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University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University are both public institutions — University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ and Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Tucson, AZ · Public
Acceptance rate: 86.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 42,537
Tuition: $42,278/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Tucson, AZ with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
Phoenix, AZ · Private
Acceptance rate: 78.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 73,371
Tuition: $17,850/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 43.5%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Public administration and social service
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Phoenix, AZ with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | University of Arizona | Grand Canyon University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.1% | 78.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1150–1420 |
| 1006–1113 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 21–29 | 20–22 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 42,537 | 73,371 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,278/year | $17,850/year |
| Average net price after aid | $16,674 | $22,472 |
| Graduation rate | 67.5% | 43.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,979 | $42,186 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 20.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Tucson, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Health professions | Health professions, Business and marketing, Public administration and social service |
Grand Canyon University is more selective (78.9% vs 86.1% acceptance rate). University of Arizona has a lower average net price after grant aid ($16,674 vs $22,472). University of Arizona reports the higher graduation rate (67.5% vs 43.5%). Grand Canyon University is the larger undergraduate campus (73,371 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of Arizona vs Arizona State University Campus Immersion
86.1% vs 89.9% acceptance rate
University of Arizona vs Northern Arizona University
86.1% vs 89.6% acceptance rate
University of Arizona vs Arizona State University Digital Immersion
86.1% vs 66.7% acceptance rate
University of Arizona vs The University of Arizona Global Campus
86.1% vs Not reported acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University
University of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86.1%; Grand Canyon University is around 78.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Arizona tuition is $42,278/year. Grand Canyon University is $17,850/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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