Grand Canyon University Admissions

With a 67 percent acceptance rate, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a for-profit college that isn't overly selective. Students who have completed high school with decent grades should have little trouble being admitted. The school is test-optional, meaning that applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT as part of the application. 

Admissions Data (2017)

• Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate: 67 percent
• Grand Canyon University has test-optional admissions

Grand Canyon University Description

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a private, four-year, for-profit Christian college located on 90 acres in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU offers a wide range of traditional campus-based courses, evening class, and online degree programs through its College of Education, College of Nursing, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Arts and Science, College of Fine Arts and Production, College of Doctoral Studies, and College of Christian Studies. Academics are supported by a 19 to 1 student / faculty ratio (although less than 10 percent of the faculty are full-time employees). Students stay active through 13 student clubs and organizations, as well as a host of intramural sports including Bowling, Broomball, and Ultimate Frisbee. As for intercollegiate athletics, the GCU ‘Lopes compete in the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference (PacWest) with teams such as men’s and women’s golf, track and field, and swimming and diving.

Enrollment (2017)

• Total Enrollment: 83,284 (49,556 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 29 percent male / 71 percent female
• 32 percent full-time

Costs (2017 - 18)

• Tuition and Fees: $17,050
• Books: $800 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $8,550
• Other Expenses: $5,700
• Total Cost: $32,100

Grand Canyon University Financial Aid (2016 - 17)

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 99 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 98 percent
  • Loans: 69 percent
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $10,181
  • Loans: $7,266

Academic Programs

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, Elementary Education, Nursing, Psychology

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 66 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 35 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 41 percent

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs

• Men's Sports: Baseball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Wrestling, Volleyball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer
• Women's Sports: Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Cross Country, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Track and Field, Beach Volleyball

If You Like GCU, You May Also Like These Schools

• International Baptist College: Profile 
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• University of Arizona: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Northern Arizona University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Dine College: Profile
• Arizona State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott: Profile 

Grand Canyon University Mission Statement:

mission statement from http://www.gcu.edu/About-Us/Mission-and-Vision.php

"Grand Canyon University prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage.

The curriculum at GCU is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed in the contemporary job market. Students are challenged to develop these tools and to push their intellectual limits in order to become successful in their careers."

Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics