Grand Canyon University (GCU) vs Post University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Post University (PU) stand out as two distinct institutions of higher learning, each catering to unique student populations and academic aspirations. GCU, a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona, boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate (92%) compared to PU's more selective admissions process (70%). While GCU's student body predominantly comprises undergraduate students, PU offers a more balanced mix of undergraduate and graduate programs. Both universities offer a diverse range of popular majors, with GCU excelling in business, education, and nursing, while PU shines in business, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. Discover the nuances that set these universities apart by exploring our comprehensive comparison table, designed to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Grand Canyon University logo

Grand Canyon University

Post University logo

Post University

Overview

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%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

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

Tuition and Fees

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
$11,600
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

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

Students and Campus

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
Moderate
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

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Legal Profession
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 20:1 21:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

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)
  • 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
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,016
  • Year 2: $78,468
  • Year 3: $81,050
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,219
  • Year 2: $68,219
  • Year 3: $67,034
Accounting and Related Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates)
  • Year 1: $50,352
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $57,312
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,265
  • Year 2: $54,975
  • Year 3: $56,455
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,687
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $53,532
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,478
  • Year 2: $52,334
  • Year 3: $52,470
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,907
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $51,705
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $50,739
Human Services, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,762
  • Year 2: $50,231
  • Year 3: $47,844
Human Resources Management and Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates)
  • Year 1: $37,956
  • Year 2: $39,009
  • Year 3: $43,612

Frequently Asked Questions


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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