Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. Recognized for its affordable tuition and diverse academic offerings, GCU attracts a large number of international students each year. In the 2025 U.S. News rankings, Grand Canyon University was placed in the #392–434 band for National Universities, #205 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and #211 in Social Mobility. According to EduRank, it stands at #2,730 globally and ranks #6 in Arizona.
Popular programs at GCU include MBA in Accounting, M.Ed in Education, B.S in IT, Computer Programming, and Biology for Secondary Education. The Grand Canyon University cost of tuition for most courses is USD 16,500 (INR 14.4 lakh) per year, which is highly competitive compared to other private U.S. universities. Undergraduate and postgraduate tuition is set at the same level, making GCU an affordable choice for higher education.
The Grand Canyon University acceptance rate is around 60.4%, making it moderately selective yet accessible for qualified students. Grand Canyon University admissions require a minimum GPA of 2.8 for postgraduate applicants (with GRE/GMAT alternatives for lower GPAs) and a high school GPA of 3.0 for undergraduates, along with proof of English proficiency.
Additionally, GCU offers merit-based scholarships ranging from USD 2,000 to 6,000 (INR 1.6–5 lakh) per year, further reducing costs for international students.
Also Read: Study in USA
Grand Canyon University Top Programs & Fee
Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with affordable tuition compared to many private universities in the U.S. Popular programs include MBA specializations, Education, IT, and STEM-focused degrees. The Grand Canyon University MBA cost is approximately USD 16,500 (INR 14.4 lakh) per year, making it a cost-effective option for international students.
| Course | Tuition Fee (USD/Year) | Tuition Fee (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Accounting | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Strategic HR Management | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Health Systems Management | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Project Management | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Marketing | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) Leadership | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Master of Education (M.Ed) Educational Administration | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) Information Technology (STEM) | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) Applied Business Analytics | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) Computer Programming (STEM) | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) Exercise Science – Physical Education | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (B.S) Biology for Secondary Education | 16,500 | 14.4 Lakh |
Grand Canyon University Admissions
Following are the admission requirements for Undergraduate, Graduate and MBA programs:
| Program | Academic Requirements | Test Scores | English Proficiency | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | High school completion with GPA 3.0 (or equivalent). GPA 2.0–3.0 may be considered with SAT/ACT. | SAT/ACT (if GPA < 3.0). | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 78, PTE 54 (some programs may accept IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 72). | Transcripts, personal statement, resume/CV, 2 references, passport copy, proof of funds, possible interview. |
| Graduate (PG) | Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8 (accredited). Applicants with lower GPA can qualify via GRE/GMAT. | GRE 300 (V+Q) GMAT 500 | IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 90 | Transcripts, passport copy, proof of funds. |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8 (accredited). Applicants with lower GPA must submit GRE/GMAT. | GRE 300 (V+Q) GMAT 500 | IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 90 | Transcripts, resume (recommended), statement of purpose/goal statement, passport copy, proof of funds. |
Grand Canyon University Cost of Attendance
The Grand Canyon University cost of studying varies depending on whether students live on campus, off campus, or with parents. Below is a detailed breakdown of estimated expenses for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students.
