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Grand Canyon University (GCU)

3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

Overview

  • OPEID/FAFSA College Code: 00107400
  • Chief Executive Officer: Brian Mueller
  • Fax: (602) 639-7838
  • Type: Private For-Profit, 4-Year or Above
  • Calendar System: Semester
  • Highest Degree: Doctoral - Research
  • Local Area: Large City
  • Student Enrollment: 37,440
  • College Alias: GCU
  • College Mascot: Antelopes

Read Reviews (2)

Click here to watch a YOUniversityTV campus tour of Grand Canyon University

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 Offered

  • Remedial Services
  • Academic or Career Counseling Services
  • Employment Services
  • On-Campus Day Care Available

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Distance Learning
  • Study Abroad
  • Weekend / Evening Classes Available
  • Teaching K-12 Certification Offered

    • - Can Complete Preparation With Specialization

    - State Approved for Certification

  • ROTC

    • - Army

Website:

www.gcu.edu

Mission Statement

Click Here to Read the Mission Statement

Campus Map

Click Here to Launch the Campus Map of Grand Canyon University

Accreditation

  • 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 Focus, Some Graduate Coexistence
  • Graduate Classification
    • - Postbaccalaureate Professional (Education Dominant)
  • Undergraduate Profile Classification
    • - Higher Part-Time Four-Year
  • Enrollment Classification
    • - Majority Undergraduate
  • Size Classification
    • - Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential

Degrees & Programs

Awarded Student Degrees and Programs

The following is not a comprehensive or current list of degrees or programs offered. The table below details the number of degrees or certificates that were awarded in the 2010-11 school year to graduates broken down by degree or major type. Please contact Grand Canyon University directly to learn more about what is currently being offered.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Biology36--
Exercise Physiology9--

Business and Marketing Studies

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Accounting4369-
Accounting and Business and Management---
Business Administration231744-
Commerce1--
Finance14--
Human Resources Management, Other140--
Information Resources Management, Cio Training---
Marketing286-
Non-Profit, Public, Organizational Management---
Entrepreneurial Studies10--

Communications and Journalism

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Communications20--
Public Relations---

Education

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Biology Teacher Education---
Chemistry Teacher Education---
Curriculum and Instruction-1,407-
Drama and Dance Teacher Education---
Early Childhood Education444-
Education-415-
Education Administration-11-
Educational, Instructional and Curriculum Supervision---
Elementary Education166477-
Higher Education Administration---
Mathematics Teacher Education30--
Music Teacher Education---
Physical Education2--
Secondary Education23251-
Special Education Teaching59860-
Superintendency and Educational System Administration-855-
Teaching English As Second Language Instructor-218-

English Language and Literature

 BachelorMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature45--

Health and Clinical Professions

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Athletic Training5--
Clinical Nurse Specialist-4-
Critical Care Nursing---
Family Practice Nurse-39-
Health Care Administration11-
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other101--
Hospital Administration1--
Marriage Counseling and Family Therapy---
Medical Informatics---
Nursing1,459150-
Nursing Administration-248-
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Medical Studies1--
Public Health, Community Nurse---
Respiratory Care Therapy31--
Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling50149-

History

 BachelorMasterDoctor
History20--

Interdisciplinary Studies

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Interdisciplinary Studies, Other43--

Philosophy and Religious Studies

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Christian Studies4935-
Religious Studies4--

Psychology

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Counseling Psychology-38-
Industrial and Organizational Psychology---
Psychology128--
Psychology, Other-1-

Public Administration and Social Services

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Community Organization and Advocacy15--
Public Administration---

Recreation and Fitness Studies

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Sport and Fitness Administration, Management3--

Security and Protective Services

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice-2-
Fire Services Administration-41-
Forensic Science---
Law Enforcement Administration17--

Social Sciences

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Sociology21--

Theology and Religious Vocations

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Pastoral Studies, Counseling1--
Youth Ministry2--
Biblical Studies5--

Visual and Performing Arts

 BachelorMasterDoctor
Cinematography and Film---
Digital Arts---
Drama---
Fine Studio Arts1--
Piano and Organ---
Voice and Opera---

Reviews

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Overall Rating: 3.0
  • 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!

