Grand Canyon University
GCU
Phoenix, Arizona 85017
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — major research university
Grand Canyon University is a private institution in Phoenix with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1095, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 68.6K undergraduates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
43% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,186 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,931.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding Grand Canyon College was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949 in Prescott, Arizona, by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.
- •The institution was founded so local Baptists could obtain college degrees without going east to a Baptist college in Texas or Oklahoma.
- •On October 8, 1951, Grand Canyon College relocated to its current location in Phoenix.
- •In 1984, the college's trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the school's 40th anniversary in 1989, becoming Grand Canyon University.
- •Significant Education became a corporation in 2005, publicly traded under the name Grand Canyon Education, Inc.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1095
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
47.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,500
Programs (124)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
68%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
522
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from AZ state average + large city premium