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Northern Arizona University vs Arizona Christian University: which has better ROI?

Public, Flagstaff AZ · vs · Private nonprofit, Glendale AZ

The verdict

Northern Arizona University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,632 in 9.4 years versus 40.4 years at Arizona Christian University, on median earnings of $54,384 vs $51,612 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNorthern Arizona UniversityArizona Christian University
Net price / yr$14,158$32,839
Total net cost$56,632$131,356
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,384$51,612
Median debt$19,000$23,000
Payback9.4 yrs40.4 yrs
20-year net return$63,848-$66,316

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

Which is cheaper, Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University?

Northern Arizona University, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $32,839 — a gap of $18,681 a year, or $74,724 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University graduates earn more?

Northern Arizona University graduates report a median $54,384 ten years after entry, $2,772 more than the $51,612 at Arizona Christian 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, Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University?

Northern Arizona University: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Arizona Christian University, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at Northern Arizona University, against 40% at Arizona Christian 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.

Northern Arizona University vs Arizona Christian University: frequently asked questions

Is Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University a better value?
Northern Arizona University. It clears its $56,632 net cost in about 9.4 years versus 40.4 years at Arizona Christian University, on median earnings of $54,384 vs $51,612 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University?
Northern Arizona University: $14,158/yr net price after aid versus $32,839/yr at Arizona Christian University — a difference of $18,681 a year, or about $74,724 over four years.
Do Northern Arizona University or Arizona Christian University graduates earn more?
Northern Arizona University graduates earn a median $54,384 ten years after entry, versus $51,612 at Arizona Christian University — a $2,772 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.