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Wikipedia

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private for-profit Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona.[2] Based on student enrollment, Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world in 2018,[7][8] with 20,000 attending students on campus and 70,000 online.[9] As of September 2023, there are more than 100,000 students in attendance.[4]

Grand Canyon University
Former names
Grand Canyon College (August 1949 – May 1989)[1]
MottoFind Your Purpose
TypePrivate for-profit university[2]
EstablishedAugust 1, 1949; 74 years ago (1949-08-01)[1]
AccreditationHLC
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational Christian
PresidentBrian Mueller
ProvostRandy Gibb
Academic staff
550 full-time faculty[3]
5,801 adjunct faculty[3]
Students101,816[4]
Undergraduates66,769[4]
Postgraduates35,047[4]
Location, ,
United States
CampusLarge city, 101 acres (41 hectares)[5]
Student-to-faculty ratio20 to 1[4]
NewspaperGCU Today
ColorsPurple, black, and white[6]
     
NicknameAntelopes ("Lopes")
Sporting affiliations
MascotThunder the Antelope
Websitewww.gcu.edu

Grand Canyon was established by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention on August 1, 1949, in Prescott, Arizona, as Grand Canyon College.[10] In 1999–2000, the university ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention.[11]

The university offers degree programs through its nine colleges including education, arts and media, humanities and social sciences, nursing and health care professions, science, theology, engineering and technology, and business.[12]

History edit

Founding edit

Grand Canyon College was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949 in Prescott, Arizona. Southern Baptists felt the need to establish a faith-based institution that would allow local Baptists the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree without going east to one of the Baptist colleges in Texas or Oklahoma.

On October 8, 1951, Grand Canyon College relocated to its current location in Phoenix.[13]

In 1984, the college's trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the 40th anniversary of the school in 1989, becoming Grand Canyon University. At this time, it also changed governance from the Southern Baptist Convention to the GCU Board of Trustees.[13]

For-profit Restructuring edit

Suffering financial and other difficulties in the early part of the 21st century, the school's trustees authorized its sale in January 2004 to California-based Significant Education, LLC,[14] making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.[15] Significant Education was a subsidiary of education entrepreneur Michael K. Clifford's company.[14] Clifford became managing director of the privatized institution, with the former board of trustees serving in an advisory role.[14] Significant Education changed to a corporation in 2005 and became publicly traded under a new name Grand Canyon Education, Inc in 2008.[16] It trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "LOPE".[16][17]

After the infusion of capital, Grand Canyon University's size increased. After having fewer than 1,000 students enrolled in 2008, the university had 17,500 students in the spring of 2017.[18] A 2015 economic impact study revealed that the university was adding about $1 billion into the state's economy each year during its expansion.[19] In February 2017, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said that the neighborhoods surrounding the university have experienced a 30% increase in housing values while concurrently seeing a 30% decrease in crime rates.[20]

In 2008, the university was sued by the United States federal government for paying enrollment counselors according to how many students they had enrolled while at the same time accepting federal financial aid, a violation of the Department of Education's incentive compensation ban. GCU eventually reached a settlement in the case, and was forced to pay a $5.2 million fine to a former employee and the federal government.[21]

By 2014 the accumulated student loan debt of Grand Canyon students was estimated to be more than $5.9 billion.[22]

Due to GCU's for-profit status (and various other reasons), Arizona State University had refused to play against GCU in any sport, even though both are NCAA Division I schools and located only 16 miles (26 km) apart.[23][24][additional citation(s) needed] ASU eventually reversed its decision, and sporting events between the two universities recommenced in the fall of 2020.[25]

Attempts to return to non-profit status edit

In fall 2014, the college announced the exploration of a return to non-profit status.[26] Grand Canyon's regional accreditation body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), rejected the university's petition for conversion to non-profit status in 2016, stating that the school's proposed strategy, particularly its plan to outsource some of its activities (such as curriculum development and student support services) to outside vendors, did not meet the criteria for "such a conversion".[26][27][28] In 2018, the university submitted another application to HLC to change to non-profit status.[29] This second application was accepted on July 1, 2018.[30][31] Although some organizations have approved this transition, the U.S. Department of Education still classifies the university as a for-profit university. The government specifically stated that GCU is a captive client to Grand Canyon Education and the college is operating for the benefit of shareholders of a for-profit company.[32] Grand Canyon Education has also been accused of engaging in securities-law fraud with its relation to GCU.[33][34]

