Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is moderately selective with a 60.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (75.2%). Graduates of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott earn $41,945 more per year at the 10-year mark ($84,131 vs $42,186). For families earning $48k–$75k, Grand Canyon University is more affordable at $21,712 net price vs $37,346. Students at Grand Canyon University graduate with less debt ($22,114 vs $23,666).
Admissions & Outcomes
Grand Canyon University has a higher yield rate (29.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a higher median SAT (1260 vs 1105).
Prescott, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Grand Canyon University is more affordable at $18,557 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $42,834 vs $25,701.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Grand Canyon University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (43%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- 1 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$65,080
- 2 Computer Engineering$62,012
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$61,020
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations$59,314
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$55,964
Grand Canyon University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$77,476
- 2 Homeland Security$60,082
- 3 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$59,124
- 4 Finance and Financial Management Services$52,357
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations$45,455
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- 1 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- 2 Air Transportation
- 3 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 4 Mechanical Engineering
- 5 Security Science and Technology
Grand Canyon University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Human Services, General
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
- International students9%
- Tuition (international)$36,456
- Est. total cost/year$49,988
- School typePublic
Grand Canyon University
- International students1%
- Tuition (international)$16,500
- Est. total cost/year$25,600
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University is more selective with a 60.4% acceptance rate, compared to 75.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Grand Canyon University?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $84,131 compared to $42,186. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Grand Canyon University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Grand Canyon University has a lower net price at $21,712 per year vs $37,346. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott vs Grand Canyon University?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 68.8%, compared to 43.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott or Grand Canyon University?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott has a larger international student population at 9% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott and Grand Canyon University?
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates earn a median of $65,080 within two years. At Grand Canyon University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $77,476. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.