Grand Canyon University and Home-School Families
A Welcoming Environment for All
GCU's campus is a welcoming learning and growing environment for students who come from all types of backgrounds. Home-educated students become part of a diverse, faith-oriented community where they have opportunities to get involved in activities, sports, clubs and organizations, meet like-minded people, pursue their interests, attend campus events and participate in service projects that all help turn GCU into a second home.
At GCU, Christian convictions, Christ-focused curriculum and service beyond the classroom make up One Foundation, which guides the university toward faithfulness, excellence and service to its neighbors and God.
Campus living also provides home-schooled students with new experiences that help them prosper. The campus continues to expand beyond 250-plus acres with new residence halls and academic buildings, popular eateries, recreational and fitness centers and state-of-the-art facilities like the Colangelo College of Business, Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark and the Canyon Activity Complex.
“As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I was part of a huge family. I am more introverted so I was worried about how hard it would be for me to push myself and make friends freshman year, but I ended up making some of my best friends at the Welcome Week events. Another way I instantly felt welcome at GCU was by joining different clubs and taking advantage of local outreach opportunities.”
Loading Form
Many home-schoolers arrive at GCU well-prepared for the college journey because of the academically enriched learning experiences they received as home-educated students. GCU values the methodology of a students’ home-school experience. For that reason, we do not require additional testing or validation of a students’ transcripts for acceptance.1
Our university serves as an extension, so students easily adjust to rigorous college-level academics and start to succeed right from the beginning. If students experience any challenges, they can easily connect with academic and career planning assistance, spiritual life opportunities, health and wellness resources, university counselors and more services that are readily available. GCU is committed to meeting the needs of all students, including those who have received home education.
GCU proudly partners with a variety of organizations to offer home-schooled students the opportunity to get a head start on college through online dual enrollment:
- Choose from approximately 50 university-level courses; each seven-week and 15-week class has year-round start dates
- Students can participate as early as sophomore year and can take up to 60 credits during high school
- Take classes online with the flexibility to conveniently learn at home according to the student’s schedule
- College credits apply to GCU degree programs
- Receive the same resources and quality instruction, taught through the lens of our Christian worldview, as traditional students
Earn college credits early to accelerate the college academic journey
- Prepare to easily transition into college and to meet college expectations
- Graduate college early and enter the workforce early
- Save time and money, thus reducing student loan debt
Visit gcu.edu/DualEnrollment for more information and to sign up today!
The Alliance Program for Homeschool Achievement (ALPHA) is a GCU participant program providing services and opportunities for home-schooled co-ops and families. ALPHA supports home-schooled high schoolers who are ready to take the next step in their education. To ease students into college and help them prepare, the program connects families with scholarship opportunities, university program and event discounts, professional development and free opportunities including:
- College prep workshop covering GPA/ACT/SAT requirements, scholarships and majors
- Dual enrollment course planning for specific majors
- K-12 tutoring through the Learning Lounge and additional tutoring for dual enrollment students through the ACE Center
- Transcript evaluation
- Campus Tours Plus and GCU Days
- GCU representation at college fairs and back-to-school nights
- LIVE Lessons are hands-on activities conducted through a virtual presentation and cover areas such as pre-health, business, cybersecurity and engineering
- Discover GCU — an overnight real college experience that gives high schoolers a glimpse into college life on campus2
- Special invitation to GCU campus activities such as basketball games, matinee performances and Chapel services
Transitioning into a traditional college environment is a major change as the uncertainty of college can be intimidating and stressful; GCU understands that. To help students with a smooth and informed transition from home school to college, GCU offers many spiritual life opportunities including Life Groups, Chapel and The Gathering. GCU also has university counselors that work with students and their families to provide personalized service regarding:
- Planning the move to college
- Submitting transcripts
- Navigating the scholarship application and award letter process with transparency, so students can make the best financial decisions for their situation
- Advising about the advantages of dual enrollment and graduating early
- Exploring academic programs, campus life and more
Visit Campus Your Way
Future Lopes can choose to take part in one of the programs outlined below. Visit our campus today!
Discover GCU
Discover GCU is now better than ever! This overnight, all-expenses-paid trip to sunny Arizona will let you experience life as a Lope first-hand.2
During your campus visit, you will:
- Learn about your program of study
- Observe and connect with the GCU community
- Participate in hands-on academic activities
- Eat at popular campus dining spots
- See our sunny campus and resort-style living
Experience GCU with your loved one.
You and a parent and/or guardian will have the opportunity to discover what it means to be a Lope! Schedule your own visit to campus and have your trip reimbursed by GCU by participating in our Home School Trip Reimbursement Program.1
If you prefer, you can choose to have your student stay overnight on campus in one of our residence halls and attend Discover GCU.
Contact your university admissions counselor for instructions on how to apply for our trip reimbursement program. Your trip reimbursement must be approved before the travel dates are confirmed.
During your visit, you will:
- Meet with your university admissions counselor
- Tour our vibrant campus
- Meet current GCU students
- Check out our on-campus eateries, academic buildings, recreation facilities and more
- Explore campus at your own pace
GCU Admission Requirements
Going from home school to college is simple at GCU. The college requirements for home-schoolers is the same as any other student. GCU will accept your academic transcripts, and you do not need to retake labs and/or tests if you have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Find information on GCU’s admission requirements, and once you find you meet the necessary requirements, follow the steps below to get started.
Next Steps
- Apply at gcu.edu/ApplyNow and upload your transcripts. No application fee!
- Make an appointment with your counselor to review scholarships and programs.
- Upon acceptance, visit campus (all-expenses-paid2 programs available).
- Register early to secure courses and on-campus housing.
- Pack your sunglasses and move to Lope Country!
For more information, contact us at 855-GCU-LOPE.
1 GCU does not have any specific additional admission requirements for home-schoolers but graduation requirements may vary by state.
2 Travel reimbursement is only available to accepted prospective traditional campus students, 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.