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Grand Canyon University vs Northern Arizona University

RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Northern Arizona University
$12,652 vs $17,450
Easier to get into
Northern Arizona University
91.0% vs 60.4% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Grand Canyon University
RN to BSN
Northern Arizona University
RN to BSN
Program typeRN to BSNRN to BSN
Formatin personin person
LocationPhoenix, AZFlagstaff, AZ
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate82%
Acceptance rate60.4%91.0%BEST
Avg accepted GPA3.1
Min GPA
Entrance examHESI
Total tuition$17,450$12,652 in / $28,900 outBEST
In-state tuition$17,450$12,652BEST
Out-of-state tuition$17,450BEST$28,900
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Grand Canyon University or Northern Arizona University?

Northern Arizona University is the more affordable option at roughly $12,652, compared to $17,450. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University the same type of program?

Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.