Postgraduate (PG) Cost of Attendance
| Expense Category | Living On Campus | Living Off Campus | Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) |
| Books & Supplies | USD 800 (₹66,400) | USD 800 (₹66,400) | USD 800 (₹66,400) |
| Other Fees | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) |
| Loan Origination Fee | USD 100 (₹8,300) | USD 100 (₹8,300) | USD 100 (₹8,300) |
| Housing | USD 7,700 (₹6.39 Lakh) | USD 10,800 (₹8.96 Lakh) | USD 2,700 (₹2.24 Lakh) |
| Food | USD 3,400 (₹2.82 Lakh) | USD 3,300 (₹2.74 Lakh) | USD 3,300 (₹2.74 Lakh) |
| Personal Expenses | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) |
| Transportation | USD 1,200 (₹99,600) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) |
| Academic Year Total | USD 33,100 (₹27.5 Lakh) | USD 36,900 (₹30.6 Lakh) | USD 28,800 (₹23.9 Lakh) |
| Program Premiums | USD 1,000 (₹83,000) | USD 1,000 (₹83,000) | USD 1,000 (₹83,000) |
| Final Year (with Premiums & Licensing Fees) | USD 34,500 (₹28.6 Lakh) | USD 38,300 (₹31.8 Lakh) | USD 30,200 (₹25.1 Lakh) |
Undergraduate (UG) Cost of Attendance
| Expense Category | Living On Campus | Living Off Campus | Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) | USD 16,500 (₹13.7 Lakh) |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,100 (₹91,300) | USD 1,100 (₹91,300) | USD 1,100 (₹91,300) |
| Other Fees | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) | USD 1,400 (₹1.16 Lakh) |
| Loan Origination Fee | USD 200 (₹16,600) | USD 200 (₹16,600) | USD 200 (₹16,600) |
| Housing | USD 7,700 (₹6.39 Lakh) | USD 10,800 (₹8.96 Lakh) | USD 2,700 (₹2.24 Lakh) |
| Food | USD 3,400 (₹2.82 Lakh) | USD 3,300 (₹2.74 Lakh) | USD 3,300 (₹2.74 Lakh) |
| Personal Expenses | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) |
| Transportation | USD 1,200 (₹99,600) | USD 1,200 (₹99,600) | USD 1,200 (₹99,600) |
| Academic Year Total | USD 33,500 (₹27.8 Lakh) | USD 37,300 (₹30.9 Lakh) | USD 29,200 (₹24.2 Lakh) |
| Program Premiums | USD 500–2,000 (₹41,500 – 1.66 Lakh) | USD 500–2,000 (₹41,500 – 1.66 Lakh) | USD 500–2,000 (₹41,500 – 1.66 Lakh) |
| Final Year (with Premiums & Licensing Fees) | USD 34,400–35,900 (₹28.5–29.8 Lakh) | USD 38,200–39,700 (₹31.7–33 Lakh) | USD 30,100–31,600 (₹25–26.2 Lakh) |
Read More: Cost of Studying in USA
Grand Canyon University Scholarships
Grand Canyon University offers merit-based scholarships to international students, primarily based on high school GPA, SAT/ACT scores, or transfer GPA. These scholarships help reduce the overall Grand Canyon University cost, making it more affordable for international students.
International Student Scholarship Awards
| Scholarship | Annual Amount | GPA Requirement | ACT Score | SAT Score (1600 scale) | Transfer GPA (6–24 credits) | Transfer GPA (25+ credits) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indirect President | USD 6,000 (₹4.98 Lakh) | 3.9+ | 31 | 1410 | 3.75+ | 3.75+ |
| Indirect Provost | USD 5,000 (₹4.15 Lakh) | 3.7 – 3.89 | 27 | 1295 | 3.5 – 3.74 | 3.5 – 3.74 |
| Indirect Dean | USD 3,000 (₹2.49 Lakh) | 3.5 – 3.69 | 24 | 1170 | 3.25 – 3.49 | 3.25 – 3.49 |
| Indirect Faculty | USD 2,000 (₹1.66 Lakh) | 3.0 – 3.49 | 19 | 1000 | 2.75 – 3.24 | 2.25 – 3.24 |
Also Check: Popular Scholarships in USA
Grand Canyon University Rankings
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, recognized for its academic diversity and growing research profile. The Grand Canyon University ranking reflects its performance in national and subject-specific categories, as well as global education metrics.
