Grand Canyon University (GCU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Established in 1949, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, non-denominational university located in Phoenix, Arizona. This esteemed Christian school is regionally accredited and has been recognized by notable sources including Technology & Learning Magazine and Fortune Small Business for offering some of the best online education programs in the country.

GCU emphasizes personalized attention for both the undergraduate students as well as the working professional. As a private Christian college, the university prepares students to become critical thinkers, global citizens, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically demanding, values-based curriculum from the context of Christian heritage.

Information Summary

Ranks 56th in Arizona and 3680th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	38.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$32,100
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	42 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	64% / 36%
Enrollment Total (all students)	90,253

Academics

GCU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate online programs through four academic colleges: Ken Blanchard College of Business; College of Education; College of Nursing & Health Sciences; College of Doctoral Studies; and College of Liberal Arts.

The school uses a cohort learning technique in which a group of students advance from a series of core courses together and continue to their major area of study. Through this style of learning students develop relationships with cohort members, providing support and encouragement for one another as needed, and together focus on one class at a time. Students are assigned a virtual instructor as well as a virtual group of fellow learners who through the online courses discuss educational issues, and participate in class projects. Most of the programs are designed to be completed in two years.

The College of Education offers students a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in elementary education & special education or a Bachelor of Science degree in either elementary education, or secondary education. With the Ken Blanchard College of Business, students may earn a bachelor’s degree in a variety of fields of study including accounting, applied management, business administration, emergency management, finance, economics, marketing, or public safety administration.

The College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers students bachelor degrees in one of the following areas of study: addiction counseling, health science—professional development & advanced, medical imaging, nursing, or respiratory care, or pre-physical therapy. The College of Liberal Arts offers the choice of a Bachelor of Arts degree in any of the following areas of study, including Christian studies, communications, English literature, history, interdisciplinary studies; and, a Bachelor of Science degree in justice studies, psychology, or sociology.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Admissions

GCU enrolls more than 25,000 students annually. Admission is open to all students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8. The university typically accepts college course credits from regionally-accredited universities and colleges. Prospective students must complete an online application for admission and send the official transcripts along with work experience. There is no application fee for applying and the school accepts all qualified students without regard to race, ethnic origin, religion, color, gender, marital/ family status, political affiliation, or sexual preference.

International students are also encouraged to apply for admission. Interested applicants must send all their official transcripts, and work experience. Students from non-native English speaking countries must take any one of the following tests: TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC.

Financial Aid

The school offers two distinct types of financial aid for qualifying online students: self help aid and gift aid. Self help aid is low interest loans undergraduate or graduate-level students may receive if enrolled at least half-time. Gift aid comes in the form of scholarships or grants. It is only available for first-time undergraduate students. The active and retired military personnel are offered a wide variety of tuition and fee assistance for the graduate and undergraduate programs.

Tuition payment plans are also available for students wanting to pay per month rather than with one large payment. Some students may qualify for tuition reimbursement if employed by a company which offers that benefit. Students who are employed should check with their organization’s human resources department to find out if they are eligible for tuition reimbursement, and if the company offers it in their benefits package.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3153rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Arizona.

Students

GCU provides students with the services they need right from the school’s website. Students can access such documents as the student handbook, the University catalog, as well as the status of their grades, financial aid, transcripts, and more. The cohort learning provides several advantages to the online learning experience which include: developing lasting relationships, receiving support and encouragement, developing knowledge and skills progressively, and integrating knowledge of business functions.

All of the courses use Angel technology, which means you will have a reliable format in each of the classes that you take. At the start of each course, you will enter an Angel tutorial to acquaint you with the online structure. In your account, you will have the access to everything including your course syllabus, staff information, as well as discussion boards and a digital drop box.

The school offers amazing career opportunities that are as diverse and interesting as the campus-based and online classes. The team of dedicated instructors, rigorous academic programs, and cutting edge technology give students an education that prepares them to lead and serve the global workforce. GCU’s active participation in the community and the continuous commitment to excellence make the school an attractive and rewarding place to work.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The university’s athletic department sponsors men’s as well as women’s sports team and is currently a member of NCAA Division II, with most sports partaking in the Pacific West Conference. Men’s Volleyball competes in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association; and Lacrosse is an Independent member of NCAA Division II. The sports teams are nicknamed the ’Lopes.

Alumni

Notable alumni include:

Efrain Escudero, noted Mixed Martial Arts competitor for the UFC
Horacio Llamas, eminent NBA player for the Phoenix Suns
Henry Cejudo, 2008 Olympic wrestling Gold Medalist

Grand Canyon University