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Home / Testbook US / Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate

Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate, Admission Stats & More

Last Updated on Jun 12, 2025
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Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, Arizona, provides a faith-based learning environment emphasizing academic excellence and career readiness. With an impressive Grand Canyon University acceptance rate of 78%, GCU offers broad access to students while encouraging strong educational preparation.

The GCU acceptance rate reflects its commitment to welcoming a diverse and talented student body. While admissions are moderately selective, applicants with a strong GPA, solid SAT or ACT scores, and meaningful extracurricular involvement have a higher chance of acceptance.

🚀 Use Testbook's SAT Score Calculator to Find Your SAT Scores! 

Did You Know Facts About Grand Canyon University?

1️⃣ GCU, or Grand Canyon University, is one of the fastest-growing campuses in America! 📈 Over the past decade, there has been rapid growth at the university, with new cutting-edge facilities and academic programs.

2️⃣ It is a Christian university firmly believing in faith and service. ⛪ The institution guarantees that Christian values predominate in the curriculum, and it encourages students to participate in community service activities.

  1. GCU has one of the best sports programs around the country, with the most advanced esports arena and competitive gaming teams.🎮 GCU 
  2. GCU has always been known as one of the best universities with very outstanding online degrees. 🌍GCU has been recognized worldwide for its online education. 
  3. Very low amounts of fees paid by GCU, with very good scholarships awarded.🎓 Many students receive financial aid, making higher education more accessible. 

🚀 Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT!

Element

Details

College Name

Grand Canyon University

College Location

Phoenix, Arizona

University Short Form

GCU

Acceptance Rate

78% (Less Selective)

Early Decision Due

Rolling Admissions

Regular Application Due

August 31 or September 30

FAFSA Deadline

June 30

SAT Scores

920+

ACT Scores

19+

GPA Requirements

3.8 weighted or unweighted GPA

🚀 Also, Get to Know How to Send SAT Scores to Colleges?

Grand Canyon University Admission Requirements

Grand Canyon University, Arizona, follows a holistic admissions policy, considering academics, leadership, service, and extracurriculars. SAT/ACT scores are optional but can boost applications.

Requirement

Details

Application Platforms

GCU Application, Common Application

SAT Score (Recommended)

920+*

ACT Score (Recommended)

19+*

GPA Requirement

3.8 or higher

Application Requirements

No essay required, but strong academic performance is recommended

Application Fee

No application fee

If you have a strong GPA, solid SAT or ACT scores, and meaningful extracurriculars, you'll have a great shot at getting into Grand Canyon University. But GCU isn't just about numbers—it values students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and passion for learning.

Grand Canyon University SAT Requirements

Though Grand Canyon University has a test-optional policy, submitting SAT scores of 920 or above can enhance your application, especially for competitive programs like STEM or nursing.

Average Grand Canyon University SAT Scores for Admitted Students

A solid SAT score can strengthen your application to Grand Canyon University. The Grand Canyon University SAT requirements show that most admitted students score around 980 on average, with a middle 50% range of 920–1040. Check out the breakdown below!

Section

Average

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Math

480

450

510

Reading + Writing

500

470

530

Composite

980

920

1040

Students applying to competitive nursing, business, and STEM programs should aim for higher SAT scores to strengthen their applications.

📌 Check the SAT Vocabulary You Should Know!

SAT Score Distribution at GCU

Aiming for a good SAT score can help boost your chances at GCU! While Grand Canyon University SAT requirements are test-optional, most admitted students score between 920 and 1040. A higher score can make your application stand out. Check out the score distribution below!

Percentile

SAT Score

25th Percentile

920

50th Percentile

980

75th Percentile

1040

Students applying to the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, the College of Nursing, and STEM programs at Grand Canyon University should aim for scores at the higher end of the scale.

📌 Know the SAT Test Dates and Deadlines: Check the SAT Exam Calendar!

Grand Canyon University Schools That Consider SAT Scores

While Grand Canyon University's SAT requirements are flexible due to its test-optional policy, some schools and programs within GCU may still consider SAT scores for admissions, scholarships, or placement purposes. Having a solid SAT score can strengthen your application. Here are some schools within GCU that may consider SAT scores:

  • College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • College of Education
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

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Grand Canyon University ACT Requirements

ACT scores are also optional at GCU, but a score of 19 or higher can increase your competitiveness. GCU superscores the ACT, taking the highest scores from each section across multiple test dates.

Average Grand Canyon University ACT Scores for Admitted Students

While Grand Canyon University ACT scores aren't required for admission, submitting a competitive score can give your application an edge. Most admitted students score between 19 and 24, with an average ACT score of 21. A score closer to 24+ makes you a stronger candidate!

ACT Percentile

ACT Score Range

25th Percentile

19

50th Percentile (Median)

21

75th Percentile

24

Scoring 22–24+ gives you a strong edge, particularly for scholarships and selective programs within Grand Canyon University, Arizona.

GCU superscores the ACT, meaning they consider the highest section scores across multiple test dates. This allows students to showcase their best possible composite score.

