Private for-profit

Large

Mountain West Conference

Grand Canyon University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1006 to 1113

ACT Range20 to 22

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate78.9%

GCU is broadly accessible, so your strategy should focus on fit, support, and staying on track, especially with a 43% six-year graduation rate. If you choose to submit test scores, aim near or above 1113 SAT or 22 ACT so they clearly strengthen your application.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Grand Canyon University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Grand Canyon University enrolls 75,936 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. GCU has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 43%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Undergrad Enrollment75,936

Freshman Retention72%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio20:1

Graduation Rate43%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at GCU?

Key Grand Canyon University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

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Early Action

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Early Decision

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Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

November 7, 2026

Registration deadline: October 23, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to GCU, plan your first test by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus the fall for retakes. Since GCU uses rolling admission rather than a fixed ED, EA, or Regular Decision deadline, aim to have any fall retake scores ready before you submit your application.

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What you'll actually pay

GCU is a private for-profit university with tuition and fees of $17,850. About 47% of students receive financial aid, while the reported average merit award is $0.

Out-of-State Tuition$17,850

Tuition and Fees$17,850

Room and Board$11,700

Average Merit Award$0

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid47%

Average Aid Package$3,350

Average Debt at GradN/A

At Grand Canyon University, tuition, fees, room and board total about $29,550 per year before personal expenses. About 47% of students receive financial aid, and the average aid package is $3,350. Many students should plan for a substantial remaining cost, though each net price depends on financial need and other expenses.