Grand Canyon University (GCU) vs Post University
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![]() Grand Canyon University |
![]() Post University |
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Overview |
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Location | Phoenix, Arizona | Waterbury, Connecticut |
Campus setting | City: Large | Suburb: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Private (For Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 71.0% | 45.0% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 82.8% | 96.5% |
Application fees | ||
SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 36,861 | 2,893 |
Total number of admissions given out | 30,534 | 2,793 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 7,620 | 1,163 |
Yield rate | 25.0% | 41.6% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Not required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $32,100 | $30,060 |
Average net price | $21,644 | $22,328 |
Tuition | $16,500 | $15,310 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,300
Meal plan:
$3,800
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$11,600 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $10,225 |
94.0%
Average amount $7,945 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
60.0%
Average amount $5,346 |
72.0%
Average amount $7,265 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $12,937 |
1.0%
Average amount $8,803 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
65,870
Men 29.3% Women 70.7% |
12,997
Men 28.0% Women 72.0% |
Graduate students |
37,202
Men 22.5% Women 77.5% |
1,058
Men 35.8% Women 64.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 73.1% | 89.9% |
International students | 1.2% | 0.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | Suburb: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 15,937 | 434 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Arizona California Washington Colorado Minnesota | Connecticut Texas New York California Georgia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 21:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | New England Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 44.7% | 20.4% |
Dropout rate | 52.9% | 79.3% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
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Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
Human Services, General (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the main differences between Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Post University?
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university with a strong emphasis on campus life and traditional learning experiences, while Post University is a for-profit institution known for its flexible online programs and accelerated learning options. GCU offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees, and has a more established athletic program. Post University focuses primarily on career-oriented programs and caters to working adults seeking to advance their education.
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Which university, GCU or Post, is better for online learning?
Post University is generally considered to be stronger in online learning due to its long-standing experience and focus on online education. They offer a wider variety of fully online programs and have designed their curriculum specifically for the online environment. While GCU also offers online programs, their strength lies more in their on-campus experience.
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How do the tuition costs compare between GCU and Post University?
Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time). Generally, Grand Canyon University's tuition is competitive, and they offer various financial aid options. Post University's tuition can also be competitive, especially for their online programs. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information and to explore available scholarships and financial aid packages.
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What types of programs are offered at Grand Canyon University and Post University?
Grand Canyon University offers a broad range of programs, including business, education, nursing, engineering, and theology, at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Post University focuses on career-oriented programs such as business administration, criminal justice, human services, and technology, primarily at the undergraduate and master's levels.
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Which university has a stronger focus on campus life and extracurricular activities?
Grand Canyon University has a much stronger focus on campus life and extracurricular activities. They offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, sports teams (NCAA Division I), and events for students to participate in. Post University, with its emphasis on online learning and working adults, has a less prominent campus life experience.
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How do the admission requirements differ between GCU and Post University?
Admission requirements vary by program at both universities. Generally, Grand Canyon University may have slightly more stringent admission requirements, particularly for competitive programs. Post University, with its focus on accessibility, may have more flexible admission criteria, especially for adult learners with prior work experience. It's recommended to review the specific admission requirements for your desired program on each university's website.
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What is the accreditation status of Grand Canyon University and Post University?
Both Grand Canyon University and Post University are regionally accredited. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is a widely recognized standard of quality in higher education.
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Which university is a better fit for students seeking a Christian-based education?
Grand Canyon University is a better fit for students seeking a Christian-based education. GCU integrates Christian values and principles into its curriculum and campus culture. While Post University is not a religiously affiliated institution.
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How do the career services and job placement assistance compare between GCU and Post University?
Both Grand Canyon University and Post University offer career services to assist students with job placement. GCU has a dedicated career services center that provides resources such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Post University also offers career counseling and resources, with a focus on helping students connect with employers in their field of study. The effectiveness of these services can vary depending on the program and individual student effort.
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What are the class sizes like at GCU and Post University?
Class sizes at Grand Canyon University can vary depending on the program and course level, but they generally aim to maintain a student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Post University, particularly in its online programs, often has smaller class sizes to facilitate interaction and engagement among students and instructors.
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