GCU Admission Requirements

Grand Canyon University welcomes applicants 16 years old and older for admission consideration. We seek future graduates with diverse interests, experiences and perspectives, ready to capture academic opportunities with creativity and enthusiasm. GCU does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, disability or any other classification protected by law in its programs and activities.

Please note: Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality. All academically qualified individuals willing to uphold our established mission and standards are encouraged to apply. Reference the University Policy Handbook for any specific admission requirements for your program.

Experience the GCU Difference From the Very Beginning

When you’re ready to apply to GCU, our university counselors are here to help you get started. Whether you are a new college student or transferring from another school, we will guide you through the admission process and answer your questions about life as a Lope.

Applying to GCU gives you access to supportive university counselors so you can feel comfortable throughout the process — and at no extra cost to you. That’s right. There is no fee to apply to GCU.

Use our Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation and work with a specialist to discover how many credits may transfer to GCU. Transferring credits may help you save time and money on your selected degree program.

Submit either acceptable high school or college transcripts to be considered for full admission to GCU. Test scores may be requested if GPA requirements are not met with transcripts alone.

Although GCU seeks to integrate Christian faith and practice into all aspects of campus life and academics, no statement of faith or religious affiliation is required of prospective students, with the exception of majors in the College of Theology. Theology majors are required to affirm GCU's Doctrinal Statement and the College of Theology Covenant. 

All undergraduate degree programs at GCU offer foundational general education courses to help build competencies in the following areas:

  • Effective communication
  • Innovative thinking
  • Transformative leadership
  • Global contribution
GCU students laying on the grass of a campus lawn

I was a little nervous about transitioning to college, but since I’ve been at GCU, I’ve surrounded myself with amazing people who have made it feel like home. It’s unlike anywhere else. Everyone is kind, caring and loving.

Belle Rakestraw GCU Student, BS in Business

78%

Acceptance Rate in Fall 20221

GCU Acceptance Rate

GCU accepted 78% of students who applied for the Fall 2022 semester.1 Fall 2022 campus students had an average weighted incoming scholarship GPA of 3.59. GCU’s acceptance rate reflects GCU's dedication to maintaining an environment of learning, growth and opportunity.

 

Admission Requirements

 

Admission Requirements FAQs

Read through our most frequently asked questions about acceptance into Grand Canyon University.

The Fall 2022 acceptance rate for first-time, full-time degree seeking students at GCU was 78%.1

GCU has different GPA criteria for each of its degree levels. For high school students, an unweighted 3.0 GPA is required. High school students with an unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher may qualify if they also meet specific ACT and SAT exam scores.

For graduate degree applicants, students may be accepted if they earned a 2.8 GPA from an accredited and GCU-approved college or program.

For doctoral candidates, applicants may be accepted if they have earned a doctoral or master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.4 GPA. Candidates who earned less than a 3.4 may still be accepted with specifications. Candidates with a master’s degree who earned below a 3.0 will not be accepted.

Certain degrees and colleges, including our Honors College, have separate GPA and admission requirements. Read through our University Policy Handbook for detailed information regarding your chosen degree level and program.

Students with an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or greater are not required to provide an SAT or ACT for admission. Candidates with an unweighted GPA of at least 2.5 must have an ACT score of 19 or higher. For SAT scores, candidates with a test date of March 1, 2016 onward must have a composite score of 1000 or above. For test dates between Jan. 1, 2005 – Feb. 29, 2016, students must have a composite score of 1380 or above. Test dates prior to 2005 must have a composite score of 920 or above.

Some programs, including those within the Honors College, require specific scores from the different sections of the SAT and ACT. Find more information about your desired program in our University Policy Handbook.

GCU does not require an essay for admission. However, there are some programs that do require an essay as part of the program’s own acceptance criteria. Find your program in our University Policy Handbook for more information.

Yes, college credits can transfer to Grand Canyon University. Whether you are transferring from another university, from a dual enrollment program or you have an internationally evaluated transcript, GCU aims to make the transfer process as easy as possible. There are multiple transfer credit options, and each includes a maximum number of credits one can transfer. Find more information about GCU’s transfer credits policies by visiting our transfer center page or view our University Policy Handbook.

Registration for New or Returning Students

A university counselor can help guide you through the online admissions process. New or returning students may apply online or request entrance into a new program or modality by filling out the form on this page. We encourage you to work with a university counselor during the application process. Below are steps to admission:

Start the college admission process by filling out this form with information about your desired degree program and modality.

Official transcripts may be mailed, faxed or hand-delivered by the applicant. Campus students may submit unofficial transcripts via the Student Portal by logging on at gcuportal.gcu.edu.

If you are seeking financial aid, visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website for more information.

Once your application has been submitted, your university counselor will contact you directly to discuss your next steps.

GCU Students

GCU produced nearly 25,500 total graduates in 2021-22. The diverse community of students at GCU receive resources to empower them to finish strong and impact their chosen field post-graduation. Some of our many resources include support from knowledgeable professors, scholarship opportunities, career services and more.

GCU Student helping at a service center

90

In 2023, students from 90 countries attended GCU.

$7,300

The average traditional campus student qualifies for approximately $7,300 in GCU-funded scholarships each academic year.2

Less Debt

GCU bachelor’s students graduate with lower average debt than at public and other private nonprofit four-year universities, according to College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021-22.”3

aerial picture of GCU's campus

Request for Reinstatement

If you have been suspended from GCU and would like to request reinstatement, please contact your university counselor to discuss the next steps. If filing an academic appeal for reasons other than reinstatement, contact your university counselor for assistance at 855-GCU-LOPE. Additional information on GCU's appeal process can be found in the University Appeal Procedures section of GCU's University Policy Handbook.

Title IX

At Grand Canyon University, we are committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from gender or sexual discrimination so members of the GCU community can fully access and benefit from the university's programs and activities. For more information or inquires about GCU's commitment to Title IX, visit our Title IX page. This policy also complies with the Title IX requirements related to non-discrimination. For more information or inquiries about the application of Title IX, visit our Title IX page.

 

More Resources

three students sitting at a table on campus

You already have the tools you need to change your life. Let GCU teach you how to use them so you can reach your full potential through education.

To minimize debt, and graduate with the least amount of debt possible, GCU encourages students to accept the most beneficial sources of financial assistance first, such as scholarships, grants, work-study (if eligible), student worker positions, and GCU’s interest-free payment plan options. Compare the terms of federal loans before applying for private loans.

1 Grand Canyon University has a Fall 2022 acceptance rate of 78% for first-time, full-time degree seeking students.

2 Scholarships may be awarded based on sixth semester transcripts (high school transcripts submitted after Junior year of high school). When final official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to change or decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. Prices are based on the 2024-25 rate and are subject to change.

3 Data for private nonprofit four-year universities retrieved from College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2023 in April 2024. Average GCU student federal and private loan debt is calculated using bachelor's students’ federal and private loan debt (borrowed by graduates) who have graduated in the 2021-22 academic year.