Decoding Grand Canyon University's Cost Per Credit Hour: A Comprehensive Guide

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, Christian-based university that aims to make college accessible and affordable. GCU is known for its high acceptance rate and a wide array of degree programs suitable for both recent high school graduates and working adults seeking to advance their education online or on campus. This article breaks down the tuition structure, costs per credit hour, and available financial aid options at GCU.

Understanding GCU's Acceptance Rate

Grand Canyon University boasts a high acceptance rate. According to US News, the university has an acceptance rate of 83%. This high acceptance rate provides prospective students with the confidence to apply for enrollment. An acceptance rate is determined by dividing the number of accepted applicants by the total number of applicants. While acceptance rates can influence a student's decision to apply, it's important not to base the decision solely on this factor.

Admission Requirements

GCU's accessible admission requirements contribute to its high acceptance rate. Basic requirements include:

High school transcripts (must show a 3.0 GPA)
College transcripts (if applicable)

Applicants are not required to submit SAT scores or other test scores, but they may submit them if GPA requirements are not met. The application process does not require essays or letters of recommendation, and there is no application fee. Additional requirements may exist for specific programs.

Tuition and Cost Breakdown at GCU

The cost of tuition at GCU varies depending on the chosen program, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and the learning format (online or on-campus). Tuition also depends on mandatory and optional fees.

Online Undergraduate Tuition

Online undergraduate tuition ranges from $340 to $485 per credit hour based on full-time enrollment. For online graduate degree programs, tuition ranges from $410 to $725 per credit hour. Specifically:

RN to BSN degree program: $340 per credit hour
Theology programs: $410 per credit hour
Education and Science programs: $455 per credit hour
All other programs: $485 per credit hour

On-Campus Tuition

Tuition for all undergraduate students at GCU is $8,250 per semester based on full-time enrollment. Traditional campus students are required to take a minimum of nine credits in the traditional campus format during the fall and spring semesters. Traditional campus students taking courses in the online format will be charged the regular traditional tuition rates.

Mandatory and Optional Fees

Mandatory fees may include a learning management service fee, technology fee, testing fee, and credential evaluation fee.

Cost of Attendance

University attendance often incurs expenses beyond tuition fees, including direct payments to the institution and various indirect costs. For more information, visit GCU's Cost of Attendance page.

Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance Options

Students can reduce tuition costs through financial aid and tuition assistance options. GCU accepts financial awards from grants and scholarships. There is no application fee required. GCU encourages students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to qualify for federal and state grants.

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Scholarships and Grants

GCU offers various scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. This includes GCU campus and outside scholarships. 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

Student loans can help supplement scholarships and grants to pay for college education.

Dual Enrollment

GCU offers dual enrollment courses and programs for high school students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree. Enrollment requirements include having a certain high school GPA. Sophomore high school students must have at least a 3.25 GPA, and juniors and seniors must have a 3.0 or above GPA to qualify for dual enrollment. High school students must also meet college course prerequisites before starting a class.

Dual enrollment courses are four credits and cost $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.

Military Tuition Assistance

GCU offers a special military rate per credit hour to active duty military personnel and their eligible spouses 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: Financial Aid at GCU

Students who are Active Duty, Active Reserve, National Guard, and Military Spouses (Online and Professional Studies) and sign a Memorandum of Understanding after providing supporting documentation demonstrating required qualifications will have a scholarship applied to decrease the overall tuition to a specific tuition amount per credit. The amount of scholarship applied will vary based on the standard tuition cost per credit for each degree program per the Tuition and Fees table reduced to the applicable per-credit cost depending on the degree level as follows:

Undergraduate: $250
Graduate: $400
Doctoral: $617.50

The following programs are exempt from this scholarship:

Master of Divinity
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Employer Tuition Assistance

Your employer may pay for some or all of your degree.

Transfer Credits

Transfer students who have previously completed college courses or a college degree from a regionally accredited university may transfer credits toward a degree at GCU. GCU offers a Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation tool to help upcoming students estimate how many credits will transfer to a GCU degree program. College students can only transfer credits if they meet their degree programs' requirements. Students can also take national exams to earn up to 30 transfer credits towards a bachelor's degree. GCU-approved certificates and the Lifelong Learning Assessment (LLA) are alternate opportunities to transfer credits.

Additional Expenses

Understanding your expenses involves considering costs beyond tuition and fees. The cost of attendance (COA) takes into account expenses beyond tuition and fees. It provides an average of estimated expenses a student could incur during an academic year. Your academic year is determined by your modality (campus or online) and your program of study.

Your costs will include "direct" educational expenses that are paid to the university - those related directly to your program of study - such as tuition and fees. Students who live on campus will also pay for food, housing, and other on-campus related expenses directly to the university. Students who live off-campus or live with their parents will incur similar living expenses; they are not paid to the university. Other costs are regular living expenses, not related directly to attending the university.

Students should take into consideration all other discretionary costs not directly related to attending school but incurred during the academic year, such as transportation costs, personal expenses, and credentialing fees if you are seeking licensure, certification, or accreditation.

Tuition Freeze

GCU has kept annual campus tuition unchanged since 2009, showing their commitment to affordable education.

GCU Online and Evening Tuition Rates

GCU's online and evening tuition rates are for students who are interested in pursuing an online degree program or taking evening classes. Online and evening rates vary depending on the program of study. The typical range for all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs vary per credit hour. A special rate is available for those in active duty and active reserve.

Understanding Doctoral Program Costs

GCU offers several doctoral programs, and it's important to understand the potential costs associated with them. Programs like the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, PhD in General Psychology, EdD in Teaching and Learning, EdD in Organizational Leadership, Doctor of Business Administration, and Doctor of Health Administration require a minimum number of credits for completion.

Students who have not received final approval of a dissertation at the completion of those credits must enroll in Research Continuation courses until they have completed an approved dissertation. Research Continuation courses are three-credit courses, charged at the same per-credit tuition rate as all other doctoral courses. These courses, if necessary, will add to the cost and time to complete the program.

Resources and Support

University counselors are available to help through the process. GCU typically provides an early decision and responds to applicants quickly. The response provides a projected graduation date and more.

GCU cares about the financial wellness of its students and provides several resources, such as a no-cost Financial Literacy Program to prospective students and their families as well as to continuing students.

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