Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Grand Canyon University: Airmen navigate through educational fair (170404-F-UU298-009)
Photo: Matthew Jurgens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#22 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit · 4-year · Other Protestant

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,472 a year

Median debt at graduation: $22,114 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. Its Department of Spiritual Life publishes three weekly services, more than 200 student-led Life Groups and local and global outreach ministries. The general education core requires one Christian worldview course, and the College of Theology offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Studies.

Campus tour

Grand Canyon University Campus Tour | Experience GCU · From the college’s official YouTube channel. Plays from YouTube when you tap it.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Grand Canyon University

  1. MonToday

    • 11:00AMChapel

  2. TueToday

    • 7:30PMWorship night

  3. WedToday

    No set time

  4. ThuToday

    • 7:30PMChapel

  5. FriToday

    No set time

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

  • “Spiritual life hosts three services where the GCU community gathers to worship together and hear teachings from the Bible.”

    Source: students.gcu.edu

  • “With more than 200 Life Groups to choose from, GCU traditional students can find a small group community in every living area and around the valley.”

    Source: students.gcu.edu

  • “Our mission is to develop Christian leaders who cultivate Christ-centered community at GCU.”

    Source: students.gcu.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Spiritual Life holds Chapel on Monday at 11 a.m., The Gathering on Tuesday evening and Sanctuary on Thursday evening.

Source: students.gcu.edu
Where do I find community?

More than 200 Life Groups meet in every living area and around the valley.

Source: students.gcu.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Through its Department of Spiritual Life, GCU offers many chances to serve others, including routine service projects with Habitat for Humanity and local and global mission trips.

Source: gcu.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

C+Academic Excellence: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
42 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.43%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.72%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,077 · ACT 21
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.20 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$2,400

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

81 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Three weekly chapel-style services (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual life hosts three services where the GCU community gathers to worship together and hear teachings from the Bible.”
      GCU holds three worship services a week during the school year.
      “Chapel: Monday, 11 am - noon | GCU Arena”
      The weekly Chapel service is held Mondays from 11 am to noon in GCU Arena.
      “The Gathering: Tuesday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Antelope Gym Building 22”
      The Gathering, a student-led worship service, is held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
      “Sanctuary: (a more reflective service): Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Sunset Auditorium Building 8”
      A more reflective service, Sanctuary, is held Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (The Gathering, a student worship service, is held every Tuesday.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Gathering: Tuesday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Antelope Gym Building 22”
      The Gathering, a student-led worship service, is held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Prayer Chapel is offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pastoral Office – Spiritual Lifespirituallife.gcu.edu/updates · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are encouraged to spend time in the Prayer Chapel (connected to Building 6) for an encouraging environment for prayer and solitude.”
      Students are encouraged to use the Prayer Chapel, connected to Building 6, for prayer and solitude.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor Tim Griffin is GCU’s dean of students and university pastor.”
      The university pastor is also GCU's dean of students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Pastoral Office – Spiritual Lifespirituallife.gcu.edu/updates · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are encouraged to spend time in the Prayer Chapel (connected to Building 6) for an encouraging environment for prayer and solitude.”
      Students are encouraged to use the Prayer Chapel, connected to Building 6, for prayer and solitude.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer3 or 4 times a week (3 weekly times documented: 2 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

73 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required1 course (CWV-101 or CWV-301, Christian Worldview, 4 credits, for BA and BS students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027, General Educationgcu.edu/sites/default/files/media/documents/academics/catalog/2026-27/academic-catalog-fall-2026-v3.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take”
      Every bachelor's student must take one Christian worldview course (CWV-101 or CWV-301) in general education.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. One Foundation | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/one-foundation-grand-canyon-university · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “One way we integrate faith and learning is by weaving our Christian worldview across curriculum in all our degree programs.”
      GCU weaves the Christian worldview across the curriculum in all degree programs.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College of Theology | GCUgcu.edu/college-of-theology · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Traditional campus students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry or Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies”
      The College of Theology offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Ministry and Christian Studies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A published statement of faithYes
    Sources (1)
    1. One Foundation | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/one-foundation-grand-canyon-university · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GCU’s Doctrinal Statement affirms our faith and beliefs as a Christian institution.”
      GCU publishes a Doctrinal Statement of its faith and beliefs.
CChristian community: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

