Grand Canyon University and Homeschool Families
A Welcoming Environment for All
Grand Canyon University is a welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds can learn and grow. Home-educated students have the opportunity to become part of a diverse, faith-oriented community where they can 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 can also provide home-schooled students with new experiences that can help them prosper. The campus continues to expand beyond 300-plus acres with new residence halls and academic buildings, popular eateries, recreational and fitness centers and facilities like Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark and the Canyon Activity Complex.
From Homeschool to College — Excelling at GCU
Many homeschoolers arrive at GCU well-prepared for the college journey because of the academically enriched learning experiences they received as home-educated students. We value the methodology of a students’ homeschool experience. For that reason, we do not require additional testing or validation of a students’ transcripts for acceptance.(See disclaimer 1)
Our university serves as an extension, so students can adjust to rigorous college-level academics from the start. If students experience any challenges, they can connect with academic and career planning assistance, spiritual life opportunities, health and wellness resources, university counselors and more services that are readily available. We are committed to meeting the needs of all students, including those who have received home education.
GCU Admission Requirements
Going from homeschool to college can be simple at GCU. The college requirements for homeschoolers are the same as other GCU students. GCU can accept your academic transcripts, and no testing is required with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Review our admission requirements and follow the next steps to get started.
To support you throughout this journey, you can also work with a GCU homeschool specialist who helps you prepare for college and navigate the admission process. Our homeschool specialists can advise on transcripts, Dual Enrollment, CLEP, finances and other important steps for homeschool families with high school students, ensuring you have the guidance needed for a smooth transition.
Next Steps
- Complete the undergraduate application with no application fee
- Upload and submit your transcripts
- Upon acceptance, visit campus (all-expenses paid(See disclaimer 2) 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.
Next Steps Toward Moving From Homeschool to College
GCU offers financial support opportunities that can help homeschool students navigate their college journey with confidence.
Students participating in Classical Conversations demonstrate their deep love of the Lord and passion for academic development through exhibiting a self-starting, Christian spirit, giving back to the community and getting involved in on-campus activities at GCU. The mission of Classical Conversations and this faith-oriented community is to know God and make Him known through developing both minds and souls.
Classical Conversations offers a structured and supportive environment for parents who are passionate about providing their students with a classical education experience within a homeschooling setting. We offer Classical Conversations students and parents a variety of helpful resources to further support them throughout the student’s collegiate journey.
GCU is offering an award of $1,000 per academic year to aspiring Classical Conversations students who meet the following requirements:(See disclaimer 3 )
If you are a homeschool student looking to apply, complete the form on this page to speak with a university counselor to learn more.
The Alliance Program for Homeschool Achievement (ALPHA) is a GCU participant program providing services and opportunities for homeschooled co-ops and families. ALPHA supports homeschooled high schoolers who are ready to take the next step in their education.
To ease students into college and help them prepare, the program can connect families with scholarship opportunities, university program and event discounts, professional development and no-cost opportunities including:
"As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I was part of a huge family. I am more introverted, 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."
"As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I was part of a huge family. I am more introverted, 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."
Dual Enrollment for Homeschoolers
GCU proudly partners with a variety of organizations to offer homeschooled students the opportunity to get a head start on college through online dual enrollment:
Dual Enrollment Benefits
One-on-One Support for Starting College
Homeschool Trip Reimbursement Program
Visit campus with your family. You and a parent and/or guardian will have the opportunity to experience what it means to be a Lope! Schedule your own visit to campus and have your trip reimbursed by GCU by participating in our Homeschool Trip Reimbursement Program.(See disclaimer 4)
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 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 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
Discover GCU
Discover GCU is now better than ever! This overnight, all-expenses-paid(See disclaimer 2) trip to sunny Arizona will let you experience life as a Lope first-hand.
During your campus visit, you can:
Future Lopes can choose to take part in one of the programs outlined below. Visit our campus today!
- GCU does not have any specific additional admission requirements for homeschoolers but graduation requirements may vary by state.
- 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.
- GTI766: Classical Conversations — This scholarship is valid for Classical Conversations graduates who meet all GCU admissibility requirements and are enrolled full time in a traditional ground program. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Grand Canyon State award, Canyon Christian Schools Consortium (CCSC) scholarship or the non-contracted ROTC scholarship. This award may be renewed for the fall and spring semesters only, up to eight semesters, as long as students maintain continuous full-time enrollment and maintain admissibility with GCU.
- 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 a signed 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.