GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY (GCU)
- 3300 W Camelback Rd
- Phoenix, AZ 85017
- OPEID College Code: 00107400
- General Phone: (800) 800-9776
- Chief Executive Officer: Brian Mueller
- Type: Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above
- Calendar System: Semester
- Highest Degree: Doctoral - Research
- Local Area: Large City
- Student Enrollment: 34,205
- College Alias: GCU
- College Mascot: Antelopes
- Read Reviews (2)
(Watch Campus Tour of GCU)
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian institute of higher learning located in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its online and on campus programs. A leading bible college, GCU also has been recognized for offering some of the top-rated online education programs in the United States. GCU's degree programs are offered through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Doctoral Studies, and College of Fine Arts and Production. Programs are designed for traditional undergraduate students as well as for working professionals.
The GCU mission states that as a private Christian College it "prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage."
History
In 1949, the Baptist General Convention of Arizona founded Grand Canyon University. It was the state's first private university, and opened with 93 students on its first campus in Prescott, Arizona.
In 1951, GCU relocated to the present campus in Phoenix, Arizona. A group of the university's founders relocated to the new campus and continued to grow its programs in education, English, religion, music, mathematics, history, and athletics. The goal was to make GCU a "beacon of Christian education" and academic excellence.
In 1968, the North Central Association granted GCU regional accreditation. Over the years, GCU began to win national championships in athletics including basketball, baseball, and women's tennis. Academic programs were expanded in the 1980's to include master's degrees.
Academics
Grand Canyon University's academic calendar follows the semester system with a fall, spring and summer semester. It offers 8-week and 16-week classes.
GCU offers nearly 60 different undergraduate degrees between its campus-based and online programs. It offers more than 50 master's degrees with different specializations, and eight doctoral degrees. Some degree programs are offered with both the on-campus and online options.
Colleges and Schools
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers many degree programs through its different colleges and schools, which include:
- Ken Blanchard College of Business
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Fine Arts and Productions
- College of Doctoral Studies
Student Life
On-campus students of Grand Canyon University will benefit from the services provided by the Health and Wellness Center, Disability Services, Career Services, the Copy and Mail Center, the Library, a Fitness Center, cafeteria and campus coffee shop. There are also many recreational activities and intramural sports offered at GCU's Phoenix campus. Intramural sports include flag football, inner-tube water polo, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and many more.
Online students of GCU will benefit from the Quick Start Resource Center, which offers many student services through the university's website.
Traditions
From its early beginnings, Grand Canyon University has been a Christian university with a tradition of "educating people to lead and serve."
Athletics
Grand Canyon University has a strong intercollegiate athletics program and has produced many top-ranking national athletes. The GCU Antelopes (nickname: 'Lopes) teams have won many regional and national championships.
Athletics facilities at GCU include the Brazell Stadium (baseball), Antelope Gymnasium (Basketball, Volleyball), GCU Soccer Complex, Stapleton-Pierson Stadium (Softball), Phoenix Swim Club, Paseo Racquet Center (Tennis) and the Student Recreation Center.
Intercollegiate sports at GCU include:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
Many of GCU's professional and degree programs are offered online, allowing students to complete their courses from any location.
Community Life
As a Christian university, GCU offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and mission work. The GCU offices of Student Life and Spiritual Life are there to build community on campus for students with diverse needs. These offices host many events and activities to encourage involvement and connection with the community. There are local, regional and international ministries available on a short-term or long-term basis.
