Grand Canyon University (GCU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Grand Canyon University
On game nights the purple-clad Havocs turn the arena into a wall of sound, punctuated by the Lopes Up hand sign and a sighting of Thunder the antelope. By day, the Phoenix campus feels like a desert oasis: palm-lined walks, sunlit courtyards, and a glassy arena beside modern classrooms. It's confident but friendly, a little quirky, and unmistakably purple.
Grand Canyon University is known for strengths in business, teaching, health and nursing, engineering and technology, and the creative arts. The culture blends faith-aware conversation with a big-city, get-involved mindset. Students mention service projects as easily as intramurals. And the university has a reputation for working with neighborhood schools and nonprofits, plus internships tied to Phoenix industries. A small surprise: the antelope mascot isn't common in higher ed, which fits the place. It likes doing things its own way.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers 107 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 26,806 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (17 programs, 8,143 graduates), Education (27 programs, 8,040 graduates), Business (12 programs, 4,599 graduates), Public Services (3 programs, 1,110 graduates) and Psychology (2 programs, 1,024 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (17 programs, 8,143 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 4,096 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Mental Health Counseling | 725 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
51.1508 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician | 572 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1502 |
| Nursing Administration | 531 |
|
Master's
|
51.3802 |
| Hospital and Health Care Administration | 511 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.0702 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 335 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.1599 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 330 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.1501 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions | 299 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1099 |
| Family Practice Nursing | 216 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
51.3805 |
| Public Health | 204 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.2201 |
| Public Health Nursing | 96 |
|
Master's
|
51.3811 |
| Nursing Practice | 91 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3818 |
| Critical Care Nursing | 86 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
|
51.3814 |
| Athletic Training | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0913 |
| Marriage and Family Therapy | 13 |
|
Master's
|
51.1505 |
| Health and Wellness | 12 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.0001 |
| Health Information Administration | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0706 |
Education (27 programs, 8,040 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 1,398 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| Special Education Teaching | 1,219 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 936 |
|
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Early Childhood Education | 767 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1210 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 629 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1205 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 604 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Reading Teacher Education | 537 |
|
Master's
|
13.1315 |
| Educational and Curriculum Supervision | 393 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
|
13.0404 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 202 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 167 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1401 |
| Teaching Individuals with Autism | 147 |
|
Master's
|
13.1013 |
| Instructional Technology | 137 |
|
Master's
|
13.0501 |
| Early Childhood Special Education Teaching | 130 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1015 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 124 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1305 |
| History Teacher Education | 120 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1328 |
| Biology Teacher Education | 98 |
|
Master's
|
13.1322 |
| Higher Education Administration | 92 |
|
Master's
|
13.0406 |
| Social Science Teacher Education | 91 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13.1317 |
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 87 |
|
Post-Master's
|
13.1206 |
| Elementary Special Education Teaching | 68 |
|
Master's
|
13.1017 |
| Chemistry Teacher Education | 37 |
|
Master's
|
13.1323 |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 18 |
|
Master's
|
13.1311 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Adult and Continuing Education | 16 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
13.1201 |
| Music Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| General Education | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Drama and Dance Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1324 |
Business (12 programs, 4,599 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 2,889 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
52.0201 |
| Marketing Management | 440 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 320 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Finance, General | 288 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 222 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
| Management Science | 165 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.1301 |
| Human Resources Management | 161 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1001 |
| Hospitality Management | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0901 |
| Project Management | 35 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0211 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0203 |
| Business Administration | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0101 |
| Financial Risk Management | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0810 |
Public Services (3 programs, 1,110 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Organization and Advocacy | 485 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0201 |
| Social Work | 452 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 173 |
|
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Psychology (2 programs, 1,024 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 834 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
42.9999 |
| General Psychology | 190 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
42.0101 |
Computer & IT (6 programs, 842 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 473 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0103 |
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 111 |
|
Master's
|
11.1003 |
| Computer Programming | 79 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
11.0201 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 77 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11.0101 |
| Computer Science | 58 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0701 |
| Computer and Information Technology Administration and Management | 44 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.1099 |
Security & Safety (6 programs, 704 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 300 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0107 |
| Crisis and Emergency Management | 189 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0302 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 100 |
|
Master's
|
43.0104 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 88 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0406 |
| Cyber and Computer Forensics | 24 |
|
Master's
|
43.0403 |
| Homeland Security | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
43.0301 |
Theology (4 programs, 432 graduates)
Theological Studies, Ministry Preparation and Religious Leadership
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Education | 370 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
39.0401 |
| Divinity and Ministry | 41 |
|
Master's
|
39.0602 |
| Pre-Theology and Pre-Ministerial Studies | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
39.0604 |
| Biblical Studies | 10 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Post-Master's
|
39.0201 |
Communication (3 programs, 422 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 297 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 115 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
09.0100 |
| Advertising | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0903 |
Arts (7 programs, 321 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | 124 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 79 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0602 |
| Digital Arts | 59 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0102 |
| Arts and Media Management | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.1001 |
| Theatre Arts | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Dance | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0301 |
| Music | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Grand Canyon University (GCU)
How much does it cost to attend Grand Canyon University (GCU)?
The annual tuition at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is $17,263 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $33,475 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,162 and books and supplies $750.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Grand Canyon University offer?
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers 107 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (17 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (27 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (12 programs)
- Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (3 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has an 60.4% acceptance rate and a 29.1% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 47,978
- Students admitted: 28,960
- Students enrolled: 8,420
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Grand Canyon University?
Grand Canyon University (GCU) provides financial aid to 11% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,308 and average loans of $7,503.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,308
- State/Local grants: $829
- Institutional grants: $7,656
- Federal loans: $5,273
The university supports 7,268 students with grants and 4,109 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Grand Canyon University graduates?
Grand Canyon University (GCU) graduates earn a median salary of $47,280 after 6 years and $42,186 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,881 (25th percentile) to $68,589 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,100 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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