Discover GCU Campus Visitation Program

Choosing the right college can be exciting and overwhelming. It's important to Grand Canyon University that you feel confident in your decision and happy about your choice. Whether you’re visiting from high school, another college or just beginning on your academic path, we want to make sure that you feel welcome and empowered to make an informed decision for your future. 

Discover GCU can give you an opportunity to personally experience what it means to be a student at GCU. During this all-expenses-paid,1 overnight experience, you can explore campus, meet current students, participate in events and learn more about our programs of study. We have visit options available throughout the year.

Button to play video: Discover Why GCU is the Best Choice for College

What Students Can Expect

You will experience student life right on campus during a Discover GCU tour. Check out our facilities and classroom buildings, gain perspective from a current GCU student tour guide, gain valuable information and be a part of the vibrant GCU community. Afterward, you can reflect on your experience with your parent, guardian or university counselor to decide whether GCU is the right fit for you.

GCU students decked out in spirit gear waving a gcu flag
student with guitar throwing up lopes
Students reading on a lawn on campus
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Ever since my Discover trip when I visited, I just absolutely loved the community that went on around there and the fellowship with Christ where you’re able to grow as a student but also as a leader and a servant for Jesus.

Erik Yost, Colangelo College of Business Alum

How To Attend

  1. Apply and be admissible to GCU. 
  2. Meet with your university counselor, select a date to attend and schedule your post-visit appointment. 
  3. Pack your bags and get ready to experience life as a Lope!

You must be accepted to GCU to be eligible to attend this overnight, all-expenses-paid,1 on-campus experience. 

A conversation between your admissions counselor and a parent or guardian, if applicable, is required prior to approval of Discover GCU attendance and travel. Your university counselor will lead you through the qualification and registration process.

To get started, fill out the form on this page and your university counselor will be in contact with you.

Staff greeting a student

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering becoming a Lope, browse through some commonly asked questions and get the answers you’re looking for that can help you make the right decision for you.

During your trip, you will be staying in a suite-style residence hall. This means you may have up to three roommates and you will share a bathroom during this campus experience.

After checking in on GCU’s campus, you will be given a meal card to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can dine at any of our on-campus dining options including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Jamba Juice, Habit Burger Grill and more!

Once you arrive, you will receive a detailed agenda of the times and locations for activities available while you’re on campus. We highly encourage you to go to as many as you can. See a few example activities listed below: 

  • Campus tour 
  • Academic information sessions 
  • Mid-day electives including GCU sporting events, student jobs and internship sessions and worship services 
  • Evening electives such as beach volleyball, campus events and life group (Bible study)

Some of our recommended items to bring include: 

  • Backpack or smaller carry-on bag 
  • Cap/hats and sunscreen 
  • Comfortable walking shoes — closed-toe shoes if interested in a medical program of study (required for labs) 
  • Extra spending money for GCU swag or additional snacks 
  • Jackets for cooler weather; although our home is in the desert, winter months in Arizona can be cool and we’ll spend plenty of time outdoors 
  • Swimsuit (weather permitting) 
  • Toiletries 
  • Water bottle

Yes, we love when friends come to Discover GCU together. If you are traveling with a friend who is interested in a different program of study, they may have a different schedule, but there are still plenty of opportunities for you to explore GCU together! If you have a preferred roommate, you can submit a request with your university counselor when you book your visit.

Campus visits are crucial during the college decision-making process. They provide firsthand experience of the campus environment, helping students and their families determine if a university is the right fit for them. During these visits, you can explore campus facilities, interact with current students and faculty and get a feel for the overall atmosphere. This experience allows you to envision yourself living and studying there, which can be difficult to gauge from brochures or websites alone.

If you are looking for a one-day visit option, GCU offers various types of campus visits. Whether you’re looking for an in-depth, immersive experience to see all that GCU has to offer, or something more academically focused which explores hands-on facilities, we would love to showcase our beautiful campus to you. We also offer Spanish tours, which are available upon request.

1 Travel reimbursement is only available to students who demonstrate their ability to meet admissibility for the traditional campus, plus one legal guardian, from a student’s home city/state to Phoenix, AZ. School/district/organizations staff, faculty and/or personnel are also eligible. To participate, the program requires a signed MOU by both the student and parent/guardian or personnel, approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location and education sector. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed, air OR ground. GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in or travel insurance fees. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.