Admissions

Disclaimer

The admissions information is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future admissions policy.

Admissions Summary

Prospective students should view the admission and application details below to get a better idea of the candidates GCU accepts. Some of the details provided may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be accepted.

The GCU admissions office phone number is (800) 800-9776. This is the last updated number we have on file, please contact us if incorrect.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credit
  • Life Experience Credit
  • AP Credit

Considerations for Admission

  • High School or Secondary School GPA
    • - Required
  • High School or Secondary School Record
    • - Required
  • Admission Test Scores (SAT ®, ACT ®, ...)
    • - Recommended
  • TOEFL
    • - Required

Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2011

 MaleFemaleTotal
Number of Applicants2,2044,9327,136
Number Granted Admission (%)773 (35%)1,855 (38%)2,628 (37%)
Number Admitted Who Enrolled (%)599 (77%)1,498 (81%)2,097 (80%)

Enrollment Data

Overall Student Enrollment

  • Total Student Enrollment: 37,440

    • - Undergraduate: 21,657

    - Graduate: 15,783

Student Gender

  • Total Student Gender

    • - Male: 8,448

    - Female: 25,757

    - Ratio of Men to Women: 0.3 : 1

  • Undergraduate Gender

    • - Male: 4,803

    - Female: 14,196

    - Ratio of Men to Women: 0.3 : 1

  • Graduate Gender

    • - Male: 3,645

    - Female: 11,561

    - Ratio of Men to Women: 0.3 : 1

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

Student Race Breakdown

 NumberPercent
Non-Resident Alien860.2%
American Indian2180.6%
Black5,39514%
Asian2500.7%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander470.1%
Hispanic1,5374%
White7,97521%
Unknown21,58558%

Student Age Breakdown

 NumberPercent
Age Under 18620.2%
Ages 18-197282%
Ages 20-219003%
Ages 22-242,3967%
Ages 25-296,42419%
Ages 30-345,88517%
Ages 35-395,41516%
Ages 40-497,78223%
Ages 50-654,47213%
Age Over 651370.4%
Age Unknown40.01%

Graduation Rates

Disclaimer

The data listed below is for informational purposes only. Although graduation, transfer, and retention rates should be included in determining the performance of a school, it is only one of many factors to consider and may not provide a clear representation of the school's performance. These figures are based on a cohort or subset of students.

Graduation and Retention Rates Quick Facts

Retention Rates

The retention rate figures represent the percentage of first time students (full-time or part-time) that complete the first year and return the following year.

  • Full-Time Students: 59%
  • Part-Time Students: 22%

Overall Graduation Rates

 (%) of Entering Class
All Students31%

Graduation Rates By Gender

 (%) of Entering Class
Male29%
Female32%

Graduation Rates By Race

 (%) of Entering Class
Non-Resident Alien33%
Black29%
Hispanic54%
White53%
Unknown22%

Graduation Rates By Number of Years to Graduate

 (%) of Entering Class
4 Years or Less24%
5 Years30%
6 Years31%

Tuition & Fees

Disclaimer:

The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition and Fees Quick Facts

Alternative Tuition Plans Offered

    To get a personalized estimate for the cost of attending Grand Canyon University, visit their online calculator by clicking the following link: http://www.gcu.edu

    Estimated Cost of Attendance or "Net Price" for Full-Time Beginning Students

    The "Net Price" figures apply to undergraduate students beginning full-time enrollment who have paid the in-state/district tuition and were awarded grants or scholarships.

