Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Grand Canyon University vs University of Arizona: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Phoenix AZ · vs · Public, Tucson AZ

The verdict

University of Arizona has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,696 in 5.7 years versus not at all at Grand Canyon University, on median earnings of $59,979 vs $42,186 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureGrand Canyon UniversityUniversity of Arizona
Net price / yr$22,472$16,674
Total net cost$89,888$66,696
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,186$59,979
Median debt$22,114$19,620
Payback5.7 yrs
20-year net return$-213,368$165,684

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.