Grand Canyon University was alleged to switch from for-profit status to non-profit status due to its yearly $9.2 million property tax bill. Numerous school officials said this was unsustainable and was one of the key reasons a required switch from for-profit to non-profit status was made, to reduce that burden.[23] Some critics of for-profit education criticized the relationship between GCU and Grand Canyon Education, Inc. as being too intertwined.[35][36]

In 2021, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by GCU that claimed the university didn't receive all the coronavirus relief funds to which it was entitled because it was a non-profit entity.[37] That same year, GCU filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education after being denied non-profit status twice.[38] The lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 after a federal judge rejected the university's claims.[39]

In October 2023, a Grand Canyon University press release alleged that there was a concerted effort by the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Trade Commission, and Department of Veterans Affairs to punish the school for attempting to gain non-profit status.[40][41]

In 2023 the Department of Education fined the company $37.7M for deceiving students about the cost of doctoral degrees. The department alleged that 78% of students graduating in those programs paid about 25% over the cost that GCU represented, with much of the extra charges accumulating from additional "continuation classes" for completing the dissertation requirement. Only 2% paid the represented cost. The school disputed the allegation, claiming in addition that it provides more information than is legally required. GCU is the largest recipient of Federal student aid. In addition to the fine, the department imposed conditions on the school to continue participating in the federal student aid programs.[42][43]

Campuses edit

 
Student Union on Camelback Road

Main Campus in Phoenix edit

In 2006, the college spent US$150 million to renovate the campus, adding a brick promenade, an aquatics center and a café.[44]

In 2009, Grand Canyon University's campus began work on a US$60 million campus expansion project which includes a 500-bed dormitory, a 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley,[45] and a 5,000-seat arena. The GCU Arena, which opened on September 2, 2011,[46] is used for concerts, speakers, and other events. The arena is also home to the college's men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball games.[47] The arena was expanded to 7,000 seats with construction beginning in spring 2014 and concluding in August of the same year.[48][49] Grand Canyon University offers several fast food restaurants, coffee shops, student union, cafeteria, video game room, and six-lane bowling alley for student recreation.[50] In August 2016, the university announced it was establishing a campus police department, converting its Public Safety Department, a 177-member force.[51]

In August 2016, GCU announced its 10 in 2 initiative, the building of 10 on-campus athletic facilities in a two-year span. Highlights of the project included new facilities for the university's soccer, baseball, softball, tennis and beach volleyball programs. It also included a sports medicine expansion, an equipment room expansion, practice facilities for the basketball and golf programs, and a student-athlete academic center.[52]

Accelerated Nursing (ABSN) Learning Sites edit

In 2020, the university opened their first two ABSN Locations; one located in Sun City, Arizona and the other in Tucson, Arizona.[53]

On May 9, 2022, GCU opened their first ABSN Location outside of Arizona in Sandy, Utah.[54]

On September 7, 2023, GCU Announced the opening of its 5th ABSN location in Chandler, Arizona.[53][55]

GCU opened their 6th ABSN Location, in Phoenix's West Valley with a grand opening ceremony on September 18, 2023.[53]

GCU's 4th ABSN location is located in Henderson, Nevada.[53]

Academics edit

Grand Canyon University offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs through its nine colleges.[12]

  • Colangelo College of Business
  • College of Doctoral Studies
  • College of Education
  • College of Arts and Media
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
  • College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  • College of Theology
  • Honors College

In August 2016, the university announced that it was opening a seminary.[56]

In April 2017, Arizona nursing board officials censured GCU after the school's nursing programs fell below 80% graduation rate for two consecutive years. GCU said it would implement a plan to increase graduation rates.[57] Three months later, the nursing board announced it was pleased with the "tremendous improvements" the university had shown to addressing all concerns.[58] In 2018, Grand Canyon's nursing program was censured by the Arizona State Board of Nursing over test passage rates. The censure came due to the number of first-time students failing to pass the registered nursing exam and after numerous complaints by students and faculty.[59] In the second quarter of 2018, Grand Canyon University's nursing students posted a 95.65 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This leads to a year-to-date rate of 92.86 percent, which is higher than the Arizona Board of Nursing's year-to-date statewide average of 91.89.[60]

Grand Canyon University's undergraduate entrance requirements are either a 3.0 high school GPA, or a high school GPA of 2.5 with either an SAT score of 1,000 or ACT score of 19.[61] In 2021, the university acceptance rate was 76.9%; of those admitted, 23% enrolled. The university does not report scores of matriculating students, while high school class rank, high school college preparatory classes, and letters of recommendation are neither required nor recommended.

