Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, non-denominational, Christian-based learning institution. GCU is one of Arizona’s leading higher learning universities that strives to successfully educate traditional and working adult students. GCU is committed to providing you with a high quality flexible education that helps you achieve lifelong success. GCU focuses on providing each student with individual attention to help them achieve their educational goals. You will gain real-world experience to succeed in today’s workforce through revolutionary curricula. GCU uses ANGEL (A New Global Environment for Learning) course and content management system, designed especially for online learning. The ANGEL system is easy to navigate and students quickly become familiar with the system with the help of a demo at the beginning of each course. Complete assignments, interact with instructors and other students, take exams, and conduct research – all online. Courses are taken and completed consecutively, instead of several at one time, to ensure the best possible outcome.

GCU was established as a Grand Canyon College in 1949 by Arizona Southern Baptists who desired a local institution where students could complete faith-based education at the bachelor and master degree level. The land was donated by the First Southern Baptist Church of Phoenix and many church members guided by Reverend Vaughn Rock “Brother Rock” and S.F. Hawkins donated money and labor to the effort. In 1989, Grand Canyon College changed its name to Grand Canyon University, and in 2004, and was purchased by Significant Education, a California-based company. Currently, GCU has a total enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.

Online Education Database (OEDb) ranked GCU as one of the top online education programs. GCU was also ranked as one of the top five online colleges for entrepreneurs by Fortune Magazine.

Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Grand Canyon University regionally. The Association of Collegiate Business Schools nationally accredits the Ken Blanchard College of Business. The Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

Schools of Education

The Ken Blanchard College of Business promotes leadership and innovation in its programs. The college offers many academic options such as traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, degree completion programs, customized programs, and an executive MBA.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Grand Canyon University is recognized and respected throughout the United States. The college is one of the few remaining that use human cadavers for learning. 100 percent of graduates receive job placements after graduation and many enter graduate research and medical programs.

The College of Education focuses on the importance of educational principles and practices. GCU has upheld a strong standing as a high quality Teacher’s College. You can choose from many different educational programs such as elementary, secondary, special education, Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and administration.

The College of Liberal Arts is the foundational college of Grand Canyon University. It provides diverse courses and majors ranging from Christian Studies to Graphic Design. The college is the foundation of the general education core that all students are required to complete. The college prepares students for a wide range of careers and to be responsible community leaders.

Scholarships Offered

GCU offers many scholarship options such as Army ROTC Scholarship, TEACH Grant, Early Enrollment Scholarship, Transfer Scholarship, and the Hero Scholarship.

Financing Options

GCU participates in many federal and state grant and loan programs such as Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Stafford Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loans, Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) State Grant, and Arizona Post-Secondary Education Voucher Program State Grant. GCU also provides military and veteran benefits. Students can also apply for private loans and use payment plans to finance their education.

Credit Earning Options

Grand Canyon University will allow transfer of up to 64 credit hours from regionally accredited community or junior colleges. It evaluates transfer credits on a course-by-course basis. GCU also evaluates credits earned while serving in the military. The college will accept up to 16 hours of technical credit from a regionally accredited university or college. The technical credits will be regarded as elective credits. Students can also earn up to 64 nontraditional credits through community credit, technical credit, military service credit and credit by examinations such as Advanced Placement and College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) examinations.