38,219 |
| Graduation Rate | 43.5% | 44.3% |
| Payback Period | 32 yr | 91.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $234 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.61 | 0.79 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.8% | 44.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 35.9% | 32.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.9% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 25,777 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Grand Canyon Univers... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $18,557 | $38,738 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,763 | $38,162 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,712 | $38,181 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,471 | $40,236 |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 | $41,762 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Grand Canyon Univers... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $88,308 | $77,512 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,864 | $80,909 |
| Computer Programming | $52,190 | $83,694 |
| Marketing | $60,303 | $57,954 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $59,281 | $33,429 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,622 | $44,933 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management | $47,821 | $38,847 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $38,976 | $44,962 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $37,142 | $44,878 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $44,335 | $42,719 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $43,469 | $33,579 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $42,219 | $36,870 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Grand Canyon Univers... | Full Sail University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 9 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 17 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 48 | 16 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 27 | 28 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 25 | 13 |
The Verdict
Grand Canyon University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (25 vs 13). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if Full Sail University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Grand Canyon University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Full Sail University
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.