Before you can decide whether it makes sense to attend Arizona’s Grand Canyon University, you need to understand how much Grand Canyon University costs. In this article, we will take a look at Grand Canyon University tuition information, other associated expenses, and Grand Canyon University financial aid options.
Arizona is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. Named after the state’s most popular attraction, Grand Canyon University has made its mark for academic rigor and affordable private education. But is the Grand Canyon University ranking high in other respects? To learn more about this, the school’s tuition, and Grand Canyon University’s living expenses, keep reading.
Grand Canyon University Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #299-391
- Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A
Grand Canyon University was established in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. In 1984, it became a university. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, GCU promotes Christian education and believes in affordable tuition for private school students. Grand Canyon University is known for its Christian values, STEM degree programs, and high-quality online degrees.
It is a large school with a student population of 103,072 according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). White students make up 48 percent of the student body. The next largest racial or ethnic group is the Hispanic and Latino demographic, which accounts for 23 percent of GCU’s students. Black students comprise the third-largest group, at 15 percent.
How Much Does Grand Canyon University Cost?
Grand Canyon University costs $16,500 per year for undergraduate students. This baseline number includes tuition and fees but not housing and other costs. The annual cost of tuition and fees for graduate students is $10,621 per year. On average, students should expect to spend about $800 per year on books and supplies and $7,800 on room and board.
Grand Canyon University Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | Grand Canyon University Cost |
|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $16,500 |
| Grand Canyon University Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $16,500 |
| Grand Canyon University Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $10,621 |
| Grand Canyon University Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $10,621 |
| Grand Canyon University Books and Supplies | $800 |
At $16,500 per year, Grand Canyon University’s cost of tuition and fees is higher than the average cost of tuition and fees in the United States, which stands at $13,677, according to the NCES. Tuition and fees at GCU are much less expensive, however, than at the average private school, where students pay $32,444 per year.
Grand Canyon University is not particularly affordable relative to other institutions in Arizona. According to NCES, in-state tuition and fees at public universities in Arizona are $11,072 per year on average. Meanwhile, their private school counterparts pay $12,895 per year on average.
Grand Canyon University Living Expenses
| Expense | Grand Canyon University Cost |
|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University On-Campus Room and Board | $7,800 |
| Grand Canyon University Off-Campus Room and Board | $7,800 |
A typical undergraduate cost breakdown would look like this. Campus students pay an average annual cost of $7,800 for room and board, $800 for books, and $5,700 for additional expenses. It is also required students to have $5,700 for personal expenses. Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon University living expenses are the same on campus as they are off campus.
Cost of Living in Phoenix, Arizona
In Phoenix, Arizona where Grand Canyon University is located, the cost of living is four percent higher than the national average, according to PayScale. The average rent is $1,424 per month, a gallon of gas costs $4.49, and a doctor’s visit costs about $109.77. All in all, Phoenix is not a very expensive city. If you can afford Grand Canyon University tuition, you will do well here.
Grand Canyon University Financial Aid Statistics
Grand Canyon University provides financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. According to NCES, 100 percent of students receive grants or scholarship aid. More particularly, 87 percent of students receive federal grants and 34 percent receive Pell grants. Also, 60 percent of students receive federal or student loans.
Among undergraduates, the average student received $7,504 in aid. The average Pell grant recipient was awarded $4,798. Federal loans made up the largest share of aid, with the average student taking out $8,251.
Does Grand Canyon University Accept FAFSA?
Yes, Grand Canyon University accepts FAFSA. In fact, all admitted Grand Canyon students must fill out a FAFSA form. FAFSA assesses students’ eligibility for federal student aid programs, including Pell grants and work-study programs.
Does Grand Canyon University Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, Grand Canyon University accepts GI Bill benefits. GCU will assist you in applying for and using your authorized VA education benefits, including various types of tuition assistance. Your eligible funds depend on your military status. You will get your money after your academic department reviews and approves your application.
Is Grand Canyon University a Yellow Ribbon School?
Grand Canyon University is a Yellow Ribbon school, meaning that it is committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans. The GI Bill-affiliated programs in which GCU participates include Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, and Chapter 1606.
Grand Canyon University Scholarships and Grants
- Education Master’s Degree Scholarship. This scholarship is open to any student seeking their online Master’s in Education from GCU. Recipients get between $3,250 and $5,350 in tuition discounts. Traditional students are not eligible.
- Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship. One of many institutional scholarships that Grand Canyon University offers, this alumni scholarship is for GCU doctoral students. With this scholarship, students in doctoral degree programs may receive up to $2,000.
- Doctoral Transfer Student Scholarship. If you are already enrolled in a PhD program but are considering transferring, you can complete your PhD at GCU. This scholarship sweetens the pot for transfer candidates by awarding them a $1,000 tuition discount upon enrollment.