Athletics edit

 
GCU Antelopes Baseball playing against Gonzaga University at GCU on February 19, 2016.

Grand Canyon University is a member of NCAA Division I with most sports participating in the Western Athletic Conference.[62] Grand Canyon's reclassification to Division I status in athletics started in the academic year 2013–14.[62] On August 23, 2017, the NCAA approved Grand Canyon's move to Division I, elevating the university to active membership status[63] and making it Division I basketball's only for-profit institution.[64] GCU immediately became eligible for post-season competition.[65]

Men's Volleyball competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and Beach Volleyball competes independently.[citation needed]

Rankings, recognition, statistics, and accreditation edit

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). According to the HLC, Grand Canyon College entered candidacy for accreditation in 1961. By 1968 the school was regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, HLC's predecessor, and remains accredited, successfully renewing its 10-year comprehensive evaluation in 2017.[68] GCU colleges and programs also holds additional accreditations from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Arizona State Board of Educations, and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The university teachers and administrator preparation programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Education.[69]

In 2021, the university acceptance rate was 76.9%, and, of those admitted, 23% enrolled.[70] The freshman retention rate was 61%.[71] U.S. News & World Report classifies the university among "National Universities", wherein it was classified in the 2022 Best Colleges as a Tier 2 institution (meaning it is placed in the bottom 25 percent of institutions in its ranking category).[71]

Notable alumni edit

References edit

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  2. ^ a b "College Navigator: Grand Canyon University". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "College Navigator: Grand Canyon University". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e "College Navigator: Grand Canyon University". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  5. ^ "US News". US NEWS. from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  6. ^ "Grand Canyon University Athletic Brand Standards". September 20, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  7. ^ Gonzales, Angela (May 2, 2018). "How Grand Canyon University became the world's largest Christian university". Phoenix Business Journal. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  8. ^ Leingang, Rachel. "Grand Canyon University may now be the largest Christian university in the United States". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  9. ^ "Liberty University is no longer the largest Christian university". Religion News Service. April 27, 2018. from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  10. ^ "Recipient of free campus has Baptist roots". Baptist News Global. 2012. from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  11. ^ "One grand story: How GCU began rewriting its destiny 10 years ago". GCU News Bureau. 2014. from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Degree Programs - College Courses Campus & Online". GCU. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
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  14. ^ a b c Ledbetter, Tammy Reed (February 10, 2004). . Baptist Press. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  15. ^ Bob Smietana, Christian Ed That Pays Off May 12, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Christianity Today, May 19, 2005, Accessed May 11, 2006
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  18. ^ Everett, William (February 15, 2017). "Grand Canyon University expansion has enhanced the area, officials say". Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
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  37. ^ Schwatrz, Natalie. "Judge dismisses Grand Canyon U lawsuit seeking more COVID-19 aid". www.highereddive.com. Higher Ed Dive. Retrieved November 20, 2021.
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  54. ^ Sweeten-Shults, Lana (June 13, 2022). "GCU Nursing opens Accelerated BSN site in Utah". GCU News. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  55. ^ "Grand Canyon University to open newest nursing site in Chandler". Chandler, Arizona. March 14, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  56. ^ Glader, Paul (August 11, 2016). "Largest For-Profit Christian College to Open Seminary This Fall". Christianity Today. from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  57. ^ Ryman, Anne (April 9, 2017). "Grand Canyon University's RN program censured by state nursing board". Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
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  59. ^ "State board censures Grand Canyon University". www.bizjournals.com. April 10, 2017. from the original on May 8, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  60. ^ Ryan Kryska (July 19, 2018). "Nursing students post stellar licensure exam rating". Grand Canyon University. from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  61. ^ "Undergraduate Campus and Online Admission Requirements". gcu.edu. Grand Canyon University. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  62. ^ a b Gonzales, Angela (November 27, 2012). "Grand Canyon University becomes NCAA Division I school, joins WAC". Phoenix Business Journal. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  63. ^ Obert, Richard (August 23, 2017). "GCU officially granted Division I active membership by NCAA". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  64. ^ "How the only for-profit Div. I school is building a monster in the desert". ESPN.com. February 21, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  65. ^ "Grand Canyon University cleared for D-I play by NCAA". Arizona Sports. Associated Press. August 23, 2017. from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2017.
  66. ^ "2023-2024 Best National Universities". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  67. ^ "2022 National University Rankings". Washington Monthly. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  68. ^ "Higher Learning Commission Reaffirms Grand Canyon University Accreditation". PR Newswire. March 13, 2017. from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  69. ^ "Grand Canyon University's Accreditations". Grand Canyon University. 2018. from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  70. ^ "GCU Admission Requirements – U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics survey". collegesimply.com. CollegeSimply.com. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
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33°30′45″N 112°7′48″W / 33.51250°N 112.13000°W / 33.51250; -112.13000