69 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two ministry leaders described: the university pastor and a sports chaplain (unnamed).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor Tim Griffin is GCU’s dean of students and university pastor.”
      The university pastor is also GCU's dean of students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Semester retreats are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Through weekly workshops and semester retreats, students will have the opportunity to implement spiritual practices in daily life that form us into the image of Jesus.”
      Spiritual Formation offers weekly workshops and semester retreats.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (More than 200 Life Groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “With more than 200 Life Groups to choose from, GCU traditional students can find a small group community in every living area and around the valley.”
      More than 200 student-led Life Groups are offered, in every living area and around the valley.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithSome faculty (The statement is described for College of Theology students and faculty.)
    Sources (1)
    1. College of Theology | GCUgcu.edu/college-of-theology · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “All our students and faculty in the College of Theology are asked to sign the Covenant in addition to the university's Doctrinal Statement.”
      College of Theology students and faculty are asked to sign the Covenant in addition to the Doctrinal Statement.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Life Groups are offered in every living area, as the page describes.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “With more than 200 Life Groups to choose from, GCU traditional students can find a small group community in every living area and around the valley.”
      More than 200 student-led Life Groups are offered, in every living area and around the valley.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. University Policy Handbook 2026-2027gcu.edu/sites/default/files/media/documents/academics/handbook/2026-27/university-policy-handbook-fall-2026-v4.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “coordinates Chapel programming and outreach ministry”
      The Office of Spiritual Life coordinates Chapel programming and outreach ministry.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

90 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Most of the ministries meet at the Outreach Hub located on the first floor, north side of Student Life Building 26.”
      Most local and global outreach ministries meet at the Outreach Hub in Student Life Building 26.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Short-term mission trips are offered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Missions: Connect to both local and global mission trips, as well as annual missions conference”
      The Missions program connects students to local and global mission trips and an annual missions conference.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Outreach | Volunteering | GCUgcu.edu/about/community-outreach-volunteering · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GCU partners with Habitat for Humanity for routine service projects”
      GCU partners with Habitat for Humanity for routine service projects.
      “In partnership with CityServe and its collaborative network of faith-based nonprofits”
      GCU works with CityServe and a network of faith-based nonprofits on community outreach.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Outreach | Volunteering | GCUgcu.edu/about/community-outreach-volunteering · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “There are 12 ministry programs that strive to provide transformative experiences”
      Twelve global ministry programs serve refugees and other people, and some offer short-term mission trips.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Outreach | Volunteering | GCUgcu.edu/about/community-outreach-volunteering · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Through GCU’s Department of Spiritual Life, there are many opportunities for students to serve others and demonstrate the love of Christ.”
      The Department of Spiritual Life offers many chances for students to serve others and show the love of Christ.

