Overview
Founded in 1949 as a small Baptist college, Grand Canyon University transitioned from a struggling nonprofit institution to a for-profit corporation in 2004 before returning to nonprofit status in 2018. Its dramatic growth was fueled by an aggressive expansion into online degree programs, making it one of the largest providers of online higher education in the United States while simultaneously rebuilding a substantial physical campus in Phoenix. GCU is best known for its scale, its Christian identity, and its business model that blends traditional and online education.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Total students | 108,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 22:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 76% |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $18,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,000 |
| Room & board | $11,500 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 80% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 970-1180 |
| ACT range | 18-24 |
| Average GPA | 3.30 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Education
- Information Technology
- Psychology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.