Academic Comparison between GCU and CSU

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

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.

  • GCU is a private (for-profit) and CSU is a public 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

Grand Canyon Universityvs.Chicago State University
Phoenix, ArizonaLocationChicago, Illinois
Four-year, Private (for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$17,2632024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,754
Out-Of-State$12,754
80%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$7,183Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,049
60.00 %Acceptance Rates41.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)6.01 %
1,105SAT Score-
21ACT Score-
45 %Graduation Rate27 %
-Transfer-out Rate30 %
70 %Retention Rate55 %
101,816Student Population2,317
461Number of Faculties191
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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