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 Rate
56%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
0
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.
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?
474 Students rated Grand Canyon University
Jean
Prospective04/15/2025
I want to attend Grand Canyon university because it has the path I want, Soccer, Culture, also I was raised in a christian family and Grand Canyon University is a christian school therefore it will be a very fit school for me. The other thing the actually makes me want to attend Grand Canyon university is my cousins go there and they told me it is very good. The professional makes time for students who need additional help, Help is everywhere in Campus. Attending Grand Canyon University will help me with my soccer career because I always want to play D-1 soccer in Collage.
Sophia
Prospective04/12/2025
Grand Canyon University stood out to me from the very beginning—not only because it’s one of the most affordable private universities, but because it offers something deeper: a supportive community, values-driven education, and a truly beautiful campus experience.
When I visited GCU, I was immediately struck by the energy of the campus. The sense of purpose, faith, and connection between students and faculty was undeniable. It didn’t feel like just a school—it felt like a home where I could thrive. As someone who has overcome personal adversity, finding a place that encourages both academic success and personal growth was incredibly important to me.
GCU offers strong programs in marketing, which aligns perfectly with my career goals. I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and plan to open a boutique hostel that brings travelers together in a community-focused, welcoming environment. The hands-on learning opportunities, business mentorships, and networking events available at GCU are giving me the tools I need to bring that dream to life.
Affordability was also a key factor in my decision. I’m paying for school on my own, and GCU provides a quality private education at a price that makes it possible for me to continue chasing my goals without overwhelming debt.
More than anything, it’s the community spirit that keeps me grounded and motivated. GCU is a place where students lift each other up, and that’s exactly the kind of environment I need to grow—personally, spiritually, and professionally.
Andrew
Prospective04/11/2025
Grand Canyon University stood out to me from the moment I stepped onto campus during my discovery trip. What really grabbed my attention were the business opportunities and the energy around student entrepreneurship. I saw firsthand how GCU supports students who want to build, lead, and grow something meaningful. The business programs felt hands-on and practical, and I liked how the school encourages creative thinking, not just textbook learning.
One thing that really impressed me was how the business clubs weren’t just limited to business majors. I love that students from all kinds of backgrounds and interests come together to share ideas, network, and collaborate. That inclusive and hands-on nature combined is something I haven’t seen at any other schools.
GCU’s culture is also a huge plus for me. It felt positive, faith-driven, and focused on building a strong community. Between the academics, the student life, and the opportunities to grow as a student and an individual, I felt like this is a place where I could thrive—not just as a business major, but as a person.
If I had to give GCU a rating, I’d honestly say a solid 9.5 out of 10. The only reason I’m not saying 10 is because I want to experience more of it as a student. However from what I saw on my tour of the school I'm sure it will be a 10.
Lorenzo
Prospective04/10/2025
I have visited GCU and I really love the campus a lot. I enjoy the weather and how spread out the campus is. Also, it is really affordable for my family and I.
Jesse
Prospective04/08/2025
Grand Canyon University seems like it has a friendly college environment with multiple fun things to do on your free time. I like that the class sizes are small and there are professors
and other staff who are willing to help students. I also like the fact that I can go and work in their workshops from my first day and I can keep 100% of the patent of anything I create, which is something that a lot of other colleges don't offer.
Lillian
College04/08/2025
Grand Canyon University is the best school because the collaboration with my faith and clashed with it
Derrick
Prospective04/07/2025
GCU is a great school Honestly, I really love the way that the school emphasizes Christian beliefs, and that it definitely does not just sugarcoat it for everybody. I am really interested in playing basketball for the actual college team so having the opportunity will be great as well but I really love the way the campus looks and how much it is so inviting to different cultures and ethnicities. I am grateful that that Grand Canyon University has accepted me as a student and I cannot wait for the fall this year!
Cole
Prospective04/04/2025
What really excites me about Grand Canyon University is the chance to be part of a Christian community while working toward my career goals. As someone who values my faith, it’s important to me to attend a school that supports my beliefs and helps me grow spiritually while I focus on my studies. I love that GCU encourages students to bring their faith into everything they do, which really stands out to me. It’s important that I can study Cybersecurity, a field I’m passionate about, while being in an environment where my values are respected and supported.