grand, canyon, university, private, profit, christian, university, phoenix, arizona, based, student, enrollment, largest, christian, university, world, 2018, with, attending, students, campus, online, september, 2023, there, more, than, students, attendance, f. Grand Canyon University GCU is a private for profit Christian university in Phoenix Arizona 2 Based on student enrollment Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world in 2018 7 8 with 20 000 attending students on campus and 70 000 online 9 As of September 2023 there are more than 100 000 students in attendance 4 Grand Canyon UniversityFormer namesGrand Canyon College August 1949 May 1989 1 MottoFind Your PurposeTypePrivate for profit university 2 EstablishedAugust 1 1949 74 years ago 1949 08 01 1 AccreditationHLCReligious affiliationNon denominational ChristianPresidentBrian MuellerProvostRandy GibbAcademic staff550 full time faculty 3 5 801 adjunct faculty 3 Students101 816 4 Undergraduates66 769 4 Postgraduates35 047 4 LocationPhoenix Arizona United StatesCampusLarge city 101 acres 41 hectares 5 Student to faculty ratio20 to 1 4 NewspaperGCU TodayColorsPurple black and white 6 NicknameAntelopes Lopes Sporting affiliationsNCAA Division I WACMPSFMascotThunder the AntelopeWebsitewww wbr gcu wbr eduGrand Canyon was established by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention on August 1 1949 in Prescott Arizona as Grand Canyon College 10 In 1999 2000 the university ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention 11 The university offers degree programs through its nine colleges including education arts and media humanities and social sciences nursing and health care professions science theology engineering and technology and business 12 Contents 1 History 1 1 Founding 1 2 For profit Restructuring 1 3 Attempts to return to non profit status 2 Campuses 2 1 Main Campus in Phoenix 2 2 Accelerated Nursing ABSN Learning Sites 3 Academics 4 Athletics 5 Rankings recognition statistics and accreditation 6 Notable alumni 7 ReferencesHistory editFounding edit Grand Canyon College was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949 in Prescott Arizona Southern Baptists felt the need to establish a faith based institution that would allow local Baptists the opportunity to obtain a bachelor s or master s degree without going east to one of the Baptist colleges in Texas or Oklahoma On October 8 1951 Grand Canyon College relocated to its current location in Phoenix 13 In 1984 the college s trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the 40th anniversary of the school in 1989 becoming Grand Canyon University At this time it also changed governance from the Southern Baptist Convention to the GCU Board of Trustees 13 For profit Restructuring edit Suffering financial and other difficulties in the early part of the 21st century the school s trustees authorized its sale in January 2004 to California based Significant Education LLC 14 making it the first for profit Christian college in the United States 15 Significant Education was a subsidiary of education entrepreneur Michael K Clifford s company 14 Clifford became managing director of the privatized institution with the former board of trustees serving in an advisory role 14 Significant Education changed to a corporation in 2005 and became publicly traded under a new name Grand Canyon Education Inc in 2008 16 It trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol LOPE 16 17 After the infusion of capital Grand Canyon University s size increased After having fewer than 1 000 students enrolled in 2008 the university had 17 500 students in the spring of 2017 18 A 2015 economic impact study revealed that the university was adding about 1 billion into the state s economy each year during its expansion 19 In February 2017 Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said that the neighborhoods surrounding the university have experienced a 30 increase in housing values while concurrently seeing a 30 decrease in crime rates 20 In 2008 the university was sued by the United States federal government for paying enrollment counselors according to how many students they had enrolled while at the same time accepting federal financial aid a violation of the Department of Education s incentive compensation ban GCU eventually reached a settlement in the case and was forced to pay a 5 2 million fine to a former employee and the federal government 21 By 2014 the accumulated student loan debt of Grand Canyon students was estimated to be more than 5 9 billion 22 Due to GCU s for profit status and various other reasons Arizona State University had refused to play against GCU in any sport even though both are NCAA Division I schools and located only 16 miles 26 km apart 23 24 additional citation s needed ASU eventually reversed its decision and sporting events between the two universities recommenced in the fall of 2020 25 Attempts to return to non profit status edit In fall 2014 the college announced the exploration of a return to non profit status 26 Grand Canyon s regional accreditation body the Higher Learning Commission HLC rejected the university s petition for conversion to non profit status in 2016 stating that the school s proposed strategy particularly its plan to