Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Private for-profit, Phoenix AZ · vs · Private nonprofit, Phoenix AZ

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Grand Canyon University comes closer — median earnings $42,186 against a $89,888 total, vs $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Phoenix-ArizonaGrand Canyon University
Net price / yr$13,520$22,472
Total net cost$54,080$89,888
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,752$42,186
Median debt$31,553$22,114
Payback
20-year net return$-266,240$-213,368

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