Grand Canyon University vs University of Arizona: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Grand Canyon University | University 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 |
| Payback | — | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$213,368 | $165,684 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Grand Canyon University or University of Arizona?
University of Arizona, at $16,674 a year after aid versus $22,472 — a gap of $5,798 a year, or $23,192 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 University of Arizona graduates earn more?
University of Arizona graduates report a median $59,979 ten years after entry, $17,793 more than the $42,186 at Grand Canyon University. 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 University of Arizona?
University of Arizona: its completers carry a median $19,620 in federal loans versus $22,114 at Grand Canyon University, a difference of $2,494. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Arizona, against 43% at Grand Canyon University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.