Applying to GCU

Thinking about Grand Canyon University? Learn how to navigate the GCU application process with ease. From admission requirements to key steps and tips for success, discover how to start your journey toward becoming a Lope.

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Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

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Read time 3 minutes

GCE Editorial Team

Published on Jan 31, 2025

High school seniors have a lot of decisions to make about their future, such as which college to attend. If your child is interested in attending a Christian university that offers a faith-integrated curriculum, they might consider applying to Grand Canyon University.

Explore Admission Requirements

If your student is interested in applying for admission to GCU, we’ve made the process simple. You can start by requesting information from an admission representative by filling out the form on this page.

It’s also essential to review the admission requirements. We require a 3.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA. If your student does not meet the GPA requirement, they may still be eligible for admission with an ACT score of 19 or an SAT score of 920.

View our admission requirements page to learn more about the different pathways of admission to GCU, including for homeschooled students and those with a GED.

Explore Degree Options

In addition to learning about the admission requirements, your student will also want to explore our available bachelor’s degree programs. GCU offers a wide range of baccalaureate programs in fields as diverse as engineering, nursing, business, science and many others.

Some popular degree programs at GCU that your student might want to consider include:

View the full list of bachelor’s degree programs here, including both online and on-campus programs.

Understand Tuition Costs and Explore Financial Aid Options

GCU has compiled information on the cost of attendance for our private university. The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, as well as estimated related expenses like accommodations.

After reviewing the estimated cost of attendance (which can vary from student to student), you and your student can explore financial aid options. GCU strongly recommends filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which must be submitted for each year that your child is a university student. The FAFSA form determines your eligibility for federal grants (which do not need to be repaid) and federal loans.

In addition, GCU is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities to our students. In 2024-25, the average traditional on-campus student qualified for approximately $7,300 in GCU-funded scholarships for the academic year.¹ On top of GCU scholarships, your student may be eligible to apply to various scholarships offered by foundations, corporations and other entities.

Schedule a Tour

After reviewing admission requirements and financial aid options, the next step is to schedule a tour of our campus — an oasis in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. Consider attending Discover GCU, an all-expenses-paid² program that allows students to experience student life firsthand. While he or she is learning about life as a Lope, you can attend a parent information session and take a walking tour.

How to Apply to GCU

Finally, your student needs to submit their application, official transcripts and test scores. (Test scores may only be required if your student has a cumulative, unweighted GPA of less than 3.0.) Official transcripts may be mailed or faxed directly to the university or carried by hand by the applicant. If your student is planning to attend the main campus, consider having ACT or SAT scores sent directly to GCU.

Your student will also need to submit the application, which can be done online. GCU does not require any application fees, nor does the university as a whole require an admissions essay or personal statement. (Some individual programs may require an essay or other requirement for admission consideration.)

What’s Next?

It’s often difficult for students to wait long weeks or even months to hear back after submitting their college applications. That’s one reason why GCU has embraced a rolling admissions process, which means we review applications as they arrive instead of after a deadline. This allows our team to make admission decisions at an accelerated rate.

In addition to our rolling admission process, GCU is pleased to offer an unofficial transcript evaluation within 24 hours.³A GCU representative can offer your student a graduation plan that includes estimated costs, start date options and an estimated graduation date if they follow the schedule provided.⁴

We strive to graduate students who embrace Christian values and servant leadership and who are prepared to make a positive impact in their field and community. Fill out the form on this page to get started.

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Pursue your passion and find a purpose for your future through GCU's bachelor's programs. Apply to Grand Canyon University today!

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¹ Scholarships may be awarded based on sixth semester transcripts (high school transcripts submitted after Junior year of high school). When final official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to change or decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. Prices are based on the 2023-24 rate and are subject to change.

² Travel reimbursement is only available to students who demonstrate their ability to meet admissibility for the traditional campus, plus one legal guardian, from a student’s home city/state to Phoenix, AZ. School/district/organizations staff, faculty and/or personnel are also eligible. To participate, the program requires a signed MOU by both the student and parent/guardian or personnel, approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location and education sector. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed, air OR ground. GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in or travel insurance fees. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.

³ Service offered on business days only.

⁴ Estimated graduation date only applies when the student follows the provided schedule.

Approved and verified accurate by the assistant vice president of GCU Marketing on Jan. 22, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.