     2010-112009-102008-09
    Average Net Price$16,776$28,870$22,284
    $0 - $30,000$15,542$30,026$25,372
    $30,000 - $48,000$17,158$30,530$26,597
    $48,001 - $75,000$18,306$31,923$27,927
    $75,001 - $110,000$18,901$32,430$28,542
    More Than $110,000$19,386$32,486$28,542

    Undergraduate Student Tuition, Fees, and Expenses

    2011-122010-112009-10
    In-District Tuition and Fees$16,500$16,500$17,060
    In-State Tuition and Fees$16,500$16,500$17,060
    Out of State Tuition and Fees$16,500$16,500$17,060
    Books and Supplies$1,200$1,200$1,750

    Undergraduate Housing Expenses

    2011-122010-112009-10
    On Campus
    Room and Board$12,000$12,000$12,000
    Other Expenses$2,400$2,400$2,400
    Off Campus
    Room and Board$10,400$12,000$12,000
    Other Expenses$400$2,400$2,400
    Off Campus with Family
    Other Expenses$4,000$2,400$4,000

    Undergraduate Total Expenses

    2011-122010-112009-10
    On Campus
    In-District$32,100$32,100$33,210
    In-State$32,100$32,100$33,210
    Out of State$32,100$32,100$33,210
    Off Campus
    In-District$28,500$32,100$33,210
    In-State$28,500$32,100$33,210
    Out of State$28,500$32,100$33,210
    Off Campus with Family
    In-District$21,700$21,700$22,810
    In-State$21,700$21,700$22,810
    Out of State$21,700$21,700$22,810

    Financial Aid

    Disclaimer

    The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and does not represent current or future financial aid details. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

    Financial Aid Quick Facts

    Financial Aid Office Phone Number

    The GCU financial aid office phone number is (800) 800-9776. This is the most up to date contact information we have, please contact us if incorrect.

    Financial Aid Breakdown 2010-11

     # Receiving Aid% Receiving AidAverage Amount
    Any Financial Aid67396%-
    Any Grant or Scholarship Aid65793%$13,219
    All Federal Grants33848%$5,133
    Pell Grants33748%$4,504
    Other Federal Grants20329%$1,069
    State/Local Grants & Scholarships20%$2,422
    Institutional Grants & Scholarships60185%$11,556
    All Student Loans45665%$6,866
    Federal Student Loans45364%$6,551
    Other Student Loans152%$10,884

    Federal Loans - Student Repayment Default Rates

    This table shows the number and percentage of students who received federal student loans but had problems paying them back. A high default rate may represent a lack of quality instruction or a poor hiring climate for graduates of a school.

     200920082007
    Default Rate (%)9.2%3.4%1.4%
    Number in Default73916458
    Number in Repayment7,9484,7354,022

    Housing & Meals

    Campus Housing Information - Room & Board

    • Are On-Campus Board or Meal Plans Provided?:

      • - Yes, the number of meals offered are based on the maximum meal plan provided.

    • Is Living On-Campus Required?:

      • - No

    On-Campus Dorms - Details

    • Total Dormatory Capacity: 1,680
    • Estimated Cost for On-Campus Dorm: $3,600

    On-Campus Board or Meal Plans - Details

    • Estimated Board or Meal Plan Costs: $4,100
    • Number of Meals Per Week Provided: 21

    Crime & Safety

    Arrests Made Per Year

    This table reports the number of arrests made per year that took place both on and off campus. These figures were reported by the institutions themselves and have not been subject to independent review.

     2010-112009-102008-09
    Off Campus Surrounding Area
    Weapons Related-1-
    Drug Related21-
    Liquor Related31-
    On Campus
    Weapons Related12-
    Drug Related134-
    Liquor Related2953
    Nearby Public Area
    Weapons Related-1-
    Drug Related-5-
    Liquor Related-2-
    Residence Hall
    Weapons Related-1-
    Drug Related93-
    Liquor Related252-

    Criminal Offenses Per Year

    This table reports the number of criminal charges per year that took place both on and off campus. These figures were reported by the institutions themselves and have not been subject to independent review.

