Grand Canyon University (GCU) vs Chamberlain University-Arizona

Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Chamberlain University-Arizona (CU-AZ) stand out as two prominent educational institutions in Arizona, each offering unique opportunities for higher learning. GCU, a private Christian university, boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate (93%) compared to CU-AZ's selective admissions policy (58%). While GCU's student body is predominantly undergraduate (92%), CU-AZ caters primarily to graduate-level studies, with 99% of its students pursuing advanced degrees. Both universities offer a diverse range of programs, with GCU excelling in popular majors like Business, Education, and Health Professions, and CU-AZ specializing in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, and Public Health. With GCU's higher graduation rate (63%) edging out CU-AZ's 58%, prospective students can explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university better aligns with their academic aspirations and career goals.

	Chamberlain University-Arizona	Grand Canyon University
Overview
Location	Phoenix, Arizona	Phoenix, Arizona
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (For Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	75.0%	71.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	36.4%	82.8%
Application fees	$95
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	11	36,861
Total number of admissions given out	4	30,534
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3	7,620
Yield rate	75.0%	25.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$43,266	$32,100
Average net price	$28,445	$21,644
Tuition	$19,062	$16,500
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $5,300 Meal plan: $3,800
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	50.0% Average amount $7,226	100.0% Average amount $10,225
Students receiving federal student loan	100.0% Average amount $8,500	60.0% Average amount $5,346
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	8.0% Average amount $12,937

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	797 Men 16.9% Women 83.1%	65,870 Men 29.3% Women 70.7%
Graduate students	N/A	37,202 Men 22.5% Women 77.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	33.3%	73.1%
International students	N/A	1.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	15,937
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California	Arizona California Washington Colorado Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions	Health Professions Education Business Psychology Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.7%	44.7%
Dropout rate	N/A	52.9%
Transferred out	33.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,883 Year 2: $71,315 Year 3: $74,013	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $117,397 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $125,189 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,451 Year 2: $96,705 Year 3: $100,941 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,965 Year 2: $87,641 Year 3: $91,610 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,940 Year 2: $77,476 Year 3: $80,825 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,319 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $68,008 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,248 Year 2: $64,265 Year 3: $66,703 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,382 Year 2: $57,047 Year 3: $64,355 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,308 Year 2: $59,621 Year 3: $62,793 Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,625 Year 2: $60,082 Year 3: $61,171 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,083 Year 2: $55,605 Year 3: $59,588

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in program offerings between Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Chamberlain University-Arizona?

GCU offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including those in business, education, engineering, and the arts, in addition to healthcare programs. Chamberlain University-Arizona primarily focuses on healthcare programs, particularly nursing, with a more specialized curriculum in that field. If you are certain about a healthcare career, Chamberlain might be a good fit. If you are exploring different fields, GCU provides more options.
How do the accreditation statuses of GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona compare?

Both GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona hold regional accreditation, which is a significant indicator of quality. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while Chamberlain is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Both accreditations are recognized nationally. Program-specific accreditations, such as those for nursing programs, are also important to consider, and both universities hold relevant accreditations for their healthcare programs.
What is the typical cost of attendance at GCU versus Chamberlain University-Arizona?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, GCU's tuition rates are competitive. Chamberlain University-Arizona's tuition can be higher, especially for accelerated nursing programs. It's essential to check the most current tuition and fee schedules on each university's website and factor in potential financial aid, scholarships, and living expenses to get a complete picture of the overall cost.
How do the campus environments and student life experiences differ between the two universities?

GCU has a larger, more traditional campus with a wide array of student activities, sports teams, and on-campus housing options. It offers a more comprehensive campus experience. Chamberlain University-Arizona, being focused on healthcare, may have a smaller campus footprint or primarily offer online programs, with a greater emphasis on clinical experiences and professional development related to healthcare. Consider your preferred learning environment and social preferences when making your decision.
What are the admission requirements like for GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona?

Admission requirements vary by program and degree level. Both universities typically require high school transcripts or equivalent, and may require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), although some programs may be test-optional. Chamberlain University-Arizona may have specific requirements related to healthcare experience or prerequisites for certain nursing programs. It's best to review the specific requirements for your desired program on each university's website.
How do the graduation rates and career services compare between GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona?

Both universities are committed to student success. GCU has a strong focus on career services, offering resources for job placement, resume writing, and networking across various fields. Chamberlain University-Arizona provides career services tailored to the healthcare industry, including clinical placement assistance and career counseling for nursing and related professions. Graduation rates can vary by program, so it's advisable to check the most recent data available from each university.
Which university is better for online learning: GCU or Chamberlain University-Arizona?

Both universities offer robust online learning options. GCU has a well-established online platform with a wide variety of programs available online. Chamberlain University-Arizona also offers online programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare, with a focus on flexibility and accessibility. The best choice depends on your program of interest and your preferred learning style. Consider factors like the availability of online resources, faculty support, and the overall online learning experience when making your decision.
How does the faculty composition differ between GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona?

GCU's faculty includes a mix of experienced academics and industry professionals across various disciplines. Chamberlain University-Arizona's faculty is primarily composed of experienced healthcare professionals and educators with expertise in nursing and related fields. The faculty at Chamberlain often have extensive clinical experience, which is beneficial for students in healthcare programs.
Are there any specific advantages to choosing GCU over Chamberlain University-Arizona, or vice versa?

GCU offers a broader range of programs and a more traditional campus experience, which may appeal to students seeking a wider variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Chamberlain University-Arizona is a strong choice for students focused on a healthcare career, particularly nursing, due to its specialized curriculum, clinical focus, and industry connections. The best choice depends on your individual academic and career goals.
How do the student-to-faculty ratios compare at GCU and Chamberlain University-Arizona?

Student-to-faculty ratios can vary by program and course. Generally, both universities aim to provide a supportive learning environment. Chamberlain University-Arizona, with its focus on healthcare, may have smaller class sizes in clinical settings to facilitate personalized instruction and hands-on training. It's recommended to check the specific student-to-faculty ratios for the programs you are interested in on each university's website.

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