- Student Services
- Remedial Services Offered
- Academic or Career Counseling Services Offered
- Employment Services Offered
- Placement Services For Graduates Offered
- On-Campus Day Care Available
- Special Learning Opportunities
- Distance Learning Opportunities
- Study Abroad Opportunities
- Weekend / Evening Classes Available
- Teaching K-12 Certification Offered Must Complete Preparation at Another Institution Can Complete Preparation With Specialization State Approved for Certification
- ROTC Army
- Website
- www.gcu.edu
- Mission Statement
- Click To Read Mission Statement
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Facilities and Programs Offered
- Library Available
- College Carnegie Classifications
- Basic Classification Masters Colleges and Universities (Larger Programs)
- Undergraduate Classification Professions Plus Arts & Sciences, Some Graduate Coexistence
- Graduate Classification Postbaccalaureate Professional (Education Dominant)
- Undergraduate Profile Classification Full-Time Four-Year, Selective, Lower Transfer-In
- Enrollment Classification Majority Undergraduate
- Size Classification Small Four-Year, Highly Residential
Grand Canyon University Women’s Softball - 9485
Grand Canyon University Accepts Arizona's 2010 MAC Award
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- Admission Fees Fall 2009
- Undergraduate Application Fee: $100.00
- Graduate Application Fee: $100.00
- College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credit
- Life Experience Credit
- AP Credit
- Applicant Considerations
- High School or Secondary School GPA Required
- High School or Secondary School Record Required
- Admission Test Scores (SAT ®, ACT ®, ...) Recommended
- TOEFL Required
| Male | Female | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Applicants | 2,110 | 3,741 | 5,851 |
| Number Granted Admission (%) | 2,110 (100%) | 3,740 (100%) | 5,850 (100%) |
| Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%) | 729 (35%) | 1,523 (41%) | 2,252 (38%) |
- Financial Aid Links and Information
- Percent of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 84%
| Loan | Federal Grant | State/Local Grant | Institutional Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) of Students Receiving | 77% | 40% | 12% | 70% |
| Avg Amount Receiving | $7,717 | $3,274 | $1,718 | $5,173 |
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Rate (%) | 3.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% |
| Number in Default | 164 | 58 | 44 |
| Number in Repayment | 4,735 | 4,022 | 2,741 |
| 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses | |||
| In-District Tuition and Fees | $17,060 | $16,030 | $14,320 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $17,060 | $16,030 | $14,320 |
| Out of State Tuition and Fees | $17,060 | $16,030 | $14,320 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,750 | $1,680 | $1,680 |
| Housing Expenses | |||
| On Campus | |||
| Room and Board | $12,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 |
| Other Expenses | $2,400 | $3,150 | $3,650 |
| Total Expenses | |||
| On Campus | |||
| In-District | $33,210 | $29,860 | $28,650 |
| In-State | $33,210 | $29,860 | $28,650 |
| Out of State | $33,210 | $29,860 | $28,650 |
| Off Campus | |||
| In-District | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
| In-State | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
| Out of State | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
| Off Campus with Family | |||
| In-District | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
| In-State | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
| Out of State | $18,810 | $17,710 | $16,000 |
- Overall Student Enrollment
- Total Student Enrollment: 34,205 Undergraduate: 18,999 Graduate: 15,206
- Student Gender
- Total Student Gender Male: 8,448 Female: 25,757
- Undergraduate Gender Male: 4,803 Female: 14,196
- Graduate Gender Male: 3,645 Female: 11,561
- Student Attendance
- Total Student Attendance Full-Time: 7,534 Part-Time: 26,671
- Undergraduate Attendance Full-Time: 5,002 Part-Time: 13,997
- Graduate Attendance Full-Time: 2,532 Part-Time: 12,674
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Alien | 84 | 0.2% |
| American Indian | 133 | 0.4% |
| Black | 2,019 | 6% |
| Asian | 208 | 0.6% |
| Hispanic | 637 | 2% |
| White | 3,685 | 11% |
| Unknown | 27,439 | 80% |
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Age Under 18 | 62 | 0.2% |
| Ages 18-19 | 728 | 2% |
| Ages 20-21 | 900 | 3% |
| Ages 22-24 | 2,396 | 7% |
| Ages 25-29 | 6,424 | 19% |
| Ages 30-34 | 5,885 | 17% |
| Ages 35-39 | 5,415 | 16% |
| Ages 40-49 | 7,782 | 23% |
| Ages 50-65 | 4,472 | 13% |
| Age Over 65 | 137 | 0.4% |
| Age Unknown | 4 | 0.01% |
