Grand Canyon University Nursing Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Grand Canyon University (GCU), Arizona’s premier private Christian university founded in 1949, offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. Recognizing that finances significantly impact college decisions, GCU strives to make its affordable and meaningful education accessible to all, whether students choose to attend its traditional campus, evening classes, or online degree programs. With over 300 academic programs available, including a robust nursing program, GCU provides numerous avenues for students to reduce their cost of attendance through scholarships and grants.

Understanding GCU's Commitment to Affordable Education

GCU has demonstrated a strong commitment to affordable education by keeping annual campus tuition unchanged since 2009. This commitment ensures that a private, Christian education remains within reach for all students. In 2024-2025, traditional campus students qualified for approximately $7,300 in GCU-funded scholarships, which reduced tuition by almost half, to approximately $9,100. GCU's dedication to financial accessibility is further exemplified by the nearly $140 million in scholarships awarded to online students in 2023.

Institutional Scholarships and Awards

GCU's traditional campus students received over $196 million in institutional scholarships in 2024. These scholarships are designed to help students finance their education and reduce the overall cost of attendance. GCU also offers a variety of scholarship options for all students to reduce the cost of furthering their education if certain criteria are met.

Nursing-Specific Scholarship Opportunities

For aspiring nurses, Grand Canyon University offers several scholarship opportunities tailored to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. These scholarships, like the Sun Health Foundation nursing scholarships, can significantly alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

Sun Health Foundation Nursing Scholarships

The Sun Health Foundation provides $3,000 nursing scholarships to GCU nursing students. These scholarships are a "huge blessing" for students like Mariah White, who relies on loans and scholarships to pay for her education. These scholarships are funded by generous philanthropy from community members. The Foundation started funding scholarships for nursing students in 1980 when Mesa Community College established a nursing education program on the Boswell hospital campus.

Read also: Funding Your Nursing Education

ABSN Arizona Nursing Service Scholarship Award

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions participates in the ABSN Arizona Nursing Service Scholarship Award program. Eligible applicants for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) clinical program may receive a scholarship covering the cost of tuition and fees, after all other federal and gift aid is awarded. Funding for this scholarship is provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Applications for this scholarship open May 15 and close June 15, 2023, and successful candidates are notified of the award. This scholarship cannot be combined with any other offers, and limited spots are available.

The ABSN program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing college education who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The program builds upon the student’s education by following a logical, effective sequence of coursework, skills labs, immersive simulation and clinical rotations over a 16-month time span.

Comparing Nursing and Regular Undergraduate Scholarships

Nursing scholarships at GCU may differ from regular undergraduate scholarships. For instance, transfer students with a GPA over 3.5 might receive a certain amount per year, while nursing students with a GPA over 3.7 might receive a higher amount per semester. It is important to check the specific scholarship information provided in the nursing packet to understand the exact amounts and requirements.

Additional Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

In addition to nursing-specific scholarships, GCU offers a range of other scholarship and grant opportunities for both traditional and online students.

Campus Scholarships

Campus scholarships are available for traditional, undergraduate students who take courses on GCU’s main campus. To learn more about eligibility for these scholarships, students can speak with a university counselor. GCU also posts outside scholarship opportunities to help students supplement their education. These scholarships may be combined with GCU scholarships to cover tuition and other expenses.

Online and Evening Scholarships

A variety of online scholarships are available for students earning their degree through GCU’s online or evening courses. Additionally, GCU has developed relationships with hundreds of employers and organizations across the nation, providing scholarships to eligible participants interested in pursuing a degree, certificate or taking a single course.

Non-Academic Scholarships and Grants

GCU offers several non-academic scholarships and grants, including:

Barnabas Scholarship Opportunities
Grand Canyon University Award (in-state and out-of-state)
California Grant Match Award
Honors College Scholarship
Canyon Rising Scholarships (Arizona and Out-of-State Residents)
Leadership, Education and Opportunity (LEO) Foundation Scholarships
CCSC Awards
Grand Canyon Theological Seminary Scholarship
Pell Grant Match Scholarship
Financial Support Scholarship
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Fostering Futures Scholarship

The Barnabas Scholarship Program will be used to cover GCU tuition expenses progressively throughout your studies.

State and Federal Grants

Grants are financial aid awards that do not require repayment, making them a valuable resource for potentially reducing educational costs. They may be ideal for first-time students, returning learners and those pursuing advanced degrees.

Military Tuition Assistance

If you are currently serving in the military, GCU offers a special military rate per credit hour to you and your eligible spouse for online and evening programs. GCU also offers a special online and evening program scholarship to all veterans and their spouses, and employees of the DOD, DPHS and NOAA. GCU is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Read also: Scholarships for Colorado Nurses

Navigating the Financial Aid Process

Financing education is a critical component to consider. GCU strives to keep tuition costs competitive so that a private, Christian education is within reach for all students.

FAFSA and Student Loans

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to apply for government grants and loans. Students may qualify for awards based on their family’s financial situation. Student loans can help supplement scholarships and grants to pay for college education.

Cost Estimator Tools and Resources

The cost of university attendance may extend beyond tuition fees, encompassing various direct payments to the institution and additional indirect expenses. GCU offers a comprehensive cost of attendance, aggregating estimated expenses students may encounter during an academic year (Fall/Spring) for each program of study. Explore GCU's Cost of Attendance page for detailed insights.

Dual Enrollment

If you are a high school student, dual enrollment courses allow you the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Dual enrollment courses are four credits and have a cost of $210 per course ($52.50 per credit) plus a $105 digital course materials fee per course. Additional textbook fees may apply. Students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid while enrolled in high school.

GCU’s Registration Commitment

GCU’s Registration Commitment is a chance to secure a scholarship offer and admission decision for a future semester. By sharing intent, GCU’s admissions team can appropriately plan for arrival. This option is available to a variety of incoming students, including those taking a gap year, those currently enrolled at another school or those planning to attend another school prior to attending GCU. Benefits include locking in GCU’s scholarship offer, aligning with the date of the signed Registration Commitment, course advisement to maximize transferability of credits and invitations to exclusive GCU events so students can experience the community before officially joining the Herd.

Additional Resources and Support

GCU offers various resources to help students navigate the financial aid process.

Tuition and Financing FAQs

GCU provides a list of frequently asked questions about tuition and financing to help students find the answers they need. These FAQs cover topics such as the difference between a loan and a grant, the cost of attending GCU, whether GCU accepts FAFSA information, and the cost of specific programs like the RN to BSN program.

Financial Aid Assistance

Students who feel overwhelmed or are unsure where to start can seek help from GCU's financial aid counselors. These counselors can provide guidance and support throughout the financial aid process.

tags: #gcu #nursing #scholarships