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Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. GCU is also authorized in Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Accreditations speak to the quality of the university and its academic programs and can represent acknowledgment by peer institutions of meeting set criteria or standards.
Accreditation is a peer review of the rigor and quality of a higher education institution and the programs it offers.
A university’s accreditation assists multiple constituents including:
Students
Individuals need to attend an accredited institution in order to be eligible to receive federal (and in some cases state) loans or grants.
Employers
Employers may require evidence of education from an accredited institution in order to provide tuition assistance or to evaluate the credentials of prospective employees.
Federal Government
The federal government requires institutions to be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation in order to participate in federal financial aid programs.
State Licensing Boards
Accreditation of a university or its programs may determine eligibility for graduates to apply for professional licensure in a state.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a private nonprofit organization that serves to recognize accrediting bodies to promote high standards of excellence within degree-granting universities. CHEA recognizes GCU’s institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, as upholding national ideals of academics within institutions. GCU is also an institutional member of CHEA.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredits GCU as a postsecondary institution. This accreditation covers both GCU’s traditional courses as well as online, providing a foundation of trust for quality education in both modalities.
The HLC was established in 1895 as an accreditor of postsecondary degree granting institutions in the North Central region, totaling 19 states. The HLC and its predecessor have accredited GCU continually since 1968. In 2017, GCU’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC after a comprehensive review of the institution’s mission; integrity, ethical and responsible conduct; teaching and learning quality, resources, support, evaluation and improvement; and finances, planning and institutional effectiveness. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The Higher Learning Commission
230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-263-0456
Toll-free: 800-621-7440
Website: hlcommission.org
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as of today’s date. You can verify GCU’s HLC accreditation status here.
To be accredited by the HLC, GCU voluntarily submits to a peer review to ensure the university meets the HLC's standards.
The areas examined by the HLC peer reviews include:
University mission
University integrity
University and shared governance
Educational and co-curricular activities
Teaching and learning effectiveness
University assessment
Admission and student services
Administration
Student academic achievement
Financial stewardship
Student resources
Organizational effectiveness
Relationships with outside constituencies
GCU is committed to student learning and continuous improvement. Student achievement data is included in the Disclosures links, located on the Program Details page, for each program leading to licensure and certification. Consumer information can be found here, and additional information on internal assessment practices and results is available upon request by sending an email to GCUAssessment@gcu.edu.
In addition to GCU’s HLC accreditation, GCU maintains programmatic accreditations for several of its programs. Programmatic accreditations indicate that a program has met a specific set of criteria or standards (professional counseling, nursing, business, etc.) as set forth by the specialized accrediting body.
We know you have questions and we want to ensure that you have the right answer. Read through some of our frequently asked questions about GCU’s university and programmatic accreditation to learn more.
Yes, GCU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accreditation institution founded in 1895. GCU has had its accreditation reaffirmed every year by the HLC since 1968. As well, GCU holds specific accreditation, approvals and authorizations for many of its degrees and programs.
Yes, GCU is a fully accredited, good-standing member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). GCU’s Initial Teacher Licensure Programs and Advanced Programs in Reading (Elementary and Secondary) and TESOL are fully accredited by AAQEP through June 30, 2026. Find the accredited teaching program that fits your degree-seeking journey.
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, the master’s degree programs in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Grand Canyon University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/ccne-accredition).
Yes, many programs within the Colangelo College of Business are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These accredited programs include bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in accounting, management, business administration, marketing and more. As well, GCU uses a field test conducted by Peregrine Academics to determine the overall business acumen of the students.
For the most current information, please view the course drop policy under the "Official Enrollment Status Change and Withdrawal” section of the University Policy Handbook. In all cases, students must contact their university counselor to process their requested course drop.
Grand Canyon University's online and campus programs offer the flexibility you need to get ahead, providing a quality education to help you in today's complex world.