Strengths

  • Three weekly chapel-style services are published: Chapel, The Gathering and Sanctuary.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Spiritual life hosts three services where the GCU community gathers to worship together and hear teachings from the Bible.”
      GCU holds three worship services a week during the school year.
      “Chapel: Monday, 11 am - noon | GCU Arena”
      The weekly Chapel service is held Mondays from 11 am to noon in GCU Arena.
      “The Gathering: Tuesday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Antelope Gym Building 22”
      The Gathering, a student-led worship service, is held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
      “Sanctuary: (a more reflective service): Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Sunset Auditorium Building 8”
      A more reflective service, Sanctuary, is held Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
  • More than 200 student-led Life Groups are offered in every living area and around the valley.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “With more than 200 Life Groups to choose from, GCU traditional students can find a small group community in every living area and around the valley.”
      More than 200 student-led Life Groups are offered, in every living area and around the valley.
  • Outreach is broad: GCU works with Habitat for Humanity and CityServe, and lists twelve ministry programs that include short-term mission trips.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Outreach | Volunteering | GCUgcu.edu/about/community-outreach-volunteering · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GCU partners with Habitat for Humanity for routine service projects”
      GCU partners with Habitat for Humanity for routine service projects.
      “In partnership with CityServe and its collaborative network of faith-based nonprofits”
      GCU works with CityServe and a network of faith-based nonprofits on community outreach.
      “There are 12 ministry programs that strive to provide transformative experiences”
      Twelve global ministry programs serve refugees and other people, and some offer short-term mission trips.

Concerns

  • The general education core requires one Christian worldview course; no Old or New Testament course is required of all students.
    Sources (1)
    1. Academic Catalog 2026-2027, General Educationgcu.edu/sites/default/files/media/documents/academics/catalog/2026-27/academic-catalog-fall-2026-v3.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take”
      Every bachelor's student must take one Christian worldview course (CWV-101 or CWV-301) in general education.
  • The spiritual life staff page names one ministry leader, the university pastor; a sports chaplain is also mentioned without a name.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Pastor Tim Griffin is GCU’s dean of students and university pastor.”
      The university pastor is also GCU's dean of students.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Department of Spiritual Life

  • Address: 3300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Prayer Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: spirituallife.gcu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, students.gcu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, spirituallife.gcu.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. University Policy Handbook 2026-2027gcu.edu/sites/default/files/media/documents/academics/handbook/2026-27/university-policy-handbook-fall-2026-v4.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “coordinates Chapel programming and outreach ministry”
    The Office of Spiritual Life coordinates Chapel programming and outreach ministry.
  2. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universityspirituallife.gcu.edu · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Building 26, First Floor 602-639-6750”
    The Department of Spiritual Life is in Building 26, first floor, phone 602-639-6750.

Christian clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 5 on campus, 1 off campus, 1 location not published

Service 2

  • Missions tripsOff campus
    Local and global mission trips and an annual missions conference.
    students.gcu.edu
  • Local and global outreach ministriesOn campus
    Student-led local and global outreach; most ministries meet at the Outreach Hub in Student Life Building 26.
    students.gcu.edu, gcu.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Life GroupsOn campus
    Student-led small groups for Bible study, with Life Leaders trained and supported by Spiritual Life staff.
    students.gcu.edu, students.gcu.edu

Worship and prayer 3

  • ChapelOn campus
    Mondays, 11 am to noon
    Weekly chapel service in GCU Arena with student worship music and speakers.
    students.gcu.edu, students.gcu.edu
  • The GatheringOn campus
    Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 pm
    Weekly student-led worship service in Antelope Gym Building 22.
    students.gcu.edu
  • SanctuaryOn campus
    Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:30 pm
    A more reflective weekly service in Sunset Auditorium.
    students.gcu.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Spiritual Formation workshops and retreats
    Weekly workshops and semester retreats
    Workshops and retreats on spiritual disciplines.
    students.gcu.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 2

  • Monday11:00 AM–12:00 PMGCU Arena (Chapel)
  • Thursday7:30 PM–8:30 PMSunset Auditorium Building 8 (Sanctuary)

Worship night 1

  • Tuesday7:30 PM–8:30 PMAntelope Gym Building 22 (The Gathering)

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Spiritual Life | Grand Canyon Universitystudents.gcu.edu/student-affairs/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel: Monday, 11 am - noon | GCU Arena”
    The weekly Chapel service is held Mondays from 11 am to noon in GCU Arena.
    “The Gathering: Tuesday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Antelope Gym Building 22”
    The Gathering, a student-led worship service, is held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
    “Sanctuary: (a more reflective service): Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm | Sunset Auditorium Building 8”
    A more reflective service, Sanctuary, is held Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$18,557
$30,001–$48,000$18,763
$48,001–$75,000$21,712
$75,001–$110,000$24,471
Over $110,000$25,701

