Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, Arizona

Trilby W.

I'm the grateful parent of a recent (April) GCU grad. Having visited the three major universities in Arizona, my daughter and I agree that there is no university in this state with the kind of warm, friendly, and respectful atmosphere that is felt on GCU's campus. From staff to students, everyone is so helpful and kind. All of our daughter's professors and advisors went out of their way to help her during her four years there. The guidelines for classes and for graduation were clear. And speaking of graduation - never have I been to a graduation that was so well-managed. There were thousands of people in the arena and on the main lawn, yet there was no ugly behavior. The crowd control was impressive and reassuring. There were volunteers stationed EVERYWHERE, all of them clearly identified with badges and/or lanyards, at all possible entry and exit points, directing pedestrian and vehicle traffic and giving out helpful information. There were no awkward pauses or fumbles in the ceremony. Hundreds of names were read out perfectly and kept the procession smooth. There was respect for tradition and an expectation for a certain level of formality which elevated the celebration, but didn't make it rigid. There was humor and fun, too. The GCU choir was professional quality and astonishingly good. It was clear from the speeches that GCU admin and faculty love what they do and love their students. My only regret is that I have only one child to send to this wonderful school. Go Lopes!!!

New O.

As a current doctoral student, I want to share my honest experience with Grand Canyon University. The school promotes itself as a Christian institution that supports students through a 3-year doctoral journey. Unfortunately, my experience has not aligned with these claims.

Recently, GCU mandated that students switch to a new dissertation template, even if they were already far along in the process. This caused unnecessary delays and forced students to spend extensive time reformatting their work—time that could have been spent advancing their research. These delays often translate to additional tuition costs, which many feel is financially motivated.

Though GCU markets itself as a Christian university, the faith-based presence seems limited to weekly motivational scriptures. The values of fairness, transparency, and student care that one might expect from a Christian institution have not been consistently evident in my experience.

I’m now pursuing legal counsel due to the academic and financial setbacks this process has caused. If you're considering a doctoral program here, I strongly recommend researching thoroughly and going in prepared with outside support.

Amie C.

If you are looking for a Christian based, Jesus loving University then don’t go here! The Christian based message is only a front. This school is dishonest, only out for the money, not hearts for Jesus. Look at the attrition rates.

A few small details: pretty much ALL fast food on campus. One “small” area where students can have food that is somewhat “home cooked” and not even open all days. Students are not allowed to have toasters or anything in the dorms except a microwave so they are forced to eat unhealthy fast food. And it gets old, real fast. There are other room options that allow for toasters, they have kitchens, etc..but those get taken fast.

A Psychology class incorporates the gender agenda, equality narrative. Does not speak to man and woman being created in the image of God. Again, if this was a true Bible-based Christian school…like Liberty University, would never be a normal part of the curriculum.

Anatomy lab- taught by a graduate student, not even a certified professor. 3 hours of lecture in a lab and 0 hands on experience. What am I paying for

Think twice before attending. I wish I had done better research before getting sucked into this money pit by the high school recruiter who said all the right things.

A G. U.

A for-profit non-denominational "Christian" university is pure evil in it's finest forms. I was really disheartened by the business model approach to education on this campus. Putting profits before people is a terrible approach. The academic standards are really low because of mandatory participation points that are awarded to students in every class. However, it's against the rules to record attendance so there is no way to enforce it. This results in every student receiving an inflated grade. Throughout my time there it became really obvious how rowdy the students are. Some are Christian, but many are not. How the students act in the stands at the basketball games is a perfect reflection of how they act in class. Don't waste your time with this academic model business scam. Go to a real school.

Sabrina O.

I’m disappointed in this university. They kind of pushed me in a direction of a masters program I was told I’d be okay at. But there was a big gap of classes I was missing and it was too difficult to keep up. Secondly when I dropped the course. I had a past due balance and set up a payment plan. They told me I had a month to make the first payment of 96.00 and I paid 120 a month before hand. Now I got a notice that they are sending me to collections even though I was suppose to have a payment plan for this to pay over months. I was told I have an automatic payment set for the 26th of every month for the duration of my balance. If they send me to collections I’ll appeal it to the BBB

NanC I. Y. S.

They need a whole new team for the nursing department Field Experience Counselors! None of them are reaching out to students months ahead of time to let them know all the requirements and paper work that is needed to finish this last course in order to receive your BSN. The counselors do not respond in a professional timely manner. It is difficult to get a hold of them when needed. My class has been push out twice now and possibly a third time. I have multiple emails I sent and go days without response or update. It took me sending an email out the my academic counselor about wanting to filing a formal complaint against the Field Experience Counselors for them to start updating me. Also, commencement date is a bit weird as most schools graduate May to June and they do it in April?! I couldn't attend because I am "technically" not finished with all my courses and they were trying to get me to do commencement saying I'm graduating. Therefore, no point to doing commencement. GCU has been decent until the last course.

D A.

I was invited to an orientation as a prospective PhD candidate. This was a pleasant trip and very informative. We had a full day of activities and they included breakfast, lunch and dinner. Excellent itinerary which was time conscious and included a campus tour. We had the opportunity to visit the campus bookstore which was a treat. I have applied for the upcoming semester and encourage all students seeking a BA, MA and especially PhD to seriously consider a Grand Canyon University. The admission counselors were very helpful and answered all my questions with no hesitation and basically the follow up that I have received since I left the campus is incredible. That type of support is really needed will you try to finish your PhD and I am excited to be called a member of the Grand Canyon University community. Go Lopes!

gem J.

LOVE GCU THey have made a positive impact on my life as well as my children. They have programs of interest and I plan on furthering my degree. Please disregard and negative reviews. This school is great offering infamous nd off campus online schooling. The teacher, staff and other students are pleasant. I graduate soon. This school is actually more affordable than a fee other schools I researched in AZ after wanting to try another school out of curiosity and sound good advertising, however the other schools just weren't worth it. GCU is like my academic family