Grand Canyon University is a private, for-profit university with a strong concentration on research. Grand Canyon College was the original name of the university when it was founded in 1949 as a non-profit Christian institution by Arizona Southern Baptists. The college was founded so that Baptists wouldn’t have to travel to Texas or Oklahoma in order to earn their bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
The college was previously established in Prescott but relocated to its current location in Phoenix, Arizona, after just two years. Due to financial issues, the college was sold to Significant Education, LLC in 2004. The institution was then transformed into a for-profit organization, making it the first college of its kind in the US.
The federal government sued the institution in 2008, alleging that GCU had violated the Department of Education’s “incentive compensation restriction,” and the university was ordered to pay $5.2 million to resolve the matter.
In addition to its main campus, the university currently runs many other sites in the state of Arizona, including locations for its schools of nursing and health sciences at Scottsdale HonorHealth, Banner Boswell Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
In Tempe, there is a campus where postgraduate degrees in education are offered. The main campus has 17 residential halls as well as a number of standout buildings like the GCU stadium and arena. The university’s mascot is Thunder the Antelope, and its official colors are black, purple, and white. Grand Canyon University is the first for-profit institution to be a part of the NCAA Division I, and the majority of its teams compete in the WAC.
The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs in ten different fields of study through its eight colleges and honors college. Courses can be taken in traditional morning sessions, evening sessions, or online.
The university was ranked among the bottom 25% of the institutions in the 2016 U.S. News Best Colleges list, while being named one of Fortune’s top 5 schools for entrepreneurs.
See: How Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Stands Out As A Top Institution
Acceptance Rate
Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of about 80%, making it a moderately competitive university. The university’s admissions process is designed to identify students who have the potential to succeed academically and who are committed to their faith.
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit an online application, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor.
Graduation and Retention Rate
Grand Canyon University has a graduation rate of around 43%, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, the university has a high retention rate, with approximately 85% of students returning for their second year. This indicates that students are satisfied with the education they receive at Grand Canyon University and are motivated to continue their studies.
Tuition Fee
Grand Canyon University’s tuition fees are among the highest in the region, with undergraduate tuition and fees totaling approximately $16,000 per year. Graduate programs are similarly priced, with tuition and fees averaging around $18,000 per year. Despite the high cost of tuition, the university provides a number of scholarships and grants to help students finance their education.
Student Loans
To help students pay for their education, Grand Canyon University offers a variety of student loan options. Federal loans, including the Stafford Loan and the PLUS Loan, are available to eligible students. In addition, the university participates in the Federal Work-Study program, which provides students with part-time jobs to help pay for their education. Private loans, as well as alternative financing options, such as tuition reimbursement from an employer, are also available to students.
Average Salary of Graduates
Graduates of Grand Canyon University have a high earning potential, with the average salary for alumni ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 per year. This is largely due to the university’s strong emphasis on career preparation, as well as its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce.
Location
Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, Arizona, a city known for its warm climate, diverse cultural offerings, and thriving economy. With a population of over 1.5 million, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States and is home to a wide range of businesses and industries. This makes it an ideal location for students seeking to further their education, as well as those looking to build their careers.
Conclusion
Grand Canyon University is a top-notch university that provides students with a quality education centered in Christian values. With a high acceptance rate, strong graduation and retention rates, and high average salaries for graduates, the university is a great choice for students who are looking to further their education and build their careers.
Whether you are looking for a challenging academic environment or a supportive community of fellow Christians, Grand Canyon University is the perfect place for you.