Learning about Cybersecurity is something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve always been interested in technology and how it works, and Cybersecurity feels like the perfect way for me to combine that interest with my desire to help others. I’m excited to learn how to protect online systems and keep people’s data safe. This program seems like the right place for me to grow my skills and get ready for a career in this important field.
On top of that, I’m excited about the chance to play college roller hockey. Sports have always been a big part of my life, and being able to continue playing in college is a huge plus. I’m looking forward to staying active, making new friends, and having fun while also working hard at my studies. It’s a great way to balance everything and stay connected to something I love.
Overall, GCU feels like the perfect fit for me. I can study Cybersecurity, grow in my faith, and continue playing roller hockey, all in one place. It’s a school that feels like it will help me build a strong foundation for my future, both academically and personally.
Elissa
04/04/2025
Don't be fooled by the resort-like campus. GCU is overall a great school with many excellent academic programs/majors and various research, sport, and social opportunities. Despite its sketchy location, the campus is gated, feels safe, and is filled with a friendly atmosphere. Most of the teachers seem to have your best interest in mind and are open to helping you out. I've visited a few other school's dorms myself, and I am constantly reminded to be thankful for the quality of GCU on campus dormitories.
Aspen
Prospective04/02/2025
As someone interested in attending GCU, I really like it. I like all the opportunities that they offer; clubs, worship services, and many more. I personally learn better with a smaller more one on one lesson, and GCU has that! The classes are small, and it seems like the professors are very open to helping the students. The campus is beautiful, and has may amenities along with it. I gave them a 4 star because of the communication, you could say. As I was looking into the website I found information such as; housing, food, tours, and tuition. All the typical things you would find on a college website. The issue I found was, there wasn't a lot of information other than costing on there. For example, housing had different prices, for different apartments, and residents hall. Yet I couldn't find a single map of where the different housing buildings were located. I think that if there was a little more information on the website about the little things (other than cost) it would help students interested in GCU have a better understanding.
Dustin
02/22/2025
My experience at Grand Canyon has been some of the best learning I have participated in since I’ve been in college. The student are all like minded and are here for a serious educational experience. My professors are all well experienced and very accessible and pleasant to work with. I find the culture at GCU to be open, kind and engaging. I have been impressed with the organization and delivery the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program has been excellent.
Ava
01/08/2025
The moment I stepped on to campus I knew that Grand Canyon University was gonna be my new home! We were greeted by current students dancing and cheering. They were more than happy to give us activities to do or walk us around campus. Everyone I met was super nice and gave such high reviews of the campus and culture their. I was able to experience one of their biggest rivalries in basketball which is ASU. It was a super high energy event to attend. I am super in to attending and leading student sections at sports games. This game was the part that sold me on the college. One of my big checkpoints in picking a college was a school that had a high level of athletics and had a great student section. GCU exceeded my expectations and truly made me fall in love with the school. Walking around campus there was always something happening. And even though it's not in the greatest area. I never once felt unsafe walking on campus.
I asked multiple students what their favorite part about being a student at GCU was everyone of them said they loved the culture. As I interacted with multiple people I got to experience that culture for myself. They also have numerous opportunities for internships in whatever area of study you are going into. Overall, GCU has created a great community both academically, spiritually, and socially!
Travis
12/18/2024
Grand Canyon University is a wonderful college that is comprised of amazing facilities, an outstanding and safe community with many delicious food opportunities, and nice classrooms with professors who love to teach. I would recommend GCU to anyone who wants to have an amazing college experience in a peaceful and friendly community.
Yahaira
11/30/2024
Grand Canyon University is a great college and its affordable for students. There are a variety of student life options whether you do or don't decide to live on campus. This university makes sure you are comfortable and gives you the right materials to get prepare for your career. The student life is the best as they have sports events, clubs, great campus food, great housing choices for current and new coming students, and so many more things in order for a student to enjoy their time there.
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!
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Grand Canyon University is 56%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.71%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.