Grand Canyon University

What is Grand Canyon University Known For?

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. They are known for being the largest Christian university in the world, with 20,000 students attending on campus and 70,000 online. With online, evening, and campus degree programs available, Grand Canyon University offers an inclusive experience for students wishing to integrate the Christian faith into their education while dedicating themselves to their careers. The institution offers over 200 majors and concentrations for Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs and no out-of-state tuition, making them an affordable option for students still exploring their interests. 

Is it Legit?

Chartered on August 1st, 1949, Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968 and has additional authorizations granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. In addition, GCU participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) initiative, an institution that establishes national standards for distance learning programs. 

Grand Canyon University has received additional accreditation from higher education organizations, including the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), among others.

Is Grand Canyon University Worth It?

Grand Canyon University is the largest private Christian university in the world, with over 25,300 on-campus students and 85,000 online students in the Fall of 2022. The school is ranked #17 for the best college campus in America for 2023, according to Niche.com, and has invested $1.7 billion in academic infrastructure and technology in the past 13 years alone. With small class sizes and diverse instruction styles, as well as a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds and denominations, Grand Canyon University provides a well-rounded education that balances faith and community with their diverse assortment of flexible academic programs.

Grand Canyon University vs. COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Grand Canyon University provides students with the flexibility they need to balance a career with their education without cutting corners on either pursuit. The institution is accredited to award Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral diplomas for students taking their classes during the day, at night, and online—far beyond the typical offerings of a community college, which are usually limited to Associate’s degrees and inflexible day classes. In addition, Grand Canyon University emphasizes Christian values and a sense of community amongst students, encouraging pride in their faith. 

Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate

Grand Canyon University’s acceptance rate is 83%.  

Grand Canyon University Cost Per Year

Tuition at Grand Canyon University varies based on the program and pathway a student may choose. For full-time undergraduate students attending classes on-campus, tuition costs $16,500 annually, except for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (ABSN), which costs $25,800 annually. For online and evening undergraduate students, tuition costs $11,640 annually. 

Housing costs $7,000, and meal plans cost $4,100, making room and board for undergraduate students approximately $11,100 annually. This brings the total cost to $27,600 annually for most residential undergraduate students, except for students in the ABSN program.

The only graduate program Grand Canyon University offers on-campus is a Master of Divinity program, with an annual tuition of $16,500. Housing and food costs for graduate students also total $11,100 annually, with a total program cost averaging to around $27,600. Tuition for online and evening graduate programs, in comparison, ranges from $6,560 to $11,600, depending on the program. 

Grand Canyon University only offers online or evening Doctoral programs, with a tuition of $8,700. Food and housing are consistent across all degree levels, totaling to an average of $11,000.

Since 2009, the institution has frozen campus tuition rates. They also offer a variety of academic scholarships in addition to accepting military scholarships and state and federal grants and loans, making GCU an affordable option compared to other private universities. 

School Catalog

A copy of the school catalog can be found here.

School Hours

Grand Canyon University’s residential campus is open from 8 AM to 5 PM MT, which includes their Career Excellence Centers and financial aid resources. 

Grand Canyon University offers day, night, and online classes, providing around-the-clock flexibility for students with demanding schedules and full-time careers. 

Programs & Courses

Business

• Marketing and Advertising
• Entrepreneurship
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Finance

Computer & Information Technology

• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems Technician

Criminal Justice & Law

• Criminal Justice

Communications

• Communication

Fitness

• Athletic Training

Healthcare

• Nursing

Graphics, Design, & Art

• Digital Film
• Graphic Design
• Music

Campus Locations

Phoenix, AZ 3300 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85017

Sun City, AZ 10484 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Suite 102, Sun City, AZ 85351

Financial Aid Services

Applicants can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if they are eligible for loans. Enrolling in GCU’s online classes may open up special offers. The site hosts a tool that lets prospective students estimate how much they will pay for tuition and other fees.

Student Services

By offering evening and online courses, GCU helps people fit school into their schedules. Attendees might even choose programs that allow for a mix of classes online and on campus, depending on availability. Part of the staff also specializes in assisting Native American students from the numerous tribes in the area.

Veteran and Military Services

Those who have served in the armed forces may be able to use military tuition assistance. In addition, active duty service members get reduced online course rates. Some military training can transfer to credit toward a degree as well. Grand Canyon University also has a team dedicated to these students and their families, and houses a chapter of the Student Veterans Association.