Transfer to GCU
Welcome to the College Transfer Center
The Grand Canyon University (GCU) Transfer Center is a hub for students transferring to GCU. Whether you attended a community college or a university, we are here to assist you in evaluating and anticipating your transfer opportunities and needs.
We understand that transferring colleges can be a tricky process. Read below for the steps to follow when transferring to GCU, as well as frequently asked questions about college credits. Visit our Admission Requirements page for further information and resources on admission into GCU.
The university employs a bulk transfer process for the transfer of doctoral credits from the same type of degree (e.g., EdD, PhD, etc.) and the same type of content (e.g., Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, etc.). Learn more about how your credits may transfer with GCU’s progressive transfer policy.
Learn MoreOnce you’ve decided to transfer colleges, it is important to determine how many credits will join you on your new journey. That’s where the GCU Lopes Credit Evaluation Tool comes in. Transfer prospects plug in their previous college courses and the tool displays how many units qualify as transfer credits towards your chosen degree program at GCU. This free service is a handy way to evaluate your progress towards the 120 semester credits required for a bachelor’s degree.
Submitting your transcripts is the next step in the application process. Our Transfer Course Search Tool allows you to enter your community college transcripts and find out how many credits will count toward your degree at GCU.
All credits evaluated must meet the requirements of the degree and satisfy specific course requirements in order to be transferred towards the degree program.
As you make your transition, our transfer specialists will review all of your information, provide answers to your questions and walk you through every stage of the process.
Community College Transfer Credits
Get credit for what you’ve already learned
Are you looking to transfer from a community college to GCU? Use our Transfer Course Search tool to enter your community college transcripts and find out how many credits will count toward your degree at GCU.
Transfer Credits
The Lopes Credit Evaluation helps you find out exactly how many credits will transfer to GCU for your chosen degree. A Lopes specialist will evaluate your individual courses and help you with the transfer process every step of the way.
Create a GCU Degree Plan
Using our Transfer Degree Search tool, find out how your degree from one of the Maricopa County Community Colleges can transfer to GCU.
Technically, no. Although transfer credits never expire, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind that may affect which units will transfer and which won’t. As always, contact a GCU transfer specialist for further clarity on this subject.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses usually have a 10-year shelf-life. Advances in these fields tend to alter the methodologies and practices used within them.
- Graduate courses have a seven-year shelf-life.
- Previous life experience might be relevant. If you’ve worked in the field or industry of your degree path, you could possibly earn credit for that experience. GCU’s Lifelong Assessment (LLA) allows qualified students to earn credits based on past work and life experiences.
- Transfer credits must be from accredited universities. GCU generally accepts courses from accredited, GCU-approved colleges, universities or programs, provided the work is not of a highly specialized nature and a grade of “C” or better is earned.
Ultimately, the Office of Academic Records uses an official transfer credit evaluation to analyze all prior college or university coursework and determine how each course completed at each previous school will transfer into the University in the program of study. Based on that evaluation, some credits not applicable to the program may not transfer.
Transferring colleges doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Lopes Credit Evaluation tool and Transfer Course Search tool make transferring hassle free. GCU’s collection of transfer specialists are also here to support you during your transition.
A student must earn 120 semester credits to be awarded a bachelor’s degree from GCU. Of the 120 credits, 36 must come from upper-division coursework. Additionally, students must meet the program graduation requirements of their degree, including meeting the required coursework and any capstone requirements.
Contact your previous university or community college’s Registrar Office to request official and unofficial transcripts. Typically, institutions also provide tools to order transcripts online.
Students can transfer in with any number of credits, not exceeding 90.
GCU offers the option to transfer in for the fall or spring semester. Contact a GCU transfer specialist to get started.
GCU allows a maximum of 30 credits to come from military schools and training.
GCU’s Letter of Intent
GCU’s Letter of Intent (LOI) is your chance to secure a scholarship offer and admission decision for a future semester. Visit our Scholarships and Grants page to learn about the benefits and eligibility.
Discover GCU
Interested in transferring to GCU? We invite you to Discover GCU, where you can visit our campus and learn everything about GCU firsthand. We understand how complex a college transfer can be, which is why we encourage you to attend this unique event. Experience our beautiful campus, supportive community, vibrant student life and quality academics at GCU.
Transferring Colleges
There are a few different options on how credits can be transferred to GCU. You can use our Lopes Credit Evaluation, a national placement exam or a professional certificate earned outside the classroom. Explore information and the policies about how to transfer college credits to GCU through the link below, or call 855-GCU-LOPE to speak with a college transfer specialist.
Make a smooth transition to GCU by making the most out of your transfer credits. GCU has Articulation Agreements with a wide variety of academic institutions in order to ensure that you get the most out of your college transfer. View our associations and contact your counselor for more information on how to transfer your credits into your preferred program at GCU.