| Total | Full-Time | Part-Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employees | 3,353 | 1,721 | 1,632 |
| Faculty Status | 1,667 | 50 | 1,617 |
| Tenured Faculty | 7 | 7 | - |
| Graduate Assistants | 9 | - | 9 |
| Instruction, Research and/or Public Service | 1,684 | 60 | 1,624 |
| Primarily Instruction | 1,684 | 60 | 1,624 |
| Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial | 241 | 240 | 1 |
| Other Professionals | 1,274 | 1,270 | 4 |
| Technical and/or Paraprofessional | 154 | 151 | 3 |
| Clerical And Secretarial | 113 | 110 | 3 |
| Skilled Crafts | 4 | 4 | - |
| Service and/or Maintenance | 19 | 19 | - |
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $67,562 (2) | $75,124 (1) | $60,000 (1) |
| Associate Professor | $60,000 (1) | - (-) | $60,000 (1) |
| Assistant Professor | $75,124 (1) | $75,124 (1) | - (-) |
| 11/12 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $56,413 (58) | $57,814 (22) | $55,556 (36) |
| Professor | $63,885 (7) | $63,885 (7) | - (-) |
| Associate Professor | $63,598 (5) | $73,655 (2) | $56,894 (3) |
| Assistant Professor | $58,522 (35) | $54,665 (11) | $60,290 (24) |
| Instructor | $42,648 (10) | $38,038 (2) | $43,800 (8) |
| Equated 9 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $46,870 (60) | $48,513 (23) | $45,849 (37) |
| Professor | $52,271 (7) | $52,271 (7) | - (-) |
| Associate Professor | $53,363 (6) | $60,264 (2) | $49,913 (4) |
| Assistant Professor | $48,640 (36) | $47,260 (12) | $49,330 (24) |
| Instructor | $34,894 (10) | $31,123 (2) | $35,837 (8) |
- Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
| Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete Student Aid | |||
| Total Aid | $2,622,863 | $1,464,148 | $1,158,715 |
| Ratio (%) | 100% | 56% | 44% |
| Participants | |||
| All Athletes | 343 | 207 | 136 |
| Unduplicated Athletes | 325 | 195 | 130 |
| Baseball | 39 | 39 | - |
| Basketball | 31 | 14 | 17 |
| All Track Combined | 29 | 15 | 14 |
| Golf | 20 | 12 | 8 |
| Lacrosse | 30 | 30 | - |
| Soccer | 54 | 28 | 26 |
| Softball | 19 | - | 19 |
| Swimming | 35 | 17 | 18 |
| Tennis | 21 | 10 | 11 |
| Volleyball | 40 | 17 | 23 |
| Wrestling | 25 | 25 | - |
| Coaches Salaries | |||
| Head Coaches | - | $57,345 | $31,236 |
| Assistant Coaches | - | $30,165 | $18,220 |
| Coaches | |||
| All Coaches | 55 | 33 | 22 |
| Baseball | 4 | 4 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | 3 | - |
| Basketball | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| All Track Combined | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Golf | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Lacrosse | 3 | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 2 | - |
| Soccer | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Softball | 3 | - | 3 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 |
| Swimming | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Tennis | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Volleyball | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Wrestling | 3 | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 2 | - |
- Retention Rates
- Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 39%
- Part-Time Entering Students Retained: 27%
| (%) of Entering Class | |
|---|---|
| Overall | |
| All Students | 42% |
| By Gender | |
| Male | 35% |
| Female | 45% |
| By Race | |
| Non-Resident Alien | 75% |
| American Indian | - |
| Black | 13% |
| Asian | - |
| Hispanic | 45% |
| White | 46% |
| Unknown | 40% |
| By Years Prior to Graduation | |
| 4 Years or Less | 34% |
| 5 Years | 41% |
| 6 Years | 42% |
| 2007-08 | 2006-07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrests | ||
| On Campus | ||
| Liquor Related | 3 | - |
| Criminal Offenses | ||
| Residence Hall | ||
| Robbery | 1 | - |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | - |
| Burglary | 16 | 4 |
| On Campus | ||
| Robbery | 1 | - |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 1 |
| Burglary | 23 | 10 |
| Vehicle Theft | 4 | 1 |
- Reviewed on: February 24, 2012
Flag Review - Rating:
- Re: The Masters in Counseling academically speaking the standards are very low. The course material repeats too often from one class to the next, and in many cases is associates degree level. They try to make up for that with grading rubric and "turnitin" failing to see that a rank and file approach to training counselors is counter intuitive.
The program lacks creativity and flexibility, is expensive for what you get. Would be afraid that in a few years a degree from this school would be more of a blotch on the transcripts than a star. So I give them one star which is almost too much.
- Reviewed on: November 16, 2010 Flag Review
- Rating:
- The best University! The best support! I love this school!
