ACCEPTANCE RATE
60.4%
More selective than 70% of listed universities.
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian institution located in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to empowering students through a purpose-driven education.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a vibrant private Christian university situated in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. With a total student body of over 107,000, GCU provides a layered educational experience that merges academic rigor with a strong sense of community. Students are supported by a dedicated faculty and staff who focus on holistic development, preparing graduates to lead with integrity in various fields.
Campus life at GCU is dynamic, characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where diversity is celebrated. Students have access to both traditional on-campus programs and flexible online studies, ensuring that education is tailored to meet individual needs. The rich surroundings of Phoenix offer ample opportunities for entertainment, culture, and exploration, making it an ideal location for student life and engagement outside of the classroom.
GETTING IN
Grand Canyon University maintains an acceptance rate of 60.4%, welcoming a diverse array of applicants. Students interested in joining GCU should refer to the specific admission criteria for their intended program and level of study.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
60.4%
More selective than 70% of listed universities.
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,058–1,175
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Rolling thereafter.
No application fee.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$17,263/yr
Out-of-state: $17,263/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$22,239/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $7,744.
IN THE CLASSROOM
GCU is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience with over 75 undergraduate majors. Recognized for excellence in fields such as education and nursing, the university prioritizes a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
21:1
6-year graduation rate
43%
▲ 0 pts since 2016
First-year retention
68%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
75
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University-controlled housing capacity
18.5K
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 300 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$42,186
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
79.4%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
65.3%
65.3% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Where students live around Grand Canyon University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with Grand Canyon University.