Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's degrees · City
Overall Grade
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About Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. The university offers degrees in over 200 areas of study and is administratively divided into nine colleges. As of September 2023, more than 100,000 students were enrolled online and in person, making it one of the largest Christian universities by enrollment. The Arizona Southern Baptist Convention established the institution in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. During the 1999–2000 academic year, the university ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, and became non-denominational Christian. The university competes as the Grand Canyon Antelopes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Mountain West Conference. Having become the first for-profit Christian college in the United States in 2004, Grand Canyon has faced controversy over its for-profit status, and over its subsequent attempts to be reclassified as non-profit, which were approved by the United States Department of Education in 2025. It has also faced lawsuits from LGBTQ employees over claims of denial of spousal benefits.
Excerpt from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
79%
Acceptance
$22,472
Net price
73,371
Enrollment
43%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
79%
Acceptance rate
1,077
SAT average
—
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$22,472
Average net price
$17,850
In-state tuition
$17,850
Out-of-state tuition
$11,700
Room & board
$1,000
Books & supplies
$32,702
Total cost of attendance
46%
Students receiving Pell grants
53%
Students with federal loans
$22,114
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$42,186
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$47,280
Median earnings (6 yrs)
43%
Graduation rate
72%
Retention rate
65%
Earn more than a HS grad
$2,400
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
73,371
Total enrollment
66%
Part-time
31
Avg. age at entry
47%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Grand Canyon University FAQ
Is Grand Canyon University a public or private school?
Grand Canyon University is a private nonprofit institution located in Phoenix, AZ.
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Grand Canyon University cost?
The average annual net price at Grand Canyon University is $22,472 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $17,850.
What is the graduation rate at Grand Canyon University?
About 43% of students at Grand Canyon University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Grand Canyon University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Grand Canyon University students earn a median of $42,186 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Grand Canyon University?
Admitted students at Grand Canyon University have an average SAT score of 1,077. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University enrolls about 73,371 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — davidpinter · CC BY 3.0. Additional images are representative.
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