Grand Canyon University vs Strayer University-Florida
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Grand Canyon University and Strayer University-Florida come out about even on financial return. Grand Canyon University scores 25/100 and Strayer University-Florida scores 24/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Strayer University-Florida runs $16,064 a year against $22,472 at Grand Canyon University - $6,408 more a year, or about $25,632 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Grand Canyon University graduates earn a median $42,186 against $40,092 at Strayer University-Florida. The cost earns itself back in 32 years at Grand Canyon University and 40.1 years at Strayer University-Florida.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Grand Canyon University owing a median $22,114 versus $40,621 at Strayer University-Florida. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.61 and 1.06 - 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 | Strayer University-Florid... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,850 | $13,920 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,850 | $13,920 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,472 | $16,064 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,888 | $64,256 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,000 | $38,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $40,092 |
| Graduation Rate | 43.5% | 100.0% |
| Payback Period | 32 yr | 40.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $40,621 |
| Monthly Payment | $234 | $431 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.61 | 1.06 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.8% | 42.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 35.9% | 30.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.9% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 1,107 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Grand Canyon Univers... | Strayer University-F... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $18,557 | N/A |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,763 | $16,064 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,712 | N/A |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,471 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 | N/A |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Grand Canyon Univers... | Strayer University-F... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,864 | $82,304 |
| Accounting | $67,067 | $66,108 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,600 | $53,916 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Grand Canyon Univers... | Strayer University-F... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 15 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 17 | 14 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 48 | 4 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 27 | 99 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 4 |
| Overall ROI Score | 25 | 24 |
The Verdict
It's close. Grand Canyon University edges out Strayer University-Florida by 1 points (25 vs 24), 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
Strayer University-Florida
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.