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%

At GCU, test scores are truly optional: only about 1% of applicants submit SAT or ACT results. With a 79% acceptance rate, your main strategy is showing you are a good academic fit, and if you do send scores, aim near the top of the middle range, around 1113 SAT or 22 ACT.

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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%, and a 43% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.

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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

November 7, 2026

Registration deadline: October 23, 2026

December 5, 2026

Registration deadline: November 20, 2026

March 6, 2027

Registration deadline: February 19, 2027

ACT test dates

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

February 27, 2027

Registration deadline: January 22, 2027

April 10, 2027

Registration deadline: March 5, 2027

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional GCU, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes that could improve a superscore. Plan your final fall retake for the last test date whose scores will arrive before GCU’s application deadline.

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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.

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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.

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