Grand Canyon University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Grand Canyon University comes closer — median earnings $42,186 against a $89,888 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Grand Canyon University | Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,472 | $37,136 |
| Total net cost | $89,888 | $148,544 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,186 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $22,114 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$213,368 | -$422,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Grand Canyon University or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson?
Grand Canyon University, at $22,472 a year after aid versus $37,136 — a gap of $14,664 a year, or $58,656 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Grand Canyon University or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson graduates earn more?
Grand Canyon University graduates report a median $42,186 ten years after entry, $7,529 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Grand Canyon University or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson?
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon University, a difference of $12,614. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.