- Active Duty Online Military Undergraduate Scholarship. This scholarship is meant for active military personnel and their spouses who have enrolled in undergraduate studies at GCU. These students can get their tuition reduced to $250 per credit hour.
- TEACH Grant. A TEACH Grant is worth $4,000 per academic year for qualifying students. This grant is awarded to postsecondary students who intend to teach after graduation and promise to do so for at least four years.
Grand Canyon University Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | Grand Canyon University Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $17,858 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $18,664 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $21,573 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $23,456 |
| $110,001 and up | $23,460 |
The average net price is calculated by deducting the overall cost of attendance from the average amount of grant and scholarship assistance. The total cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, course supplies, housing, food, and other expenses.
How to Calculate Grand Canyon University Cost
To estimate the cost of schooling, you need to consider the tuition, other fees, and the financial aid you receive. The best way to do this is to use a cost calculator. The Grand Canyon University Net Price Calculator will do the job for you. All you need to do is plug in your information.
The calculator will come up with the amount you can expect to spend on your Grand Canyon University tuition and other expenses in a given year. It will subtract grant aid and scholarships from the total, leaving you with your anticipated cost burden. With this information in hand, you should be able to determine how much loan money you will need to borrow.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college is not too high if you get a scholarship and make an effort to save money. The cost of Grand Canyon University tuition and living expenses is slightly higher than the average cost. If you are looking for affordability above all else, then there are better options out there. One key takeaway is that GCU provides financial aid to 100 percent of its students.
Grand Canyon University Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 64%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $21,557
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $215
About 64 percent of Grand Canyon University students receive federal loans. The typical GCU student accrues $21,557 in total debt. According to the College Scorecard, zero to five percent of students use Parent PLUS loans, where parents borrow funds on behalf of their children. Students with these loans end up with an average total debt of just $16,062 after graduation.
Grand Canyon University Tuition Payment Plans
Grand Canyon University tuition payment plans consist of scholarships for anyone in an online degree program, military scholarships, and state and federal grants. Unfortunately, GCU doesn’t offer alternative tuition plans. Students who want to create a payment plan strategy should speak with their financial advisor or a university counselor.
Grand Canyon University Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
The average salary of Grand Canyon University graduates is $39,783, according to College Scorecard. This number is slightly above the national average. A survey sponsored by GCU found that 53.60 percent of college graduates find a job before graduating. Grand Canyon University offers career services to its students, including interview practice and resume help.
How to Save Money in College
- Sell stuff you don’t need. Have some old textbooks that you don’t need? Resell them and get back some of the money you used to buy them. Some good sites for selling your stuff are eBay and Craigslist.
- Get a part-time job. One great way to save money is to work while you’re in college. Some great part-time jobs are content writer, data entry specialist, online consultant, and online tutor. Working a job will allow you to be a little looser with your spending habits.
- Look for student discounts. It is a good idea to always carry your student ID because many businesses offer student discounts. Taking advantage of these discounts is one savvy way to spend less.
- Live with family. According to NCES, the annual cost of attendance for an on-campus student is $32,100, while someone living off-campus with family members only spends $24,300. So living with family can save you $7,800 per year.
- Shop at discount stores. Student discounts are not always available. The next best way to save a buck is by shopping at discount stores. Whether it’s groceries or clothes, discounted items are the way to avoid breaking the bank.
Is Grand Canyon University Affordable?
Yes, Grand Canyon University is affordable if you consider that all students get some kind of financial aid. It is one of the best and most prestigious universities in Arizona. It is not the most affordable school in Arizona, but it is affordable relative to private schools in other states. If you want a Christian education at a reasonable cost, you should seek admission at GCU.
Grand Canyon University Cost FAQ
Yes, you can get a job with a degree from Grand Canyon University, whether it be a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Most students find work within their first three years, and a good number manage to land a job before graduating from Grand Canyon University.
Grand Canyon University is known as the largest Christian university in the US and one of the largest private universities in Arizona. It is a large school that offers both traditional and online academic programs. Each program of study is taught from a Christian worldview, and the campus community is steeped in Christian values.
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Yes, Grand Canyon University offers one full-ride scholarship. The full-tuition scholarship is the Dream.US Scholarship for DACA recipients. This award is only offered to conventional, on-campus undergraduate students and not to online learners. You must be a Dreamer to be eligible.
No, Grand Canyon University is not cheaper than Arizona State University under most circumstances. If you live in Arizona, you qualify for the in-state rate at ASU, which is less than the tuition rate that all GCU students pay. But GCU may be cheaper if you are coming from outside the state of Arizona.
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