Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a private, Christian-based university with on-campus and online courses and degrees. Initially founded as a Baptist University in 1949, GCU is now interdenominational. Around 70,000 students are currently enrolled in online courses from Grand Canyon University, along with around 19,000 on campus students in 17 residence halls. In 2018 GCU was allowed to return to nonprofit status by its accrediting bodies. GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
GCU consists of nine colleges, and offers more than 200 programs. Students may earn degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels in subjects such as healthcare, business, education, science, liberal arts, Christian theology, math, and engineering. Be sure to check with each subject to see the specific levels of education offered. Grand Canyon University also participates in NCAA Division 1 athletics.
History
Grand Canyon University is a proprietary institution that was founded in 1949. It has a campus size of 100 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Grand Canyon University’s ranking in the 2019 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, Tier 2. Its tuition and fees are $17,050 (2017-18).
Despite its name, Grand Canyon University, based in Phoenix, is about four hours away from the tourist destination. The private university grants undergraduate degrees through six colleges, including the Ken Blanchard College of Business and the College of Fine Arts and Production. Many of its undergraduate degree tracks are broad but allow students to complete an emphasis in a certain area. Biology majors, for example, can complete their degrees with an emphasis in Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, or Pre-Physician Assistant; art design majors can choose to emphasize in animation, screenwriting, web design, or production. Grand Canyon University also grants a variety of master’s degrees and has a College of Nursing.
The GCU ’Lopes (Antelopes) are Division II teams that compete in a variety of conferences including the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and the Pacific West Conference (PacWest). The university is a nondenominational Christian institution, and, as such, encourages spiritual education, too.
School Mission and Unique Qualities
Content is provided by the school.
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a premier, private, accredited, nondenominational Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. The University offers online and campus-based Bachelors and Masters degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing & Health Professionals, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Fine Arts and Productions,and College of Theology supports both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional.
Applying
When applying to Grand Canyon University, it’s important to note the application deadline is rolling, and the early decision deadline is Nov. 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due N/A. It is less selective, with an acceptance rate of 57 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
Campus Safety
Campus safety data were reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and have not been independently verified. The numbers for criminal offenses reflect reports of alleged offenses to campus security and/or law enforcement authorities, not necessarily prosecutions or convictions. Experts advise prospective students and their families to do their own research to evaluate the safety of a campus as well as the surrounding area.
Campus Services
Grand Canyon University offers a number of student services, including nonremedial tutoring, health service, health insurance. Grand Canyon University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.). Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at Grand Canyon University.
Grand Canyon University Colleges
- Colangelo College of Business
- College of Doctoral Studies
- College of Education
- College of Humanities and Social Science
- College of Fine Arts and Production
- College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions
- College of Theology
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- Honors College
Grand Canyon University is Ranked at Successful Student:
- 8 Best Online Screenwriting Colleges (#7)
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film: Screenwriting - 32 Best Online industrial Organizational Psychology Colleges (#25)
Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial Organizational Psychology - 10 Best Game Design Programs at Christian Colleges (#4)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis in Game and Simulation Development - 36 Best Online Business Administration Colleges (#15)
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Online Master of Business Administration - 27 Best Healthcare Administration Colleges Online (#20)
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration - 30 Best Online Colleges in America (#29)