Why GCU
What Makes GCU Different?
Choosing what to study and where to spend your college years isn't easy. You want to find the right degree program, the right club to join, the right dorm to live in — all in an environment that you can call your own. As a private, nonprofit university, GCU is committed to providing an educational experience focused on student growth, academic quality and long-term achievement. College is an experience that can prepare you for the rest of life. If you've made it here, now ask, what makes GCU stand apart from the rest?
We know you have questions, and we want to help you find the answers.
Explore Grand Canyon University
Percentage of 2023 traditional campus graduates who spent less than three years at GCU to complete their degrees.
Why Should You Consider GCU?
No matter your higher learning goals, you will have the opportunity to receive an affordable, quality education from a university grounded in Christian truth. Discover more by reading our university mission, take a tour of our beautiful campus and learn about the Lope student experience.
According to 2023-24 IPEDS data, Grand Canyon University leads Arizona institutions in the number of education, social work, counseling and nursing degrees awarded.(See disclaimer 1)
Choose Your Ideal Learning Format
Online Learning
Hybrid Learning
Evening Classes
GCU’s Record of Achievement
GCU ranked #20 best college campus in America for 2026, according to Niche.com(See disclaimer 2)
$1.9 billion invested in campus expansion and improvement (2009 to 2024).
GCU is ranked as the #1 college campus in Arizona for 2026, according to Niche.com(See disclaimer 2)
GCU students received a total of over $358 million in institutional scholarships in 2024.
"I was a little nervous about transitioning to college, but since I’ve been at GCU, I've surrounded myself with amazing people who have made it feel like home. It's unlike anywhere else I've ever been. Everyone is so kind, caring and loving."
"I was a little nervous about transitioning to college, but since I’ve been at GCU, I've surrounded myself with amazing people who have made it feel like home. It's unlike anywhere else I've ever been. Everyone is so kind, caring and loving."
Message From Our President
Grand Canyon University is committed to excellence — striving to help students become innovative thinkers, effective communicators, global contributors and transformative leaders through the context of a Christian worldview. By elevating higher education and making a private education affordable, we create new opportunities to make quality education accessible and to promote human flourishing.
At GCU, we think about the future every day. Ours is a Christ-centered community with an atmosphere of constant transformation and innovation that instills a sense of purpose and vocational calling in our students. We offer 370 academic programs (as of September 2025) across 10 colleges and innovative online learning platforms. Our visionaries collaborate with 796 board members who serve on our 25 advisory boards to develop programs in fields such as STEM, business, education and healthcare (Fall 2025). Unique degree specializations also provide opportunities to help students in tomorrow's workforce. To further uphold our excellence, our executive leadership and faculty members are academic professionals committed to helping you get the most from your education.
As GCU's programs expand, our thriving campus continues to grow rapidly. We expect our campus population to grow to 30,000 students within the next five years and have invested over $1.9 billion in campus and academic infrastructure, such as high-tech engineering and STEM classrooms, laboratories and research spaces, top-ranked residence halls and resort-style swimming pools, NCAA-caliber athletic facilities and many other student amenities. Our successful Division I and club athletics are also a major draw for students, alumni and members of the greater Phoenix metro area.
Within all of our offerings, our faith remains our cornerstone. GCU's Christian worldview is integrated into all we do, both in the classroom and beyond. We invite students to grow spiritually through our worship services and take part in local and global outreach opportunities. We promote an open dialogue on faith to challenge students to adopt principles of service, morality, compassion and generosity. Academic integrity is also at the heart of our values. We help our students develop practices that support and embrace integrity as a personal, lifelong commitment.
Throughout your experience with GCU, I encourage you to ask insightful questions, explore ideas and produce original work that demonstrates your level of competence and understanding. Make a lasting commitment to professional ethics and achieving honest, well-deserved success. Apply our principles wherever life takes you and add to the value of your GCU degree.
Wishing you the best in your academic endeavors,
Brian Mueller
President
Grand Canyon University
Campus Growth
GCU has seen incredible campus growth over the last 15 years and has experienced a nearly $1.9 billion expansion of the campus through new technologies, classrooms, laboratories, athletic facilities and student amenities. GCU also continues our commitment to community transformation and empowering the next generation through continued growth and career opportunities.
Engaging Campus Life
GCU's campus is located in the heart of Phoenix and includes a growing and diverse body of students from all backgrounds. You can find exciting clubs and organizations to join, modern amenities in safe and secure residence halls, classrooms and academic buildings and a vibrant athletic community that includes the renowned Havocs student section.
Workforce Development
GCU, a nonprofit university, strives to establish relationships with a variety of employers, including schools and districts, government agencies, hospitals and community colleges, with the goal of improving workplace performance and providing jobs in these industries. We have created a variety of alliances to help your organization get the most out of the partnership program through valuable educational and professional development opportunities. Learn about our workforce development initiatives, aimed at strengthening the trade workforce by promoting career-readiness and supporting students who aspire to obtain jobs in the trades.
Christian Worldview
Rooted in the Christian faith and biblical values, GCU is built on a foundation of ethics, missional work and integrating the Christian worldview in all areas of academics and campus life. GCU is committed to enriching the lives of campus students by providing them opportunities that glorify God through study groups and outreach programs across the community and the world.
Online students also receive Christ-focused curriculum, merging faith and technology in a way that uniquely integrates GCU’s One Foundation. During your studies at GCU, you can prepare for a life that transforms others, while finding your purpose and contributing to human flourishing through a quality, industry-driven education.
Military and VA Benefits
GCU is proud to serve active military service members, veterans and their families. We know the sacrifice you have made to your family and country, and GCU seeks to return the favor by providing a valuable and flexible degree program for your educational journey.
Serving a Diverse Community
Part of GCU's mission is to prepare students to become global contributors, leading and serving in meaningful ways. To uphold this mission, we welcome and encourage diverse cultures and unique perspectives in all our classrooms. For Native American communities, GCU provides specialized university counselors who are dedicated to helping our Native American students with their higher education goals. Learn about our degree programs and resources for Native American and international students.
Additional References
Don’t settle for the ordinary. Fill out the form to request more information and see how GCU can help you reach your goals.
- Based on 2023-24 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data retrieved from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator in December 2025.
- Niche.com. (2025). Grand Canyon University Rankings. Retrieved December 2025.