Contact Information
General Contact
- FAFSA School Code: 001074
- Phone: (623) 845-3000
- School Homepage
Admissions Office
- Phone: (800) 800-9776
Financial Aid Office
- Phone: (800) 800-9776
ACCEPTANCE RATE
76.94%FINANCIAL AID RATE
98%STUDENT TEACHER RATIO
20:1DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE
178FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.
$7,074Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students
Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid
Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition
College Video Tour
School Map
Grand Canyon University
6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian institute of higher learning located in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its online and on campus programs. A leading bible college, GCU also has been recognized for offering some of the top-rated online education programs in the United States. GCU's degree programs are offered through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Doctoral Studies, and College of Fine Arts and Production. Programs are designed for traditional undergraduate students as well as for working professionals.
The GCU mission states that as a private Christian College it "prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage."
History
In 1949, the Baptist General Convention of Arizona founded Grand Canyon University. It was the state's first private university, and opened with 93 students on its first campus in Prescott, Arizona.
In 1951, GCU relocated to the present campus in Phoenix, Arizona. A group of the university's founders relocated to the new campus and continued to grow its programs in education, English, religion, music, mathematics, history, and athletics. The goal was to make GCU a "beacon of Christian education" and academic excellence.
In 1968, the North Central Association granted GCU regional accreditation. Over the years, GCU began to win national championships in athletics including basketball, baseball, and women's tennis. Academic programs were expanded in the 1980's to include master's degrees.
Academics
Grand Canyon University's academic calendar follows the semester system with a fall, spring and summer semester. It offers 8-week and 16-week classes.
GCU offers nearly 60 different undergraduate degrees between its campus-based and online programs. It offers more than 50 master's degrees with different specializations, and eight doctoral degrees. Some degree programs are offered with both the on-campus and online options.
Colleges and Schools
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers many degree programs through its different colleges and schools, which include:
- Ken Blanchard College of Business
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Fine Arts and Productions
- College of Doctoral Studies
Student Life
On-campus students of Grand Canyon University will benefit from the services provided by the Health and Wellness Center, Disability Services, Career Services, the Copy and Mail Center, the Library, a Fitness Center, cafeteria and campus coffee shop. There are also many recreational activities and intramural sports offered at GCU's Phoenix campus. Intramural sports include flag football, inner-tube water polo, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and many more.
Online students of GCU will benefit from the Quick Start Resource Center, which offers many student services through the university's website.
Traditions
From its early beginnings, Grand Canyon University has been a Christian university with a tradition of "educating people to lead and serve."
Athletics
Grand Canyon University has a strong intercollegiate athletics program and has produced many top-ranking national athletes. The GCU Antelopes (nickname: 'Lopes) teams have won many regional and national championships.
Athletics facilities at GCU include the Brazell Stadium (baseball), Antelope Gymnasium (Basketball, Volleyball), GCU Soccer Complex, Stapleton-Pierson Stadium (Softball), Phoenix Swim Club, Paseo Racquet Center (Tennis) and the Student Recreation Center.
Intercollegiate sports at GCU include:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
Many of GCU's professional and degree programs are offered online, allowing students to complete their courses from any location.
Community Life
As a Christian university, GCU offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and mission work. The GCU offices of Student Life and Spiritual Life are there to build community on campus for students with diverse needs. These offices host many events and activities to encourage involvement and connection with the community. There are local, regional and international ministries available on a short-term or long-term basis.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may provide a better idea of the applicants Grand Canyon University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Grand Canyon University has a total student population of about 90,000, with undergraduate students making up about 60% of the total student population and graduate students making up the rest.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The items listed below are for informational purposes only and may not represent current tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are between $16,000-$20,000 for both state residents and nonresidents
- Part time students pay in the range of $460 to $550 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 98% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 97% | $9,855 |
Receiving Student Loans | 70% | $7,135 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Grand Canyon University may provide student services including:- Distance learning
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assisting students to find work
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- * Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (since 2006)
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- * Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (since 2006)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Grand Canyon University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I without football classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Western Athletic Conference)
- Basketball (Western Athletic Conference)
- Track and Field (Western Athletic Conference)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Beach Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, D, M)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Finance (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B, M)
- Entrepreneurship (B)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (B, M)
- Computer Programming (B, C)
- Computer Science (B)
Education
- Special Education (B, M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Secondary Education (B, M)
- Education (M)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (C, M)
- Early Childhood Education (B, M)
- ESL (C, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (M)
Engineering
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B, C, M)
- Nursing Administration (M)
- Mental Health Counseling (C, M)
- Hospital and Healthcare Facility Management (B, M)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (B, M)
- Critical Care Nursing (C, M)
- Family Practice Nurse (C, M)
- Public Health (M)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (M)
- Athletic Training (B)
History
- History (B)
Psychology
- Psychology (C, D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
Theology and Religious Vocations
- Ministry (M)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Digital Arts (B)
- Cinematography And Film (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B)
- Music (B)
- Dance (B)
Other 4-Year Private Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Grand Canyon University.
- Ottawa University - Phoenix in Holbrook, AZ (5 miles away)
- Arizona Christian University in Phoenix, AZ (8 miles away)
- Prescott College in Albuquerque, NM (74 miles away)
- San Diego Christian College in Irvine, CA (280 miles away)
- Alliant International University in San Luis Obispo, CA (291 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Arizona
- See all private colleges in Arizona
Contact Information
General Contact
- FAFSA School Code: 001074
- Phone: (623) 845-3000
- School Homepage
Admissions Office
- Phone: (800) 800-9776
Financial Aid Office
- Phone: (800) 800-9776