Full cost of attendance before aid: $32,702 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
70,929
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 29% · Women 71%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
47%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
73%
Total students107,563
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,472
Cost of attendance (per year)$32,702
Median federal debt at graduation$22,114
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
43%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
35%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
40%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
35%
First-year retention72%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$42,186
Admission rate79%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,583 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants46%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1006–1113ACT 20–22
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1077
SAT reading & writing518–580
SAT math488–533
ACT composite20–22
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 39 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$103,884
Computer science$88,308
Mechanical engineering$86,834
Computing and information science$85,864
Homeland Security$84,553
Management science$81,661
Clinical laboratory science$79,175
Finance$72,124
Accounting$67,067
Business administration$65,828
Health administration$60,328
Marketing$60,303
Writing and rhetoric$59,281
Security science$57,384
Kinesiology and exercise science$56,597
Political science$56,495
Criminal justice$55,600
Communication studies$54,622
Biology$54,433
History$54,209
Social work$53,716
Entrepreneurship$52,783
Counseling and mental health$51,490
Allied health$51,082
Special education$50,892
Hospitality management$49,703
Teacher education$49,531
Human services$48,766
Arts management$47,821
Community Organization and Advocacy$46,973
Religious Education$45,165
Public relations$44,335
Film and video$43,469
Visual and performing arts$42,219
Theatre$37,142
Literature$36,986

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Biochemistry, Biomedical/Medical Engineering, Business (general), Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Chemistry, Computer engineering, Dance, Design, Economics, Electrical engineering, Electrical engineering technology, Engineering (general), Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering, Foods, Nutrition,, Human resources, Industrial Engineering, Information technology, Mechanical engineering technology, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Programming, Psychology, Public health, Romance languages, Secondary education, Sociology, Theology.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Health professions34%
Business21%
Public administration and social service14%
Education11%
Criminal justice and security4%

Campus facts

SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates66%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older52%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,700
SportsNCAA Division I · Western Athletic Conference
ROTCArmy · Air Force
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member20 to 1
Disability servicesVisit the office’s pageThe college’s own page
Faculty who are full-time10%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Dorm spaceFor about 26% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline servicePhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)About 9 miles away · about 20 minutes by car
Town population1,642,323Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreGlendaleAbout 4 miles away · about 10 minutes by car
Typical weather57°F in January · 96°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, AZ, about 9 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.110.07
Robbery0.010.01
Aggravated assault0.030.04
Burglary0.180.08
Motor vehicle theft3.220.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Grand Canyon University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 mi0.5 miDepartment of Spiritual Life: 0.3 miGrand Canyon University (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Grand Canyon University a Christian college?
Yes. Grand Canyon University is a Christian college.
What is Grand Canyon University’s Compass Score?
69 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Grand Canyon University?
Chapel is listed at GCU Arena (Chapel) and Sunset Auditorium Building 8 (Sanctuary). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Sign in to ask a question

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

Reach out

Contact details for Department of Spiritual Life (Office of Spiritual Life) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

About this school’s data

Colleges like this one

The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Compass ScoreLiberty UniversityLynchburg, VASimilar size and costCompass ScoreCampbellsville UniversityCampbellsville, KYSimilar size and costCompass ScoreCalifornia Baptist UniversityRiverside, CASimilar size and costNot yet ratedIndiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion, INSimilar size and cost

More in Arizona · Arizona rankings

0 school selectedCompare

What would it cost your family?

Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Reach, Target or Likely?

Enter an SAT or ACT to sort every college in this search.

Will you get in?

Enter your SAT or ACT. We compare it with the middle range of students the college admitted.