Thomas Edison State University (TESU) vs Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Thomas Edison State University and Grand Canyon University, while both offering flexible and accessible online learning, present distinct characteristics that cater to different student needs. Thomas Edison State University stands out with its open admissions policy, allowing almost anyone to enroll, while Grand Canyon University maintains a more selective approach with an acceptance rate of 88%. In terms of student demographics, Thomas Edison State University boasts a diverse student body with an average age of 34, while Grand Canyon University attracts a younger crowd with an average age of 26. When it comes to popular majors, Thomas Edison State University excels in business and management, while Grand Canyon University offers a wider range of programs, including healthcare, education, and psychology. With a graduation rate of 28%, Thomas Edison State University presents a challenging academic environment, while Grand Canyon University's 62% graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best
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![]() Grand Canyon University |
![]() Thomas Edison State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Phoenix, Arizona | Trenton, New Jersey |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Small |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 71.0% | |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 82.8% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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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 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 30,534 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 7,620 | |
Yield rate | 25.0% | |
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 |
In state:
$14,552
Out of state:
$16,712
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Average net price | $21,644 | |
Tuition | $16,500 |
In state:
$7,182
Out of state:
$9,342
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,300
Meal plan:
$3,800
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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 |
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Students receiving federal student loan |
60.0%
Average amount $5,346 |
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Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $12,937 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
65,870
Men 29.3% Women 70.7% |
8,754
Men 60.5% Women 39.5% |
Graduate students |
37,202
Men 22.5% Women 77.5% |
967
Men 40.1% Women 59.9% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Out-of-state students | 73.1% | N/A |
International students | 1.2% | 0.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Small |
Dormitory capacity | 15,937 | N/A |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | N/A |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Arizona California Washington Colorado Minnesota | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 20:1 | 20:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 44.7% | N/A |
Dropout rate | 52.9% | N/A |
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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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other (Associate's Degrees)
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