Grand Canyon University Accreditation and Regulation
GCU Accredited Since 1968
Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. GCU is also authorized in Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Accreditations speak to the quality of the university and its academic programs and can represent acknowledgment by peer institutions of meeting set criteria or standards.
Accreditations
Accreditation is a peer review of the rigor and quality of a higher education institution and the programs it offers.
A university’s accreditation assists multiple constituents including:
Students
Individuals need to attend an accredited institution in order to be eligible to receive federal (and in some cases state) loans or grants.
Employers
Employers may require evidence of education from an accredited institution in order to provide tuition assistance or to evaluate the credentials of prospective employees.
Federal Government
The federal government requires institutions to be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in order to participate in federal financial aid programs.
State Licensing Boards
Accreditation of a university or its programs may determine eligibility for graduates to apply for professional licensure in a state.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a private nonprofit organization that serves to recognize accrediting bodies to promote high standards of excellence within degree-granting universities. CHEA recognizes GCU’s institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, as upholding national ideals of academics within institutions. GCU is also an institutional member of CHEA.
Institutional Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits GCU as a postsecondary institution. This accreditation covers both GCU’s traditional courses as well as online, providing a foundation of trust for quality education in both modalities.
The HLC was established in 1895 as an accreditor of postsecondary degree granting institutions in the North Central region, totaling 19 states. The HLC and its predecessor have accredited GCU continually since 1968. In 2017, GCU’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC after a comprehensive review of the institution’s mission; integrity, ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning quality, resources, support, evaluation and improvement; and finances, planning and institutional effectiveness. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Higher Learning Commission
230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-263-0456
Toll-free: 800-621-7440
Website: hlcommission.org
Verify HLC Accreditation
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as of today’s date.
Accreditation Process
To be accredited by the HLC, GCU voluntarily submits to a peer review to ensure the university meets the HLC's standards.
The areas examined by the HLC peer reviews include:
University mission
University integrity
University and shared governance
Educational and co-curricular activities
Teaching and learning effectiveness
University assessment
Admission and student services
Administration
Student academic achievement
Financial stewardship
Student resources
Organizational effectiveness
Relationships with outside constituencies
Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Transparency
GCU is committed to student learning and continuous improvement. Student achievement data is included in the Disclosures links, located on the Program Details page, for each program leading to licensure and certification. Consumer information can be found here, and additional information on internal assessment practices and results is available upon request by sending an email to GCUAssessment@gcu.edu.
Programmatic Accreditations
In addition to GCU’s HLC accreditation, GCU maintains programmatic accreditations for several of its programs. Programmatic accreditations indicate that a program has met a specific set of criteria or standards (professional counseling, nursing, business, etc.) as set forth by the specialized accrediting body.
Grand Canyon University Accreditation FAQs
We know you have questions and we want to ensure that you have the right answer. Read through some of our frequently asked questions about GCU’s university and programmatic accreditation to learn more.
Is Grand Canyon University accredited?
Is Grand Canyon University accredited for teaching?
Is Grand Canyon University accredited for nursing?
Is Grand Canyon University accredited for business?
What Is GCU’s policy for dropping classes?
Grand Canyon University's online and campus programs offer the flexibility you need to get ahead, providing a quality education to help you in today's complex world.