Grand Canyon University vs University of Advancing Technology
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
University of Advancing Technology holds a 3-point ROI advantage over Grand Canyon University, scoring 28/100 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 $28,522 at University of Advancing Technology - a difference of $6,050 annually, or roughly $24,200 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Advancing Technology graduates earn a median of $50,719 compared to $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. The payback period is 32 years at Grand Canyon University versus 16.2 years at University of Advancing Technology.
Graduates leave Grand Canyon University with a median $22,114 in debt versus $28,812 at University of Advancing Technology. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.61 and 0.71 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | University of Advancing T... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,850 | $19,365 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,850 | $19,365 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,472 | $28,522 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,888 | $114,088 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,000 | $40,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $42,186 | $50,719 |
| Graduation Rate | 43.5% | 35.1% |
| Payback Period | 32 yr | 16.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,114 | $28,812 |
| Monthly Payment | $234 | $305 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.61 | 0.71 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 64.8% | 67.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 35.9% | 61.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.9% | 98.1% |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 855 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Grand Canyon Univers... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $18,557 | $25,687 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $18,763 | $25,896 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,712 | $28,841 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,471 | $31,691 |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 | $32,685 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Grand Canyon Univers... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $85,864 | $84,302 |
| Computer Programming | $52,190 | $72,462 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $42,219 | $48,112 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $38,976 | $38,996 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Grand Canyon Univers... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 26 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 17 | 35 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 48 | 27 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 27 | 15 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 26 | 34 |
| Overall ROI Score | 25 | 28 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Advancing Technology edges out Grand Canyon University by 3 points (28 vs 25), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Grand Canyon University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Advancing Technology
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.