🚀Also, Find out what the ACT Writing Score is Here!

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Grand Canyon University GPA Requirement

A GPA of 3.0 or above is strongly recommended at Grand Canyon University. While there is no strict cutoff, students with lower GPAs can strengthen their applications through high test scores and extracurricular excellence.

Grand Canyon University Average GPA for Admitted Students

Regarding GPA requirements for Grand Canyon University, the school is moderately competitive. Most admitted students have a GPA between 2.8 and 3.8, with an average GPA of 3.3. A higher GPA, especially 3.5+, can strengthen your application!

GPA Percentile

GPA Range

25th Percentile

2.8

50th Percentile (Median)

3.3

75th Percentile

3.8+

Competitive applicants to GrandCanyon University often fall within the 3.3–3.8+ GPA range.

🚀Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines.

Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate

With a moderately selective admissions process, the Grand Canyon University acceptance rate is 78%. This high rate indicates an inclusive yet academically serious environment.

Acceptance Rate

Total Applicants

Admitted

Enrolled

78% (Less Selective)

36,861

30,534

7,620

🚀 Convert Your SAT Scores with Our SAT to ACT Conversion Tool!

Grand Canyon University Scholarships

GCU offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially. These include merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships.

Notable GCU Scholarships

  • Presidential Scholarship – Awarded to high-achieving students with exceptional GPAs and test scores.
  • Provost's Scholarship – Recognizes academic excellence in high school.
  • Dean's Scholarship – Available for students with strong leadership and service records.
  • Program-Specific Scholarships – Offered in business, nursing, engineering, and STEM fields.

How to Apply for FAFSA Aid?

If you apply to Grand Canyon University, you may qualify for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This helps determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and student loans.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for FAFSA aid at Grand Canyon University, Arizona:

✅ Step-by-Step FAFSA Application Process for GCU

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before starting the FAFSA form, collect the following:

  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your driver's license (if applicable)
  • Your Alien Registration Number (for non-U.S. citizens)
  • Federal tax returns, W-2s, and other records of income (prior-prior year)
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income
  • GCU's school code: GCU’s FAFSA School Code is 001074

Step 2: Create an FSA ID

You and one of your parents (if you're a dependent student) will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov. This ID is used to sign the FAFSA form electronically.

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA Form

  • Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • Choose the correct academic year
  • Enter GCU's school code: 001074
  • Submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The federal deadline is June 30, but earlier submission is recommended.

Step 4: Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

After submission, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your FAFSA data. Review for accuracy and correct any mistakes.

Step 5: Respond to Any Requests from GCU

GCU's Financial Aid Office may request additional documentation to verify your application. Make sure to respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 6: Receive Your Financial Aid Offer

GCU will send you a Financial Aid Offer Letter outlining your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships.

📌 Additional FAFSA Tips for GCU Applicants

  • File your FAFSA as early as October 1 for the best chance at aid.
  • GCU recommends using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) for faster and more accurate completion.
  • Even if you think you may not qualify, submit the FAFSA—you could still be eligible for low-interest federal loans or institutional scholarships.

🚀Get to Know the Recent Changes Made in the SAT Exam!

Grand Canyon University Superscoring Policy

Grand Canyon University, Arizona, uses superscoring for the SAT and the ACT. This means they consider the highest section scores across multiple test attempts, giving students the best possible composite score.

🚀Ace Your Upcoming ACT Test Preparation with our detailed preparation Guide!

Conclusion

Students have a strong chance of admission with a 78% Grand Canyon University acceptance rate, a GPA of 3.0+, and recommended SAT (920+) or ACT (19+) scores. But GCU looks beyond numbers.

Students who bring leadership, service, and academic ambition will thrive in Grand Canyon University, Arizona's welcoming, faith-centered environment. Whether pursuing business, nursing, STEM, or the arts, GrandCanyon University offers a flexible and affordable path to success.

Colleges That Use SAT Scores

Many prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. require SAT scores as part of their admissions process. Below is a list of top colleges and universities that use SAT scores for their admissions.

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Scores

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

840–990*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

16–20*

880–1120*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1080*

Colleges That Accept a 1200 Score on the SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–28*

1040–1260*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

935–1120*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1170*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1130*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1170*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Grand Canyon University Acceptance Rate FAQs

GCU recommends a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission. However, students with a GPA of 2.8+ may still be considered with strong test scores or achievements.

No, GCU is moderately selective with an 83% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. A solid academic record and extracurricular involvement help.

GCU is known for its faith-based education, strong online programs, and career-focused degrees. It offers excellent facilities and support for students.

The average cost for 4 years at GCU is approximately $72,000–$80,000 before financial aid. This includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses.

GCU is considered affordable compared to many private universities, especially with its generous scholarships and financial aid options.

GCU's popularity comes from its fast-growing campus, strong online presence, esports programs, and Christian values. It also offers accessible admissions and career-ready degrees.
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