Grand Canyon University (GCU) is Arizona's private university. Based in Phoenix, the regionally accredited, private, non-denominational Christian university offers online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. The school is ranked as one of the top online education programs by OEDb (Online Education Database)¹ and as one of the top five online colleges for entrepreneurs by Fortune². With a total enrollment of approximately 25,000 students, GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional.

Origin of GCU

Grand Canyon College was born in the wake of World War II as the realization of a dream long held dear by the tiny congregations of Southern Baptists that called the Arizona mission frontier their home. In the fall of 1946, the Baptist General Convention of Arizona voted to organize a college. A few months later, the Convention selected the first trustees for the college, who soon secured an abandoned armory building in Prescott, Arizona, as Grand Canyon’s first campus.

Mission Statement

Grand Canyon University prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage. 

1. OEDb Rankings

2. Fortune - America's Best Colleges for Entrepreneurs