Academic Comparison between CSU and GCU

Chicago State University and Grand Canyon University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CSU is a four-year, public school located in Chicago, IL and GCU is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Phoenix, AZ.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CSU is a public and GCU is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • GCU has more expensive tuition & fees ($17,263) than CSU ($12,754).
  • It is harder to admit to CSU than GCU.
  • GCU has more students with 101,816 students while CSU has 2,317 students.
  • CSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while GCU's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • GCU has more full-time faculties with 461 faculties while CSU has 191 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Chicago State Universityvs.Grand Canyon University
Chicago, IllinoisLocationPhoenix, Arizona
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,754
Out-Of-State$12,754
2024 Tuition & Fees$17,263
93%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$12,049Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,183
41.00 %Acceptance Rates60.00 %
6.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
-SAT Score1,105
-ACT Score21
27 %Graduation Rate45 %
30 %Transfer-out Rate-
55 %Retention Rate70 %
2,317Student Population101,816
191Number of Faculties461
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services
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