About Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University. is a college. Located in Arizona, which is a city setting in Arizona, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 46,297 full time undergraduate students, and 29,537 full time graduate students.

The Grand Canyon University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 353 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Grand Canyon University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate56%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at GCU are considered Selective, with ,246% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Grand Canyon University.

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    368 Students rated on-campus housing 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    241 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    380 Students rated campus food 4.2 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    431 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    432 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 66 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    424 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 58 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    425 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    434 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 61 % gave the school a 5.0.

Grand Canyon University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Grand Canyon University?

460 Students rated Grand Canyon University

Luke - 11/22/2024

Grand Canyon University is a great community that loves student engagement. At times it seems like there are many rules and restrictions, but it is part of their Christian values that make the campus and college a top-level campus. Grand Canyon's flexibility in class schedules, extracurriculars, school events, and more make the learning and college experience so amazing. I am able to participate in core classes, choir, tech clubs, sports, and esports all as a sophomore!

Marion - 11/20/2024

I am disabled mentally and physically as well so I need to disabilities. I tried working with the accessibility department at Grand Canyon University and it was so difficult to be 4 months before my accommodations were approved. Even after being approved they usually wouldn't get my textbooks to me until weeks after the course the book was for was over.

Janell - 10/14/2024

I personally would never recommend Grand Canyon University to anyone. It is disheartening to say since I did attend for my entire graduate degree but the quality of education is poor as well as the constant price change in tuition and empty promises as far as getting help with coverage of course cost. It is almost safe to say this school at least the online portion is a scam and they are also not working towards changes to become CACREP accredited which causes out of state students to have to pay for additional courses or licensure.

Brian - 10/13/2024

I currently attend Grand Canyon University (GCU), and my experience so far has been rewarding. GCU offers a strong academic program, especially in areas such as business, education, and health sciences. The smaller class sizes provide a more intimate learning experience, which has allowed me to form meaningful connections with my professors. The faculty is genuinely invested in students’ success, always ready to offer support and guidance when needed. The campus itself is modern, with impressive facilities, including state-of-the-art technology labs and a beautiful recreation center. The library is well-stocked and a great place to study, though it can get crowded during peak times. GCU has a strong sense of community, which extends beyond academics. Students have numerous opportunities to engage with different clubs and organizations, including those focused on art, politics, and faith-based groups. There is a good mix of students who are active in campus life, which fosters a sense of belonging. Housing options are decent but can be somewhat expensive, and availability can be an issue for some students. Dining on campus is varied, though some improvements could be made to the selection and quality of food, especially when it comes to healthier options. Overall, GCU is a great choice for students who want a strong academic program, a supportive community, and a modern campus. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-rounded college experience.

Grand Canyon University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Grand Canyon University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Grand Canyon University is 56%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I'm not sure the person I was as a high school senior would have given the person I am now the time of day, because I wasn't interested in school then. But if I could have such a discussion, it might go like this: "Lynn, the time will come when what and how you want to study will be available; keep your eyes open for that opportunity. It will happen when you least expect it, and when it doesn't seem possible to attend school, learn the material well, and get the grades you deserve--but you need to know that it is possible, and it will happen for you. Even though you will care for family members with disabilities and lose at least one parent before it happens, that will only be a temporary detour on yoru journey. You have the power to leave this world better than you found it, and when you find the right place and time to get the education you want, take a chance on yourself and don't look back. You can do this. You will do this."

    Read all 227 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    How you never know what is going on and that everything is online.

    Read all 51 answers
  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Grand Canyon University is a private Christian school where noone is afraid to be themselves.

    Read all 43 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    Most of my classmates are hard working, focused, and determined as most of them also work full-time and have families to take care of like myself.

    Read all 41 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish i would have listened to everyone else who kept telling me to stay focused. My first year I was surrounded by temptation. I strayed off course and my studies fell behind. I was an honor student in high school but I ended up failing my first year of college due to partying. I started a different school the following fall and aced my schedule. I had to leave school a year before graduation due to financial instability. Now I am 29 years old trying to finish up my degree online when I should have already graduated.

    Read all 37 answers
  7. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who like smaller sized campuses, and probably christian.

    Read all 35 answers
  8. What's unique about your campus?

    I consider the feeling of acceptance is the best thing about Grand Canyon University. The moment I walked onto the campus I felt accepted, no matter what skin color or walk of life you came from. Once you were on campus you were one of their own. It was an amazing feeling that can't be traded for anything else in the world. It is truly a one of a kind campus and faculty.

    Read all 34 answers
  9. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    My advisory team and the librarians. My advisors keep me focused and invest their time and effort on mye personally. The librarians have helped me a numebr of times to find the one reference I absolutely need and cannot find, and always have answers for me in moments. Between them It's like having a full team of experts assisting me with keeping my studies on track and on topic. All this in addition to the professors and tutors who help with any challenges I have in the classroom.

    Read all 33 answers
  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    This university has a strong Christian based environment. It would probably not suit anyone who is not a Christian or interested in learning about Christianity.

    Read all 32 answers
  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What I find unique about Grand Canyon is that they do not pressure you to become a Christain just cause they are a Christain based university. They are very welcoming and want everyone to feel at home if they are out of state. The school in general turns no on down and tries to help you with whatever questions or problems you have. The programs offered there are very efficent and will end up helping you in the long run.

    Read all 31 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Empowerment of the student; an affordable private university education; superior support. GCU has the best librarians to assist with research, excellent enrollemnt and academic advisors, and outstanding professors ready to help students to excel.

    Read all 29 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    In all honesty I dont find anything to be frustrating. I feel the school is still building to become a better campus for its students and future students so that they feel safe and welcomed. The olny thing that is kind of a damper on the school is that the neighborhood is not the safest but the school makes sure to keep it secured 24/7 for our safety.

    Read all 29 answers
  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics are very interesting.

    Read all 13 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I absolutely love going to GCU, the class sizes are a lot smaller than ASU or NAU for sure it gives the student a lot of one on one time with the teachers. The professors are always willing to help out and open their schedule to meet with you. The people there are also very kind and my adviser is so helpful every time I have a question.

    Read all 12 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Family activities

    Read all 7 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The main stereotype that other individuals in my community believe about online schooling is that it is not actually a school and that the students are wasting their time and money attending a school in this online manner. This stereotype is not accurate because as long as the University is accredited the students are not wasting their time or money in attending an online University.

    Read all 6 answers

Student Body

Students

72%

female

28%

male

46,297

Total Undergrad Enrollment

29,537

Total Grad Students

68%

Out-Of-State

31%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

21

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

8%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
19%
% White or Caucasian
48%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Grand Canyon University receive some sort of financial aid. 42% were awarded federal grants. While 71% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$16,975

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$8,550

Room and Board

26,325

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$18,613
$30 - $48K
$19,230
$48 - $75K
$21,563
$75 - $110K
$23,014
$110K & UP
$22,847

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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