U.S. News Rankings
- #392–434 in National Universities
- #205 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)
- #646–686 in Nursing
- #211 in Top Performers on Social Mobility
EduRank Global Rankings
- #2,730 out of 14,131 universities worldwide
- #766 out of 2,597 in North America
- #703 out of 2,496 in the United States
- #6 out of 25 in Arizona
- #1 out of 6 in Phoenix
Subject-Specific EduRank Highlights
- #908 for Early Childhood Education
- #942 for Special Education
- #1,389 for Multimedia
- #1,875 for Alumni Impact
- #911 globally for Non-academic Prominence
Check Out: Top Universities in USA
Grand Canyon University Comparison
| Criteria | Grand Canyon University (GCU) | Arizona State University (ASU) | Western Governors University (WGU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | • U.S. News: #392–434 National Universities; #211 Social Mobility • Niche: #3 dorms, #13 Nursing, #21 best campus in U.S., #1 in AZ | • U.S. News: #121 National Universities; #1 Most Innovative • QS World: ~#173 (2026) • #2 employability among U.S. publics | • Not ranked traditionally (online model) • Largest U.S. university (180,000+ students) • Widely recognized for competency-based education |
| Campus Facilities | • Phoenix campus $210M+ investment (arenas, dorms, rec centers) • Bowling alley, student union, food courts, 7,000-seat arena | • R1 Research University• $673M+ annual research expenditure• Innovation centers, research labs, multiple campuses | • 100% online (no physical campus)Virtual labs, simulations, online libraries• Full remote support for students |
| Scholarships | • $358M+ scholarships awarded in 2024• 20% tuition discount (evening campus)• 18% discount for College of Education grads | • $32.3M awarded to 7,542 students (2024)• “Scholarship Universe” platform matches students to aid | • $20M+ scholarships awarded annually• Cybersecurity ($5,000), Caregiver ($4,000), many corporate-sponsored options |
| Placement Support | • Limited published data• Strong athletics investment but not much on job placement | • ~83% job placement rate• 48% students do research/internships• #2 for employability (public universities) | • Each student assigned a personal mentor• Faculty experts support career goals• Alumni report strong career outcomes; many transition to top firms (e.g., Microsoft) |
Grand Canyon University combines affordability, diverse programs, and flexible admissions, making it an attractive choice for international students. With tuition around USD 16,500 (INR 14.4 lakh) per year, a competitive MBA cost, a moderate acceptance rate, and scholarship opportunities, GCU stands out as a cost-effective and accessible U.S. university.
FAQs
Ques: What is the Grand Canyon University cost for international students?
Ans: The tuition fee is approximately USD 16,500 (INR 14.4 lakh) per year for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, excluding living expenses.
Ques: What is the Grand Canyon University MBA cost?
Ans: The MBA program costs around USD 16,500 (INR 14.4 lakh) per year, making it one of the most affordable private MBA options in the U.S.
Ques: What is the Grand Canyon University acceptance rate?
Ans: Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of around 81%, making it moderately selective yet accessible for qualified applicants.
Ques: What are the admission requirements at Grand Canyon University for postgraduates?
Ans: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8, GRE (300) or GMAT (500) if GPA is lower, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90).
Ques: What are the undergraduate admission requirements at Grand Canyon University?
Ans: High school completion with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students with GPA below 3.0 must submit SAT/ACT scores. English proficiency can be proven via IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 78, or PTE 54.
Ques: Is Grand Canyon University good for international students?
Ans: Yes, GCU is popular among international students due to its affordable tuition, flexible admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and growing academic reputation.
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Grand Canyon University comparison
| University Name | Grand Canyon University | University of Arizona | Liberty University | Arizona State University |
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| Acceptance Rate | 78.0 % | 86.0 % | 99.0 % | 90.0 % |
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| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.1/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 18 reviews | 8.5/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 72 reviews |
| Campuses and B-Schools | NA | NA | NA | |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 793 out of 824 in Global Ranking
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Grand Canyon University Reviews
Most Popular Tags
3 Reviews Found
Overview
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a fun, interactive, private Christian university for student living in AZ or anywhere in the world as the offer great online programs. GCU gets great recognition from employers and peer universities in the state of AZ (ASU and UoA) and also around the US. As they are world renown!
Campus Life
Campus life is great, numerous events on campus and just recently becoming a division 1 school, getting more recognition. Sports events are fun, clubs, etc..
Overview
The top two reasons I chose this school was because it's a Christian school and affordable. Being a Christian is a huge part of me and I wanted to attend a school that helped me keep my faith close.
Fees
The fees of GCU just include the tuition. Activity fees, to use the facility, and all the classes.
Overview
Close to home and heard a lot of good things about the community on campus. I wanted somewhere where I knew my faith would grow and also where I could have independence. I had a lot of friends who went here too so that helped.
Fees
There's a lot of fees for living on campus, like event fees or gym fees or 'connect' fees which I think ties into those two.
Grand Canyon University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Grand Canyon University Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Grand Canyon University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80620 | 7748 | 72872 | 29 |
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