Grand Canyon University (GCU)

Grand Canyon University (GCU) was founded in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Church. Then known as Grand Canyon College, our first campus was located in an abandoned armory building in Prescott, AZ. Two years later, we relocated to Phoenix, where we began developing a strong reputation as a premier private Christian university in Arizona. 

By the early 2000s, GCU was struggling with maintaining its operations and the quality of its academic experience in light of dwindling financial support. In 2004, the university transitioned out of non-profit status, implementing new business practices to turn around operations. The university community embraced a renewed emphasis on enhancing curriculum and opportunities for working professionals, particularly in the areas of nursing and education.

Today, the university is in the midst of its most exciting era. GCU has developed a reputation for producing some of the most effective servant leaders in the workforce today by offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in diverse fields, from business administration and business management to early childhood education, nursing and engineering. The student population is growing steadily and the campus is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion that is changing the landscape of West Phoenix.

Since our founding in 1949, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has been a Christian college with a biblically rooted mission. Founded as a Baptist university, today GCU is an interdenominational university that welcomes students from all backgrounds. Throughout its rich history, GCU has remained a vibrant Christian university that is committed to distinctively Christian beliefs, values and practices in accord with its mission and vision. While the university is clear about its identity as a Christian university and its foundational convictions, we are intentionally committed to living out the faith within the context of a missional community.

A missional community is a community of people strategically united in carrying out a mission that centers on following Jesus Christ in word and in deed, and in sharing the love of Christ generously to all who participate in the life of the community. Following Jesus in this way requires selflessness, sacrificial service and an ever-increasing love of the Lord and our neighbors. At GCU, we believe that right doctrine is essential and we are committed to the foundational beliefs that distinguish Christianity from other worldviews. Yet we are convinced that right practice is just as important and that following Christ must involve a living faith that is active and transformative for the individuals and the community that we serve.

Missional communities differ from what may be called covenant communities, in which all members of a school commit to affirming and practicing the same faith. While a covenantal approach may be appropriate for some colleges and universities, GCU has intentionally cultivated a missional community and a culture that is characterized by a welcoming spirit and loving service to all. As a missional community, GCU has the unique opportunity to welcome students, faculty and staff from all walks of life, some of whom may experience Christianity for the first time at the university. As a Christian university, we integrate faith, learning, work and service in an effort to honor God in all that we do, and we encourage others to join us in these endeavors.

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, Christian university strongly committed to guiding students to become socially responsible, compassionate servant leaders by making an enduring impact on their local, national and global communities.

The university provides both financial support and hundreds of volunteer hours at nonprofit agencies in our community such as the Phoenix Dream Center, Hopefest, American Cancer Society and Phoenix Rescue Mission. In addition, GCU has its own annual signature events such as Serve the City days, Salute Our Troops, Canyon Cares Christmas and the Run to Fight Children's Cancer.

GCU is also committed to improving lives in our neighborhood with programs to support K-12 education as well as a partnership with Habitat for Humanity that is the largest of its kind in the country.GCU staff and students are encouraged to look for new volunteer opportunities to support those affected by natural disasters across the country and throughout the world.Do you have questions about our charitable work or the organizations we support? Explore some of our work below, or call 855-GCU-LOPE and request to speak with a member of our community outreach team.

Receive tutoring in your toughest courses at the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Learning Lounge. Whether you need assistance understanding a homework assignment or want advice on how to start your next paper, you can work with another GCU student or adjunct faculty member who can help you find success in your classes.

All students can benefit from taking advantage of the tutoring services offered at the GCU Learning Lounge. We are pleased to offer a number of learning resources, including one-on-one learning sessions, academic success webinars, the Writing Center and more.