Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Grand Canyon University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Grand Canyon University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,186 — 22% below average — while paying $22,472/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $22,114 representing 52% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Grand Canyon University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Grand Canyon University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 4 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young University | 99 | $15,564 | $75,790 |
| #2 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | 90 | $8,221 | $53,406 |
| #3 | Liberty University | 25 | $29,357 | $44,813 |
| #4 | Grand Canyon University | 20 | $22,472 | $42,186 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Grand Canyon University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Grand Canyon University
The highest-earning program at Grand Canyon University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $75,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $25,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Grand Canyon University earns $75,400, while a Biology, General graduate earns $25,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $18,217 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,472/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $75,400 | $75,400 | $18,217 |
| Homeland Security | $59,600 | $59,600 | $24,960 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $57,300 | $57,300 | $22,916 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $48,500 | $48,500 | $23,880 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $43,100 | $43,100 | $26,039 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,300 | $42,300 | $25,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $38,400 | $38,400 | $33,334 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $35,600 | $35,600 | $26,625 |
| Marketing | $35,300 | $35,300 | $23,083 |
| History | $34,400 | $34,400 | $29,166 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $34,200 | $34,200 | $25,278 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $33,500 | $33,500 | $43,313 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,400 | $33,400 | $23,209 |
| Social Work | $32,900 | $32,900 | $25,000 |
| Religious Education | $32,800 | $32,800 | $31,875 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $32,300 | $32,300 | $31,250 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $31,800 | $31,800 | $35,658 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,700 | $31,700 | $25,000 |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $30,900 | $30,900 | $39,985 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,800 | $30,800 | $37,383 |
| Human Services, General | $30,800 | $30,800 | $26,901 |
| Literature | $30,100 | $30,100 | $28,445 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,800 | $28,800 | $25,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $27,900 | $27,900 | $21,497 |
| Sociology | $27,000 | $27,000 | N/A |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $27,000 | $27,000 | $22,369 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $25,900 | $25,900 | $22,547 |
| Biology, General | $25,400 | $25,400 | $23,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
- Student Body
- 73,371 students
- Admission Rate
- 79%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,472
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,186
- Median Student Debt
- $22,114