Online Scholarships

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Overview

How Can Online Scholarships Support Your Education?

Online scholarships at Grand Canyon University are designed to help make higher education more accessible and affordable for students pursuing their online degree programs. These scholarships can reduce overall tuition costs, allowing you to focus more on your coursework and long-term goals rather than financial barriers.

GCU offers a variety of online scholarship opportunities for eligible students, including institutional awards and options available through partnerships with employers and organizations nationwide. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses while building the skills and knowledge needed in your field.

Over $197 million in institutional scholarships were awarded to GCU online students in 2025.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate Scholarships for Online Students

Undergraduate students balancing coursework, professional responsibilities and future career goals can explore scholarship opportunities designed to support online study at GCU. These opportunities include institutional scholarships as well as funding connected to employer and organizational partnerships nationwide. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree online can consider these scholarships as part of a broader financial plan to help make education more affordable.

New Undergraduate Nursing Student

You may receive an 8% off tuition scholarship if you start an online undergraduate nursing program. See if you qualify!^{(See disclaimer ¤)}

Psychology or Behavioral Health

New online and evening undergraduate psychology or behavioral health science students may be eligible for a scholarship of up to 32% off tuition.^{(See disclaimer †)}

Initial Teacher Licensure

Continue your path to teacher certification. By committing to take your bachelor’s program through our online offerings, GCU will offer you 32% off tuition for program if you qualify.^{(See disclaimer ◊)}

Graduate

Online Scholarships for Graduate Students

GCU offers scholarship opportunities to support students enrolled in online graduate programs. These scholarships include institutional options as well as funding connected to employer and organizational partnerships nationwide. Graduate students pursuing a master’s degree online can explore these scholarships as part of their overall plan to help manage the cost of advanced education.

Initial Teacher Licensure

Continue your path to teacher certification! Take your master’s program through our online offering, and GCU will offer you 25% off tuition for your program if you qualify.^{(See disclaimer ◊◊)}

New Education Master’s Degree Student

If you are a new student and looking to earn your education master’s degree, you may be eligible to receive a minimum of $3,375 off (up to $6,750 off) tuition.^{(See disclaimer ¬)}

Cooperating Teacher

GCU master’s degree applicants who are active cooperating teachers may be eligible for a 15% off tuition scholarship.^{(See disclaimer Y)}

Doctoral

Scholarships for Online Doctoral Students

Advanced study comes with unique financial considerations, and scholarship opportunities are available to support students enrolled in GCU’s online^{(See disclaimer 1)} doctoral programs. These scholarships can help offset educational costs while students focus on research, leadership development and academic progression. Online^{(See disclaimer 1)} doctoral students can explore available scholarship options as part of their overall financial planning when pursuing the highest level of academic study.

Alumni Doctoral Degree

GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.^{(See disclaimer §)}

Cooperating Teacher

GCU doctoral degree applicants who are active cooperating teachers may be eligible for a 15% off tuition scholarship.^{(See disclaimer Y)}

Eligibility

Admission Requirements for Online Scholarship Eligibility

Eligibility for online scholarships at GCU can vary based on the specific program and type of award. Common factors may include your selected online program, enrollment status and eligibility for institutional financial aid. Some scholarships may also be connected to employer partnerships or other qualifying criteria.

Reviewing eligibility early helps set clear expectations and ensures you understand which online scholarship opportunities align with your academic path. This foundation makes it easier to move forward with the application process and explore available funding options with confidence.

How To Apply for GCU's Online Scholarships

To apply for online scholarships at GCU, you’ll first need to complete your application for admission. Once you’re accepted, you can work closely with a university counselor to explore the online scholarship opportunities you may qualify for and understand how to maximize your financial aid. Your university counselor can help guide you through the process and ensure you don’t miss available funding options.

How To Apply for GCU’s Online College Scholarships

Start by completing your application for admission to an online program at GCU. You must be accepted into an online program before you can be considered for GCU scholarships.

Work With a University Counselor

After applying, a university counselor will review your eligibility and work with you one-on-one to identify the online scholarships that fit your program, background and goals.

Review and Accept Your Awards

Once your eligibility is confirmed, review your scholarship and financial aid package so you can understand your total funding and next steps.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Scholarships

Explore answers to common questions about online college scholarships at GCU to find ways to maximize your financial aid. Get the clarity you need to confidently plan and fund your education online.

Can I apply for multiple online scholarships?

Yes. At GCU, you may be eligible for multiple scholarship opportunities, including institutional and online tuition scholarships (such as the 22% off tuition scholarship for qualifying online undergraduate programs). Additionally, GCU allows students to combine eligible scholarships and even apply outside scholarships to help further reduce costs. Keep in mind that eligibility and stacking options can vary, so it’s best to review your specific award package with a university counselor.

When should I apply for online college scholarships?

You should start applying as early as possible. Ideally, as soon as you begin considering GCU. Many scholarships are limited or awarded on a rolling basis, so applying early can help you access more opportunities and secure the best possible award.

