Grand Canyon University (GCU) vs CSU Global

Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) are two distinct universities offering diverse educational experiences. GCU, a private Christian university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (92%) compared to CSU-Global's 100% acceptance rate. GCU's student body is predominantly female (58%), while CSU-Global's is more evenly distributed (49% female, 51% male). Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Health Sciences, and Education. GCU has a higher graduation rate (62%) than CSU-Global (49%). To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Explore the table to find the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	Colorado State University-Global Campus	Grand Canyon University
Overview
Location	Aurora, Colorado	Phoenix, Arizona
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (For Profit)
Calendar system	Trimester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	35.0%	71.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.0%	82.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25
SAT range	495 - 595	N/A
ACT range	16 - 18	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	3.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	126	36,861
Total number of admissions given out	121	30,534
Admitted students who chose to enroll	99	7,620
Yield rate	81.8%	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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,440	$32,100
Average net price	$12,351	$21,644
Tuition	$8,400	$16,500
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $5,300 Meal plan: $3,800
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	35.0% Average amount $5,411	100.0% Average amount $10,225
Students receiving federal student loan	70.0% Average amount $6,934	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	6,897 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	65,870 Men 29.3% Women 70.7%
Graduate students	3,947 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	37,202 Men 22.5% Women 77.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	73.1%
International students	1.1%	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	N/A	Arizona California Washington Colorado Minnesota

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Education Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Health Professions Education Business Psychology Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	N/A	44.7%
Dropout rate	N/A	52.9%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,807 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $93,776 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,882 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $86,237 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,824 Year 2: $76,117 Year 3: $80,492 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,872 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $80,318 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,994 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $77,595 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,480 Year 2: $70,522 Year 3: $74,901 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,152 Year 2: $66,111 Year 3: $71,617 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,677 Year 2: $64,344 Year 3: $71,163 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,425 Year 2: $60,041 Year 3: $64,862 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,055 Year 2: $59,193 Year 3: $60,979	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 main differences between Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global)?

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university with a physical campus in Phoenix, Arizona, offering a traditional campus experience alongside online programs. Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is a fully online, public university and an independent member of the Colorado State University System. The key difference lies in the learning environment: GCU offers both on-campus and online options, while CSU-Global is exclusively online, catering to working adults and those seeking flexible learning.
Which university, GCU or CSU-Global, is better suited for a traditional college experience?

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is the better choice if you're seeking a traditional college experience. With its physical campus, sports teams, clubs, and on-campus events, GCU provides a more immersive and social environment typical of a four-year university. CSU-Global, being entirely online, doesn't offer this traditional campus life.
How do the online programs at GCU and CSU-Global compare?

Both Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) offer a wide range of online programs. However, CSU-Global is specifically designed for online learning, with a focus on flexibility and accessibility for working adults. GCU's online programs are often integrated with their on-campus offerings, potentially offering a blend of online and in-person resources depending on the program. CSU-Global's curriculum is competency-based, allowing students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge.
What types of degree programs are offered at GCU and CSU-Global?

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a broad spectrum of degree programs, from bachelor's to doctoral levels, across various fields like business, education, nursing, and theology. Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) also offers a range of bachelor's and master's degrees, with a strong focus on career-relevant fields such as business, IT, project management, and healthcare administration. While both offer diverse programs, GCU's offerings are generally broader due to its traditional university structure.
How does the tuition cost compare between GCU and CSU-Global?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and enrollment status. Generally, Grand Canyon University (GCU) may have a higher overall cost due to the expenses associated with maintaining a physical campus. Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) often has a more affordable tuition structure, particularly for online programs, as it doesn't have the overhead of a traditional campus. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information for your specific program of interest.
What is the accreditation status of GCU and CSU-Global?

Both Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) are regionally accredited, which is a crucial factor to consider. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and CSU-Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as part of the Colorado State University System. Regional accreditation ensures that the universities meet rigorous standards of quality and that credits earned are generally transferable to other institutions.
Which university, GCU or CSU-Global, is better for working adults?

Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is specifically designed for working adults. Its fully online format, flexible scheduling, and competency-based learning model allow students to balance their studies with work and other commitments. While Grand Canyon University (GCU) also offers online programs, CSU-Global's entire structure is geared towards the needs of working professionals.
What are the admission requirements for GCU and CSU-Global?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program level and specific degree. Generally, Grand Canyon University (GCU) requires transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and an application. Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) typically requires transcripts and may have specific requirements based on the program, but often places less emphasis on standardized test scores, focusing more on prior learning and professional experience.
Does either GCU or CSU-Global offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes, both Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) offer financial aid options, including federal student loans, grants, and scholarships. The specific types and amounts of aid available will vary based on individual eligibility and program. It's recommended to explore the financial aid sections of both universities' websites and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.
What kind of student support services are available at GCU and CSU-Global?

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, counseling, disability services, and tutoring, both on-campus and online. Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) provides online student support services such as academic advising, technical support, a virtual library, and career resources tailored to online learners. While both offer support, GCU's on-campus presence allows for more in-person services.

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