Grand Canyon University Transfer Credits

At Grand Canyon University (GCU), we are committed to making the process of transferring colleges as easy as possible. To help you understand the college transfer process, we have prepared informative guides and transfer documents so that you know what you know how your credits may transfer and what degrees may complement your other degrees or credits.


Lopes Credit Evaluation

Find out how your previous college credits and military experience will transfer to GCU with our Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation. This complimentary service was created to help you estimate your GCU transfer credits and how quickly you can earn your degree at GCU.

Our university counselor will review all previous college transcripts to determine how those credits may transfer to your desired program. All credits evaluated must meet the requirements of the degree and satisfy specific course requirements in order to be transferred toward the degree program.

Please review these helpful tips and suggestions for completing the pre-evaluation process.

  • Be sure to list all previous institutions within the template and complete each required field.
  • Please attach transcripts from each institution attended, and make sure that each transcript is visible.
  • Make sure the unofficial transcripts include course names, as GCU cannot evaluate based off of course prefixes and numbers.
  • GCU will evaluate courses with an earned letter grade. GCU cannot evaluate pass/fail or satisfactory (S) grades. Undergraduate courses are transferable with a grade of C or better. Graduate courses are transferable with a grade of B or better.

To submit a request for a pre-evaluation, please fill out and submit the following form.

Start Lopes Evaluation

GCU Transfer Credits Policies

Student Transfer Credits

If you have taken coursework from other colleges and universities, you may be able to transfer credits to the degree you are pursuing at GCU.

GCU strives to make the process of earning your undergraduate degree simple. To provide guidance and assistance, GCU has developed college transfer policies that are helpful to know and use throughout the transfer process. You may transfer a total of 30 credits from alternative transfer credit options, including national exams, GCU-approved certificates and the Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA).

To read more about GCU's college transfer policies, browse the University Policy Handbook.

View Policy Handbook


National Exams

National exams offer you a way to demonstrate mastery of course content, without sitting through the class. You can earn up to 30 GCU transfer credits toward your bachelor’s degree through these tests.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams offer you the ability to test your knowledge in many content areas, with the outcome of possibly earning college credit.

  • Learn more about the exams in the Transfer Course Search page.
  • Speak with your university counselor to verify that your AP exam will count toward your major or degree program.

If you are interested in taking an AP exam, visit apstudent.collegeboard.org/home for more information.

An evaluation of language proficiency from the Berlitz Institute may be accepted for credit. You can take exams for any language assessed by Berlitz. Credit will satisfy foreign language requirements.

  • Refer to the Transfer Course Search page for more information.
  • Check with your university counselor to make sure that the exam you want to take covers the appropriate content areas.

Berlitz has provided GCU with a Berlitz Student Guide to help answer questions regarding the Berlitz language exam. You will be required to complete the Berlitz GCU foreign language test application to apply for this testing option. For more information, visit berlitz.us

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to receive credit for knowledge you achieved through independent study, previous coursework, job training, etc.

  • Review the exams within the Transfer Course Search page and decide which test you are interested in taking.
  • Contact your university counselor to verify that content is needed as a program requirement.

For more information about taking a CLEP exam, visit apps.collegeboard.org/cbsearch_clep/searchCLEPTestCenter.jsp

Formerly DANTES exams, the Prometric DSST exams are an opportunity to earn college credits by demonstrating content knowledge.

  • Visit the Transfer Course Search page to see a complete list of Prometric DSST exams.
  • Work with your university counselor to ensure that the exam will help you earn credit toward your program.

Visit getcollegecredit.com/institutions/search for more information about taking an exam.

GCU-Approved Certificates

American Council on Education (ACE)

GCU Students Professional Learning Experience

The American Council on Education (ACE) provides a recommended list of formal courses and examinations completed outside of a traditional classroom. This allows you to gain credits for your professional learning experiences and apply them to your academic program at GCU.

You should contact ACE for a transcript of professional training if applicable. For more information, please visit the ACE website.

Undergraduate-Level Certificates

GCU counseling

If you hold one of the following certificates, you may qualify for undergraduate-level semester credits. Explore our various certificates for more information, and work with your university counselor to ensure your college credits transfer properly.

Advanced Graduate-Level Certificates

GCU Graduate Students

GCU is also pleased to offer graduate-level credits in specific areas for appropriate certificates. Browse through our list of graduate-level certificates to learn about course equivalencies and to see if your certificate may help you earn your GCU degree.

Lifelong Learning Assessment

The Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA) provides you with an opportunity to earn GCU transfer credits based on work and life experiences. Learn more about the LLA and how you can earn credits.


Concurrent Enrollment Pathway in Nursing

The need for highly qualified nurses continues to rise, making it imperative that students like you who are pursuing an advanced nursing education have a direct path to their degree. GCU works with community colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to provide students who already have a bachelor’s degree a more efficient, less costly way to obtain their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree through the Nursing Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (NCEP).

GCU Nursing Student

You are eligible for NCEP if:

  1. You are enrolled in MaricopaNursing's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree program
  2. Have a GPA of 3.0 or more in all MaricopaNursing courses
  3. You have completed all MaricopaNursing and GCU prerequisite requirements
  4. You want to earn your MSN at GCU
  5. You have a bachelor's degree in another field
  6. You have attended a NCEP information session, followed by an application session

If you are an AAS student who already has a bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in the NCEP while still completing your community college education. This gives you a more efficient pathway to your MSN degree and could save you on tuition costs.

Key Benefits of GCU's Concurrent Enrollment Pathway:

  • Obtain a degree that employers are looking for. A 2020 AACN survey revealed that more than 82% of healthcare employers strongly prefer hiring graduates with at least a BSN.1
  • Learn core competencies of a bachelor's-prepared nurse. 2
  • Save money! You will receive a significant tuition reduction on your MSN-bridge courses while enrolled in the concurrent enrollment pathway. Once you graduate, you will receive a Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) alumni tuition discount on your MSN program.
  • Save time by focusing on coursework related to BSN core competencies rather than electives and foundational courses.

To learn more about the concurrent enrollment pathway, fill out this form and a university counselor will be in touch.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022, November 16). 2022 Data on New Nurse Graduates and Employers Preferences. Retrieved on May 9, 2023.

2 Students who complete this program will NOT earn a BSN. Successful completion results in an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from MaricopaNursing, Registered Nurse license after passing the NCLEX-RN and a Master of Science in Nursing from GCU.

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