Staying informed on key deadlines and strategies can help you maximize available funding. Since completing the FAFSA can help determine your eligibility for many grants and aid opportunities, it’s an important step to take early as well. For additional guidance, explore What Is the Purpose of the FAFSA and Why Does It Matter?, which shares helpful tips on deadlines, updates and making the most of your financial aid opportunities.

What other scholarships does GCU offer?

GCU offers a wide range of other scholarship and grant opportunities for different student types, academic backgrounds and financial needs, including:

Institutional scholarships for on-campus students
Military scholarships for eligible service members
Program-specific and talent-based awards, such as performance or arts scholarships
Additional awards, like the Barnabas Scholarship (theology programs) and the Lope Life Housing Award
University awards based on high school performance or transfer status
State and federal grants, which are need-based aid that do not require repayment
Outside scholarships, which can often be combined with GCU aid

Are scholarships for online students based on merit or financial need?

At GCU, scholarships for online students can be based on a variety of factors, not just one. Many are institutional or tuition-based scholarships (such as the 22% online tuition scholarship) awarded based on program enrollment or eligibility criteria rather than strict financial need.

However, need-based aid is also available, typically through grants and federal programs, which may require financial information to determine eligibility. In short, GCU online students may qualify for a mix of merit, eligibility-based and need-based aid, depending on the scholarship or funding source.

Who is eligible for online scholarships?

Eligibility for GCU online scholarships varies by program and award, but they are generally available to students enrolling in online undergraduate or graduate degree programs. Many scholarships are based on factors such as program enrollment, transfer status or other eligibility criteria, while others may also consider financial need or military affiliation.

Because requirements differ by scholarship, GCU recommends connecting with a university counselor to review the options you may qualify for.

Can online scholarships be combined with other financial aid?

In many cases, yes. At GCU, online scholarships may be combined with other forms of financial aid, such as federal grants, loans or even outside scholarships, to help reduce your overall cost. However, how awards are combined can vary based on eligibility and program guidelines, so it’s a good idea to review your specific financial aid package with a university counselor to understand exactly how your scholarships and aid can work together.

More Resources

Resources To Support Your Online Education Journey

Online students at GCU have access to a range of academic, technical and student resources designed to support learning beyond the classroom. These resources are built to help online learners stay connected and on track throughout their educational journey.

Online Degrees

Online Learning

Online Tuition

Fund Your Future With Online Scholarships

Learn how online scholarships can help support your education and keep you moving forward.

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^{(See disclaimer ¤)} MOU 10524: The New Undergraduate Nursing Student Scholarship is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program. If you enroll in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing pathway, we will award you 5% off the tuition per course for your program. Scholarship applies to the undergraduate courses in the Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

^{(See disclaimer †)} MOU 10324: This scholarship is only valid for new student applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start an online or evening Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science beginning on or after Feb. 1, 2026. GCU will award eligible applicants a scholarship of 32% off tuition per course for your program. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

^{(See disclaimer ◊)} MOU 9238: This scholarship is only valid for applicants who are currently working for an accredited school or district, who are seeking initial teacher licensure and who are not already a licensed teacher, and who are applying for one of the following bachelor’s programs: Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education (any emphasis), Elementary Education and Special Education, Educational Studies, Secondary Education (any emphasis). This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

^{(See disclaimer ◊◊)} MOU 9237: This scholarship is only valid for applicants who are currently working for an accredited school or district, seeking initial teacher licensure, not already a licensed teacher and applying for one of the following Master of Education programs: Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, Elementary Education and Special Education, Secondary Education (any emphasis), Special Education (any emphasis). This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

^{(See disclaimer ¬)} MOU 10134 & 10135: This scholarship is only valid for admissible applicants who are participating in a GCU College of Education or secondary education emphasis master’s degree program, and who submit a completed application to start their program on or before Dec. 31, 2026. If you enroll in a master’s degree or graduate certificate program through any of the College of Education or Secondary Education Emphasis degree programs offered online, GCU will offer you 18% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and does not include fees (i.e., Canyon Connect, Technology, etc.).

^{(See disclaimer Y )}MOU-7022: This scholarship is only valid for applicants who are active cooperating teachers and submit a complete application for admission. An active cooperating teacher is one having completed at least one 8 or 15-week cooperating teacher contract to mentor student teachers for GCU in the last 12 months. By committing to start your master’s or doctoral degree program, or non-degree/single course offering through our online campus or evening-campus cohort offerings, Grand Canyon University will offer you a 15% scholarship off the tuition rate per course for your program.

^{(See disclaimer §)} MOU-Alumni 10451: The Alumni $5,000 Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for GCU alumni who enroll in a doctoral program. If you enroll in a doctoral program through any of our online offerings, GCU will provide you a $5,000 tuition scholarship. This tuition scholarship will be applied on a per-course basis over your first and second academic year (as defined in the University Policy Handbook) and at the same time your tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This credit will be applied toward your tuition only and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.