Head-to-head · 2026
Grand Canyon University vs University of Phoenix-Arizona
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Grand Canyon University, 2 for University of Phoenix-Arizona — Grand Canyon University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | University of Phoenix-Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 4.69 | 6.98 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $22,472 | $13,520 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $42,186 ✓ | $37,752 |
| Acceptance rate | 78.9% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 43.5% ✓ | 20.8% |
| Median debt | $22,114 ✓ | $31,553 |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 85,991 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private For-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1077 | — |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Grand Canyon University costs $8,952 more per year than University of Phoenix-Arizona ($22,472 vs $13,520). Grand Canyon University graduates report $4,434 higher median earnings after ten years ($42,186 vs $37,752). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Phoenix-Arizona ahead on projected ROI (6.98 vs 4.69, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Phoenix-Arizona) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Grand Canyon University reports 78.9% acceptance; University of Phoenix-Arizona does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Grand Canyon University vs University of Phoenix-Arizona, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Grand Canyon University or University of Phoenix-Arizona the better value?
University of Phoenix-Arizona has the higher EduGradify ROI score (6.98 vs 4.69), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Phoenix-Arizona is cheaper — average net price $13,520 per year vs $22,472 at Grand Canyon University. The annual difference of $8,952 adds up to about $35,808 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Grand Canyon University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $42,186 vs $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,434.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Grand Canyon University reports a D value grade; University of Phoenix-Arizona reports C.