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 (not-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 (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • GCU has more expensive tuition & fees ($18,508) than CSU ($12,757).
  • It is harder to admit to CSU than GCU.
  • GCU has more students with 113,257 students while CSU has 2,238 students.
  • CSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while GCU's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • GCU has more full-time faculties with 582 faculties while CSU has 152 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 (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$12,757
Out-Of-State$12,757
2025 Tuition & Fees$18,508
81%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$16,207Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,420
43.26 %Acceptance Rates78.91 %
3.76 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.08 %
-SAT Score1,055
-ACT Score21
15 %Graduation Rate43 %
37 %Transfer-out Rate-
57 %Retention Rate72 %
2,238Student Population113,257
152Number of Faculties582
9 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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