GCU Admission Requirements
Grand Canyon University (GCU) welcomes applicants 16 years old and older for admission consideration. We seek future graduates with diverse interests, experiences and perspectives, ready to capture academic opportunities with creativity and enthusiasm.Grand Canyon University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, disability or any other classification protected by law in its programs and activities.
Although GCU seeks to integrate Christian faith and practice into all aspects of campus life, no statement of faith or religious affiliation is required of prospective students, with the exception of majors in the College of Theology. Theology majors are required to affirm GCU's Doctrinal Statement and the College of Theology Covenant.
All students must submit either acceptable high school or college transcripts to be considered for full admission into the University. If students cannot meet the GPA requirements with their transcripts but have test scores or a college-GPA that meets admission requirements, students may be eligible for full admission.
Please note: Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality. All academically qualified individuals willing to uphold our established mission and standards are encouraged to apply.
Graduation Rates
Grand Canyon University has a four-year graduation rate of 57% for traditional students and an online student grad rate of 65%*. GCU produced 25,120 total graduates from July 2018 through June 2019. GCU offers an abundance of resources to empower students to finish strong and impact their chosen field post-graduation. Some of our many resources include fully qualified professors, access to tutoring services, career assistance and more.
* Graduation rates include all students attempting at least 12 hours, are 'to date' for each cohort and are accurate as of October 2019. These rates are based on the cohort from 2014
GCU Acceptance Rate
Grand Canyon University (GCU) has a fall 2018 acceptance rate of 73% for first-time, full-time degree-seeking students. fall 2019 GPA for all incoming campus students is 3.55. GCU’s acceptance rate reflects GCU's dedication to maintaining an environment of learning, growth and opportunity.
Registration for Online Students
A university admissions counselor can help guide you through the online admissions process. New or returning students may apply online or request entrance into a new program or modality by contacting at 855-GCU-LOPE.
Start the college admission process by filling out this form with information about your desired degree program and modality.
Request transcripts from each educational institution attended. Official transcripts may be mailed, faxed or hand-delivered by the applicant.
If you are seeking financial aid, visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website for more information.
Once your application has been submitted, your university counselor will contact you directly to discuss your next steps.
Registration for Campus Students
Applying for admission to GCU is easy! We encourage you to work with a university admissions counselor during the admissions process. Below are steps to admission:
Start the college admission process with GCU and help your admissions counselor get to know you!
Submit your transcript via the Student Portal by logging on at gcuportal.gcu.edu.
If you are seeking financial aid, visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website for more information.
Visit GCU's main campus in Phoenix. Get the real college experience at Discover GCU.
Work with your admissions counselor to register for classes.
Request for Reinstatement
If you have been suspended from GCU and would like to request reinstatement, please contact your student services counselor to discuss the next steps. If filing an academic appeal for reasons other than reinstatement, contact your student services counselor for assistance at 855-GCU-LOPE. Additional information on GCU's appeal process can be found in the University Appeal Procedures section of GCU's University Policy Handbook.
The fall 2018 acceptance rate for first-time, full-time degree seeking student at GCU is 73%.
GCU has different GPA criteria for each of its degree levels. For high school students, an unweighted 3.0 GPA is required. High school students with an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher may qualify if they also meet specific ACT and SAT exam scores.
For graduate degree applicants, students may be accepted if they earned a 2.8 GPA from an accredited and GCU-approved college or program.
For doctoral candidates, applicants may be accepted if they have earned a doctoral or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 3.4 GPA. Candidates who earned less than a 3.4 may still be accepted with specifications. Candidates with a master’s degree who earned below a 3.0 will not be accepted.
Certain degrees and colleges, including our Honors College, have separate GPA and admission requirements. Read through our University Policy Handbook for detailed information regarding your chosen degree level and program.
Students with an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or greater are not required to provide an SAT or ACT for admission. Candidates with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.5 must have an ACT score of 19 higher. For SAT scores, candidates with a test date of March 1, 2016 onward must have a composite score of 1000 or above. For test dates between Jan. 1, 2005-Feb. 29, 2016, students must have a composite score of 1380 or above. Test dates prior to 2005 must have a composite score of 920 or above.
Some programs, including those within the Honors College, require specific scores from the different sections of the SAT and ACT. Find more information about your desired program in our University Policy Handbook.
GCU does not require an essay for admission. However, there are some programs that do require an essay as part of the program’s own acceptance criteria. Find your program in our University Policy Handbook for more information.
Yes, college credits can transfer to Grand Canyon University. Whether you are transferring from another university, from a dual enrollment program or you have an internationally evaluated transcript, GCU aims to make the transfer process as easy as possible. There are multiple transfer credit options, and each includes a maximum number of credits one can transfer. Find more information about GCU’s transfer credits policies by visiting our transfer center page or view our University Policy Handbook.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Making college affordable for all students is part of our mission at GCU. In addition to competitive tuition and fees, we offer several options to help you finance the cost of your education. Read more about tuition and financing options.
University Accreditation
Grand Canyon University has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968, and is also authorized in Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Read more about GCU’s accreditation, individual college accreditations as well the licenses, authorizations and approvals GCU holds by visiting our University Accreditation and Regulation page.
Grand Canyon University, while reserving its lawful rights where appropriate to take actions designed to ensure and promote the Christian principles that sustain its mission and heritage, prohibits unlawful discrimination, including any form of harassment and/or retaliation, on the basis of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable law, in its employment, admissions policies, educational programs or activities. It is the purpose of the University to pursue the very highest and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. This policy also complies with the Title IX requirements related to non-discrimination. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be made internally to:
Shaunna Milonas, MBA
Title IX and 504 Coordinator
Assistant Vice President of Academic Compliance
3300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
gcu.edu/TitleIX
602-639-5900 | TitleIX@gcu.edu
Inquiries may be made externally to:
Office For Civil Rights (OCR)U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline: #800-421-3481
Facsimile: 2020-453-6012 | TDD#: 877-521-2172
ed.gov/ocr | OCR@ed.gov
You already have the tools you need to change your life. Let GCU teach you how to use them so you can reach your full potential through education.