Head-to-head · 2026
Grand Canyon University vs Northern Arizona University
Compare average net price ($22,472 at Grand Canyon University; $14,158 at Northern Arizona University), ROI score (4.69 vs 9.60), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($42,186 vs $54,384), and admissions selectivity (78.9% acceptance at Grand Canyon University; 89.6% at Northern Arizona University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Grand Canyon University | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 4.69 | 9.60 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $22,472 | $14,158 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $89,888 | $56,632 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $17,850 | $13,009 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $17,850 | $29,881 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $42,186 | $54,384 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 78.9% | 89.6% |
| Graduation rate | 43.5% | 61.3% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 72.1% | 75.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,114 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 73,371 | 22,903 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1077 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Grand Canyon University | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $18,557 | $9,709 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,763 | $10,398 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $21,712 | $13,330 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $24,471 | $18,050 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $25,701 | $20,686 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Grand Canyon University | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 23.7% | 6.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 11.4% | 5.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 12% | 4.3% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 6.3% | 2.3% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 4.3% | 3% |
| Biology, General | 0.7% | 6% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 6.2% | 0.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.8% | 2.3% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Northern Arizona University reports the lower average net price by $8,314 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $33,256 difference over four years ($56,632 vs $89,888).
Northern Arizona University reports $12,198 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($54,384 vs $42,186). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 72.1% at Grand Canyon University and 75.5% at Northern Arizona University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,114 vs $19,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Grand Canyon University vs Northern Arizona University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Northern Arizona University is cheaper — average net price $14,158 per year vs $22,472 at Grand Canyon University. The annual difference of $8,314 adds up to about $33,256 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Northern Arizona University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $54,384 vs $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. The gap in the federal data is $12,198. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Grand Canyon University is more selective at 78.9% acceptance vs 89.6% at Northern Arizona University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.