outsource some of its activities such as curriculum development and student support services to outside vendors did not meet the criteria for such a conversion 26 27 28 In 2018 the university submitted another application to HLC to change to non profit status 29 This second application was accepted on July 1 2018 30 31 Although some organizations have approved this transition the U S Department of Education still classifies the university as a for profit university The government specifically stated that GCU is a captive client to Grand Canyon Education and the college is operating for the benefit of shareholders of a for profit company 32 Grand Canyon Education has also been accused of engaging in securities law fraud with its relation to GCU 33 34 Grand Canyon University was alleged to switch from for profit status to non profit status due to its yearly 9 2 million property tax bill Numerous school officials said this was unsustainable and was one of the key reasons a required switch from for profit to non profit status was made to reduce that burden 23 Some critics of for profit education criticized the relationship between GCU and Grand Canyon Education Inc as being too intertwined 35 36 In 2021 a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by GCU that claimed the university didn t receive all the coronavirus relief funds to which it was entitled because it was a non profit entity 37 That same year GCU filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education after being denied non profit status twice 38 The lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 after a federal judge rejected the university s claims 39 In October 2023 a Grand Canyon University press release alleged that there was a concerted effort by the U S Department of Education Federal Trade Commission and Department of Veterans Affairs to punish the school for attempting to gain non profit status 40 41 In 2023 the Department of Education fined the company 37 7M for deceiving students about the cost of doctoral degrees The department alleged that 78 of students graduating in those programs paid about 25 over the cost that GCU represented with much of the extra charges accumulating from additional continuation classes for completing the dissertation requirement Only 2 paid the represented cost The school disputed the allegation claiming in addition that it provides more information than is legally required GCU is the largest recipient of Federal student aid In addition to the fine the department imposed conditions on the school to continue participating in the federal student aid programs 42 43 Campuses edit nbsp Student Union on Camelback RoadMain Campus in Phoenix edit In 2006 the college spent US 150 million to renovate the campus adding a brick promenade an aquatics center and a cafe 44 In 2009 Grand Canyon University s campus began work on a US 60 million campus expansion project which includes a 500 bed dormitory a 55 000 square foot 5 100 m2 fitness and recreation center 125 classroom facility food court and bowling alley 45 and a 5 000 seat arena The GCU Arena which opened on September 2 2011 46 is used for concerts speakers and other events The arena is also home to the college s men s and women s basketball teams and women s volleyball games 47 The arena was expanded to 7 000 seats with construction beginning in spring 2014 and concluding in August of the same year 48 49 Grand Canyon University offers several fast food restaurants coffee shops student union cafeteria video game room and six lane bowling alley for student recreation 50 In August 2016 the university announced it was establishing a campus police department converting its Public Safety Department a 177 member force 51 In August 2016 GCU announced its 10 in 2 initiative the building of 10 on campus athletic facilities in a two year span Highlights of the project included new facilities for the university s soccer baseball softball tennis and beach volleyball programs It also included a sports medicine expansion an equipment room expansion practice facilities for the basketball and golf programs and a student athlete academic center 52 Accelerated Nursing ABSN Learning Sites edit In 2020 the university opened their first two ABSN Locations one located in Sun City Arizona and the other in Tucson Arizona 53 On May 9 2022 GCU opened their first ABSN Location outside of Arizona in Sandy Utah 54 On September 7 2023 GCU Announced the opening of its 5th ABSN location in Chandler Arizona 53 55 GCU opened their 6th ABSN Location in Phoenix s West Valley with a grand opening ceremony on September 18 2023 53 GCU s 4th ABSN location is located in Henderson Nevada 53 Academics editGrand Canyon University offers over 200 bachelor s master s and doctoral degree programs through its nine colleges 12 Colangelo College of Business College of Doctoral Studies College of Education College of Arts and Media College of Humanities and Social Sciences College of Nursing and Health Care Professions College of Science Engineering and Technology College of Theology Honors CollegeIn August 2016 the university announced that it was opening a seminary 56 In April 2017 Arizona nursing board officials censured GCU after the school s nursing programs fell below 80 graduation rate