GCU vs. Bethesda University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with Bethesda University in Anaheim, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Canyon University is larger than Bethesda University based on total student enrollment (113,257 students vs. 263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, AZ (Large City setting); Bethesda University is in Anaheim, CA (Large City setting).
• Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution. Bethesda University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Canyon University 20:1; Bethesda University 7:1.

GCU vs. Bethesda University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GCU or Bethesda University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethesda University than GCU ($20,099 vs. $22,928).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Canyon University are 19.4% lower than at Bethesda University ($11,700 vs. $14,515).
• Grand Canyon University is 147.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethesda University (about $10,630 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $7,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 147.2% higher at GCU than at Bethesda University (about $10,630 more per year; $17,850.00 vs. $7,220.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Grand Canyon University than at Bethesda University (96% vs. 44%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Canyon University students is 320.9% larger than aid received by Bethesda University students ($9,861 vs. $2,343).

GCU vs. Bethesda University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GCU or Bethesda University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bethesda University and GCU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 1006/1113.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Canyon University 20/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GCU - Test optional; Bethesda University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethesda University Aug 11, 2027.

GCU vs. Bethesda University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GCU and Bethesda University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethesda University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than Grand Canyon University's (31%).
• More Bethesda University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GCU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.