     2010-112009-102008-09
    Off Campus Surrounding Area
    Burglary222
    Vehicle Theft111
    On Campus
    Robbery1-1
    Aggravated Assault434
    Burglary171823
    Vehicle Theft254
    Residence Hall
    Robbery--1
    Aggravated Assault122
    Burglary71116

    Sports & Teams

    Athletic Associations

    • Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

    NCAA or NAIA Conferences

    • College Basketball Conference: Pacific West Conference
    • College Baseball Conference: Pacific West Conference
    • College Track & Field Conference: Pacific West Conference

    Student Aid Amounts for Athletes

     TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
    Total Aid$3,020,134$1,711,295$1,308,839
    Ratio (%)100%57%43%

    Sports and Players Breakdown

     TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
    All Athletes546325221
    Unduplicated Athletes434270164
    Baseball3535-
    Basketball301614
    All Track Combined1838697
    Golf22166
    Lacrosse2424-
    Soccer714526
    Softball22-22
    Swimming532627
    Tennis312110
    Volleyball381919
    Wrestling3737-

    Coaches Salary Breakdown

     TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
    Head Coaches-$72,134$42,488
    Assistant Coaches-$34,681$27,162

    Number of Coaches Per Team

     TotalMen's TeamsWomen's Teams
    All Coaches603426
    Baseball55-
    Head Coaches11-
    Assistant Coaches44-
    Basketball743
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches532
    All Track Combined1266
    Head Coaches422
    Assistant Coaches844
    Golf422
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches211
    Lacrosse33-
    Head Coaches11-
    Assistant Coaches22-
    Soccer743
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches532
    Softball4-4
    Head Coaches1-1
    Assistant Coaches3-3
    Swimming633
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches422
    Tennis422
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches211
    Volleyball523
    Head Coaches211
    Assistant Coaches312
    Wrestling33-
    Head Coaches11-
    Assistant Coaches22-

    Faculty & Instructors

    Employee Type Breakdown

     TotalFull-TimePart-Time
    Total Employees5,1572,5532,604
    Faculty Status2,6731802,493
    Tenured Faculty1515-
    Instruction, Research and/or Public Service2,7581922,566
    Primarily Instruction2,7501862,564
    Primarily Research752
    Primarily Public Service11-
    Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial3513501
    Other Professionals1,8931,85835
    Technical and/or Paraprofessional1551532
    Clerical And Secretarial92902
    Service and/or Maintenance6161-

    Full-Time Faculty Average Salary Breakdown

     TotalMaleFemale
    9/10 Month Contract
    All Faculty$54,965 (66)$52,972 (28)$56,433 (38)
    Professor$56,933 (5)$57,075 (4)$56,367 (1)
    Associate Professor$63,574 (9)$60,759 (5)$67,093 (4)
    Assistant Professor$56,351 (36)$53,050 (11)$57,803 (25)
    Instructor$46,935 (14)$45,948 (8)$48,250 (6)
    11/12 Month Contract
    All Faculty$59,068 (120)$59,655 (60)$58,481 (60)
    Professor$86,494 (3)$86,494 (3)- (-)
    Associate Professor$80,445 (5)$81,253 (3)$79,232 (2)
    Assistant Professor$68,042 (14)$61,994 (3)$69,692 (11)
    Instructor$70,000 (1)- (-)$70,000 (1)
    Equated 9 Month Contract
    All Faculty$50,684 (186)$50,134 (88)$51,177 (98)
    Professor$62,122 (8)$62,944 (7)$56,367 (1)
    Associate Professor$64,376 (14)$62,905 (8)$66,338 (6)
    Assistant Professor$56,161 (50)$52,551 (14)$57,565 (36)
    Instructor$47,624 (15)$45,948 (8)$49,539 (7)
    Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2011: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
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