[updated for 2024-2025 admission data]
How hard is GCU to get into?
This page provides the latest information on Grand Canyon University (GCU)'s admission process, acceptance rate, and student profile. GCU's acceptance rate is 78.91% for 2024-2025 admission. A total of 51,203 students applied and 40,405 were admitted to the school. Its acceptance rate is relatively high, making it somewhat easy to get into GCU.
To apply to GCU, it is required to submit high school GPA and record. The SAT and ACT score is not required, but considered for admission. In addition, english proficiency test score is also considered (required).
Admission Statistics
For the academic year 2024-25, GCU's acceptance rate is 78.91% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 18.08%. 17,546 men and 33,516 women applied to GCU and 14,011 men and 26,385 women students were accepted.
Among them, 2,713 men and 4,591 women were enrolled in GCU. You can explore the GCU's admission rates and SAT score trends over the past decade, including year-by-year data and analysis, by visiting Admission Trends page.
Median SAT and ACT Score
For the academic year 2025, 16 students (1% of enrolled students) submitted SAT scores and 28 students (1% of enrolled students) submitted ACT scores as part of the admission process at GCU.
The median SAT score for admitted students is 1,055, including 545 in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 510 in SAT Math. The 75th percentile SAT EBRW score is 580 and the 25th percentile is 518. For SAT Math, the 75th percentile score is 533 and the 25th percentile is 488.
The median ACT composite score is 21, with a 75th percentile score of 22 and a 25th percentile score of 20 at GCU. The median ACT Math score is 19 and the median ACT English score is 20.
How competitive is GCU's score?
The SAT and ACT scores at Grand Canyon University are relatively low compared to similar colleges (SAT: 1,177, ACT: 25 - private (not-for-profit) doctoral / research university).
First-year Enrollment by Gender and Enrolled Type
For the academic year 2024-25, total 7,306 first-year students enrolled in GCU. The proportion of full-time students is 87.34% and part-time students is 12.66%.
By gender, the proportion of men students is 37.13% and women students is 62.84%.
The following table shows the first-year students by gender and enrolled type at GCU.
Application Requirements
It requires to submit High School GPA, High School Record (or Transcript), and English Proficiency Test to its applicants.
The SAT and ACT test score is not required, but considered in admission process at GCU. The english proficiency test is required .
The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply Grand Canyon University.
For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .
General Admissions Information
The following provides general admission information for applying to GCU:
- Open Admission Policy: No
- Undergraduate Application Fees: -
- Graduate Application Fees: -
- Admission Information: https://www.gcu.edu/admissions
- Online Application: https://www.gcu.edu/
- Calendar System: Semester
- Course for High School Students: Not Offered
- Credits Accepted: Credits for Life Experiences, Advanced placement (AP) Credits
- Degree Offered: 1-Year Certificate, Bachelor, Post-Bachelor Certificate, Master, Post-Master Certificate, Doctoral (Research)
GCU Admission Frequently Asked Questions
GCU is relatively easy to get into, with an acceptance rate of 78.91%.
GCU recommends submitting SAT or ACT scores, but they are not strictly required for admission. The average SAT score required for admission to GCU is 1,055, and the average ACT score is 21. Meeting or exceeding these scores will improve your chances of admission.
GCU recommends submitting a personal essay or statement, but it is not strictly required.
GCU does not require or recommend a recommendation letter for admission. However, it may be required for certain programs or scholarships.
GCU does not require an application fee for undergraduate or graduate admission.
Yes, GCU requires applicants to submit high school GPA, high school record or transcript as part of the admission process.
Yes, GCU requires international applicants to submit an English proficiency test (like TOEFL or IELTS) as part of the application.
The institutional SAT code for GCU is 4331.