Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona · Private For-Profit · 78.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 25/100 · Poor Value
Grand Canyon University
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $17,850/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,850/yr |
| Average net price | $22,472/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,888 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,186 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,114 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $234 |
| Estimated payback period | 32 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 43.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 73,371 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,557 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,763 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,712 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,471 |
| $110,001+ | $25,701 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Grand Canyon University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $103,884 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,828 | C |
| Teacher Education | $49,531 | D |
| Human Services, General | $48,766 | D |
| Special Education and Teaching | $50,892 | F |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $51,490 | F |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $46,973 | F |
| Social Work | $53,716 | D |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $60,328 | D |
| Marketing | $60,303 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Grand Canyon University is $17,850/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,472/year, or roughly $89,888 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $18,557/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,701/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,114 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $234 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $42,186 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.61 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 64.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 35.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 37.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 488-533 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 518-580 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-22 |
| Enrollment | 73,371 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 45.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,563 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University (this school) | 25 | $22,472 | $42,186 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | 36 | $31,681 | $34,657 |
| Capella University | 31 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| University of Advancing Technology | 28 | $28,522 | $50,719 |
| Full Sail University | 13 | $38,875 | $38,219 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | 9 | $16,745 | $37,180 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Grand Canyon University. With a net cost of $22,472 per year and median graduate earnings of only $42,186 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 32 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 43.5% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $22,114 against $42,186 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.