Grand Canyon University vs Johnson & Wales University-Online
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Grand Canyon University comes out ahead: 25/100 to 21/100, a 4-point edge over Johnson & Wales University-Online. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Johnson & Wales University-Online runs $20,252 a year against $22,472 at Grand Canyon University - $2,220 more a year, or about $8,880 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates earn a median $43,418 against $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. The cost earns itself back in 32 years at Grand Canyon University and 26.3 years at Johnson & Wales University-Online.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Grand Canyon University owing a median $22,114 versus $26,000 at Johnson & Wales University-Online. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.61 and 0.78 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | Johnson & Wales Universit... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,850 | $13,365 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,850 | $13,365 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,472 | $20,252 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,888 | $81,008 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,000 | $33,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $43,418 |
| Graduation Rate | 43.5% | 0.0% |
| Payback Period | 32 yr | 26.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $26,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $234 | $276 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.61 | 0.78 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.8% | 80.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 35.9% | 69.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.9% | 91.0% |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 2,202 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Grand Canyon Univers... | Johnson & Wales Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $18,557 | $19,916 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,763 | $20,580 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,712 | $19,319 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,471 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 | $25,364 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Grand Canyon Univers... | Johnson & Wales Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $44,335 | $77,025 |
| Accounting | $67,067 | $73,476 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $72,124 | $73,152 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,828 | $59,186 |
| Marketing | $60,303 | $64,321 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,600 | $56,632 |
| Hospitality Administration | $49,703 | $55,790 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,622 | $51,247 |
| Entrepreneurship | $52,783 | $47,042 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Grand Canyon Univers... | Johnson & Wales Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 19 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 17 | 20 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 48 | 18 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 27 | 0 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 71 |
| Overall ROI Score | 25 | 21 |
The Verdict
It's close. Grand Canyon University edges out Johnson & Wales University-Online by 4 points (25 vs 21), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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
Johnson & Wales University-Online
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.