GCU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 78.91%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1055. Average SAT scores, indicating a moderately competitive applicant pool.
Tuition Overview:
- Tuition: $18,508
- Tuition is relatively affordable compared to national averages for private institutions.
Student Population at GCU:
- Total Enrollment: 113,257, including 89,777 online students
- 75,936 Undergraduate, 37,321 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 27.2% men, 72.8% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 43%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 72%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 172 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 122 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 61 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
GCU Overview
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Phoenix, AZ. It is classified as Doctoral / Research University by Carnegie Classification, also known as D/PU (Doctoral/Professional University). You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at D/PU (Doctoral/Professional University) comparison page.
The GCU's tuition & fees is $18,508 for the academic year 2024-2025. 74% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $8,420.
The school has a total enrollment of 113,257 and the students to faculty ratio is 20 to 1 (5.00%).
GCU's acceptance rate is 78.91% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 18.08%. The median SAT score is 1055 and the ACT score is 21.
GCU ranked 222nd in National Universities and 3rd in Arizona Colleges rankings. Grand Canyon University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Grand Canyon University is $18,508. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $10,015.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $19,843 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $9,017.
| Undergraduate | $18,508 |
|---|
| Graduate | $10,015 |
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| Undergraduate | $19,843 |
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| Graduate | $9,017 |
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The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Grand Canyon University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at GCU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
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| Teacher Certification | Yes |
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| Study Abroad | Yes |
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| On-Campus Services |
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| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
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| Employment services for students | Yes |
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| Placement services for completers | No |
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| On-campus day care for students' children | No |
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Grand Canyon University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing GCU