Visit Grand Canyon University’s Campus
Experience GCU Through a Campus Tour
Explore GCU alongside a current student and discover the people, places and opportunities that make our campus unique. Whether you want an in-depth look at academics, residence life, student involvement, athletics and campus culture or prefer a more academically focused visit, our guides can help you experience what GCU has to offer.
GCU offers three types of tours that prospective students and their families can choose from. As you plan your visit, it can be helpful to think about the questions to ask on a college tour so you can gather the information that's most important to you.
Guided tours
Explore campus with a current student while experiencing our facilities, student life and academic opportunities firsthand.
Group tours
Visit campus alongside your school, organization or community group for an informative and engaging GCU experience.
Virtual tours
Take an interactive online tour to discover our campus, academic spaces and student amenities from wherever you are.
What You Need To Know for Your Tour
Tours depart from the Antelope Reception Center (ARC), located in the Student Advising Services building. View our current tour schedule and availability to help plan your tour. We also offer Spanish and travel reimbursement tours,(See disclaimer 1) which are available upon request.
A reservation is best, but you can still drop in.
Important Information for Planning Your Visit
Review our visitor hours, holiday closures and tour schedule before you arrive. Planning ahead can help you choose a convenient time for your campus visit.
Fall Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 8 pm
Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm
Sunday: Closed
We will be closed on:
Sept. 7 – Labor Day
Nov. 26 – 27 – Thanksgiving
Dec. 24 – 25 – Christmas
Adjusted Hours:
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve: Half Day (8 am – 3 pm)
Campus Tours and Excursions
General Campus Tour
Embrace the energy of campus life as you explore many of our most popular spaces, including key academic areas, dining options, fitness facilities and student favorite hangouts. This two hour walking tour begins with a brief 15 minute presentation and is led by our knowledgeable student tour guides, who share their personal insights and experiences to help you get a true feel for life on campus.
Academic Campus Tour
Experience a focused academic visit designed to help you explore the programs and colleges you’re considering. This tour highlights the academic spaces, learning environments and resources connected to your areas of interest, while still giving you a tour of the beautiful campus. Your 1.5 hour walking tour begins with a 15 minute presentation that introduces the university’s academic pathways and support services. Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable student guides share their personal academic experiences and insights to help you envision your future here.
Art and STEM Lab Experience
Club Sports and Athletics Experience
Business and Entrepreneurship Experience
Chapel Experience
Honors Experience
Jobs and Internships Session
Virtual Campus Tour of GCU
Before you choose to take an on-campus tour of GCU, get a sneak peek by taking a 360-degree tour of our beautiful campus. This virtual tour will take you all around campus to show you the highlights of academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities and student recreation areas.
15 min. to downtown Phoenix
Group Tours for Students, Teachers and Counselors
We offer group tours to a variety of groups, including interested middle schoolers, high school students, college transfer students and parents with students, to name a few. Visit the group tour page for more information and to request a visit.
Discover GCU Campus Visitation Program
Experience campus as a GCU student with this all-expense-paid,(See disclaimer 2) overnight campus visit. The Discover GCU experience includes an overnight stay in a residence hall, giving you a firsthand look at student life. You'll also explore your academic program, connect with current students, participate in hands-on activities and enjoy meals at popular campus dining locations. To get started or learn more about your eligibility, speak with your university counselor.
Discover the GCU Experience
"It almost feels like going to a camp. Everyone’s super welcoming; there are so many things to do. There are so many opportunities I've already seen, like the sit-in’s in the business building."
"It almost feels like going to a camp. Everyone’s super welcoming; there are so many things to do. There are so many opportunities I've already seen, like the sit-in’s in the business building."
Navigating GCU
GCU’s growing campus is an oasis in the heart of Phoenix. Explore our interactive campus map before your visit, so you can easily navigate our expansive grounds. Additionally, you can find downloadable versions for special events, parking structures, accessibility and a campus directory.
Check out the GCU athletics and events calendars to see if a game, performance or special campus event is happening during your visit.
With over 130 student clubs and organizations during the 2025-26 academic year, GCU helps create spaces where you can connect with others who share your interests, values and goals.
Enjoy our recreation opportunities, from fitness facilities, courts and swimming pools to our Topgolf®-style driving range, coming soon.
3.5 hrs to the Grand Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions About GCU Tours
Review some commonly asked questions and answers to prepare for your trip to GCU.
What can I expect during a GCU campus tour?
Your GCU campus visit begins with check-in and a brief campus overview presentation. You will then take either a general campus tour or an academic tour based on the experience you selected. Additional appointments, presentations and campus excursions may also be available based on your interests.
How long should I plan to be on campus?
Most GCU campus visits last approximately two to three hours, including check-in, a campus overview presentation and your selected tour. Additional appointments or campus experiences may extend your visit.
Can I personalize my GCU campus visit?
Will I see residence halls, dining and student-life spaces?
Can parents or other guests attend the campus tour?
Where do I check in for my GCU campus tour?
Can I meet with my university counselor during my visit?
What should I wear or bring for a GCU campus tour?
Your campus visit is an opportunity to experience GCU firsthand and learn how our programs, resources and community can support your educational and career goals.
- Travel reimbursement is only available to prospective students who demonstrate their ability to meet admissibility for the traditional campus, plus one legal guardian, from the student’s home city/state to Phoenix. Visit requires assigned MOU by both the student and parent/guardian (if student is under 18), approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed (air or ground). GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in, travel insurance fees, hotel points or airline points. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.
- All-expenses-paid visits are only available to prospective students accepted to the traditional campus. Student and parent/guardian (if student is under 18) are required to sign the Discover GCU Waiver. GCU will arrange and book air or ground travel to and from the student’s home city/state to Phoenix. The visit also includes accommodations in the Discover GCU residence hall and a meal card that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner while on campus. If utilizing travel reimbursement instead, additional restrictions may apply.