About
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix with a large online division known for education, nursing and business degrees.
About Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 1949. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is one of the largest Christian universities in the country, with a large residential campus and an even larger online student body.
GCU's colleges cover business, education, nursing and health care, humanities and social sciences, science and engineering, fine arts and theology. Education and nursing are among its most popular areas.
Programs and Degrees at Grand Canyon University
These are some of the subject areas GCU is known for. Each link lets you compare similar programs at other accredited schools:
- Education and teaching: compare online education degrees
- Graduate education: compare online master's in education programs
- Nursing: compare online nursing degrees
- Graduate nursing: compare online master's in nursing programs
- Business: compare online business degrees
- MBA and graduate business: compare online MBA programs
- Psychology: compare online psychology degrees
- Counseling: compare counseling and mental health programs
- Religion, ministry and theology: compare religious and theological studies
- Doctoral studies: compare online doctoral degrees
Online Learning and Student Support
GCU online students take one course at a time in most programs, typically in eight-week terms, with new courses starting frequently. The university offers a large selection of online master's and doctoral programs and provides dedicated counselors from enrollment through graduation.
GCU Reviews and Guides on Learn.org
- GCU reviews: student experience, tuition and program details
- Is a GCU degree respected?
- GCU teaching degrees
- GCU bachelor's in psychology
- Does GCU accept FAFSA?
- SNHU vs. GCU
Admissions and Getting Started at GCU
Admission requirements at GCU depend on the program and whether you are a first-year, transfer or graduate applicant. First-year applicants typically submit high school transcripts and an application, while adult and transfer students can often apply credits from previous colleges, military training or professional certifications. Learn more about transferring college credits and how to apply to an online college.
Paying for GCU
Students at accredited schools such as GCU may qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, by filing the FAFSA. Start with our financial aid guides and scholarship resources, and check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Service members, veterans and their families can also review college options for active-duty military and veterans. Always confirm current tuition and fees directly with the school, since prices change each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCU
Is GCU accredited?
Yes. Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized type for transferring credits and applying to graduate school; learn more about regionally accredited online colleges.
How do I request information from GCU?
Use the request information form on this page, or search accredited programs to compare GCU with similar schools before you reach out to admissions.
Is GCU Right for You?
Before you apply, it helps to see how GCU stacks up against other accredited schools. Use the Learn.org degree finder to filter programs by degree level, subject and online availability, then request information from the schools that fit your goals, or browse the best online colleges in Arizona.

