Grand Canyon University
About Grand Canyon University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Grand Canyon University is a for-profit Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. It is one of the largest universities in the country, offering hundreds of programs both on campus and online in business, education, nursing, and theology.
Founded
1949
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Students
110,692
Institution
For-Profit
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
43.5%
Below national average
Tuition
$17,850
Per year
Avg Net Price
$22,472
After financial aid
SAT Average
1077
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,186
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Grand Canyon University accepts the majority of applicants at 78.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1077/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
43.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.1%
4-Year Grad
37%
6-Year Grad
45%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
10.1%
$/Student
$2.4K
Class Size
Large
The 37% graduation rate is below average, but 72.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$17,850
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,700
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,702
After Financial Aid
$22,472
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$18,557
Receive Grants
45.9%
Take Loans
53%
The total cost of attendance runs about $32,702/yr, including $11,700 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,472.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Grand Canyon University fund their education.
While in School
45.9%
Get Grants
Free money
53%
Take Loans
Must repay
$29,879
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,114
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$234/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,114 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Grand Canyon University.
Gender
70.5%
Female
30%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
73,371
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
37,321
Graduates
47.4%
First-Gen
31 yrs
Avg Age
51.8%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 31, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 47.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
73,371
Students
for-profit
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Grand Canyon University fields 10 varsity teams with 572 student athletes, about 1% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Western
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
572
1% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
313
Men
259
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Grand Canyon Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,186
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$93K
3721 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$54K
1595 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
1069 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Services, General
$35K
1014 grads
1yr Earnings
Special Education and Teaching
$43K
600 grads
1yr Earnings
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
$38K
553 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $42K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grand Canyon University
What is the acceptance rate at Grand Canyon University?▾
How much does Grand Canyon University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Grand Canyon University?▾
How much do Grand Canyon University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.