for two consecutive years GCU said it would implement a plan to increase graduation rates 57 Three months later the nursing board announced it was pleased with the tremendous improvements the university had shown to addressing all concerns 58 In 2018 Grand Canyon s nursing program was censured by the Arizona State Board of Nursing over test passage rates The censure came due to the number of first time students failing to pass the registered nursing exam and after numerous complaints by students and faculty 59 In the second quarter of 2018 Grand Canyon University s nursing students posted a 95 65 percent first time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX This leads to a year to date rate of 92 86 percent which is higher than the Arizona Board of Nursing s year to date statewide average of 91 89 60 Grand Canyon University s undergraduate entrance requirements are either a 3 0 high school GPA or a high school GPA of 2 5 with either an SAT score of 1 000 or ACT score of 19 61 In 2021 the university acceptance rate was 76 9 of those admitted 23 enrolled The university does not report scores of matriculating students while high school class rank high school college preparatory classes and letters of recommendation are neither required nor recommended Athletics editMain article Grand Canyon Antelopes nbsp GCU Antelopes Baseball playing against Gonzaga University at GCU on February 19 2016 Grand Canyon University is a member of NCAA Division I with most sports participating in the Western Athletic Conference 62 Grand Canyon s reclassification to Division I status in athletics started in the academic year 2013 14 62 On August 23 2017 the NCAA approved Grand Canyon s move to Division I elevating the university to active membership status 63 and making it Division I basketball s only for profit institution 64 GCU immediately became eligible for post season competition 65 Men s Volleyball competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and Beach Volleyball competes independently citation needed Rankings recognition statistics and accreditation editAcademic rankingsNationalU S News amp World Report 66 299 391Washington Monthly 67 309Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission HLC According to the HLC Grand Canyon College entered candidacy for accreditation in 1961 By 1968 the school was regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools HLC s predecessor and remains accredited successfully renewing its 10 year comprehensive evaluation in 2017 68 GCU colleges and programs also holds additional accreditations from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ACBSP the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE the Arizona State Board of Educations and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education CAATE The university teachers and administrator preparation programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Education 69 In 2021 the university acceptance rate was 76 9 and of those admitted 23 enrolled 70 The freshman retention rate was 61 71 U S News amp World Report classifies the university among National Universities wherein it was classified in the 2022 Best Colleges as a Tier 2 institution meaning it is placed in the bottom 25 percent of institutions in its ranking category 71 Notable alumni editAnthony Birchak wrestler MMA fighter Henry Cejudo MMA fighter Ultimate Fighting Championship Bill Engvall comedian Efrain Escudero wrestler MMA fighter TUF 8 winner Bayard Forrest professional basketball player Grandy Glaze St Johns Edge Canadian League Basketball Steven Green Christian music singer Niki Jackson Major League Soccer player Killian Larson professional basketball player Horacio Llamas professional basketball player Randy McCament professional baseball player Josh McDermitt American film and television actor and comedian Moriah Peters singer songwriter James L Pharr fire marshall and professor of fire safety and engineering technology Cody Ransom professional baseball player Tim Salmon professional baseball player Randy Soderman professional soccer player Rachel Mitchell sex crimes prosecutor and Maricopa County attorney who interviewed Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford David Stapleton professional baseball player Kevin Warren current president and CEO of the Chicago Bears 72 also former COO of the Minnesota Vikings 73 and commissioner of the Big Ten Conference Christine Weidinger American operatic soprano James White reformed theologian apologist director of Alpha and Omega Ministries Walter Ellis professional basketball playerReferences edit a b History of GCU Grand Canyon University Retrieved September 25 2023 a b College Navigator Grand Canyon University National Center for Education Statistics Retrieved September 24 2020 a b College Navigator Grand Canyon University National Center for Education Statistics Retrieved October 8 2023 a b c d e College Navigator Grand Canyon University National Center for Education Statistics Retrieved September 25 2023 US News US NEWS Archived from the original on September 12 2017 Retrieved March 31 2019 Grand Canyon University Athletic Brand Standards September 20 2018 Retrieved December 22 2022 Gonzales Angela May 2 2018 How Grand Canyon University became the world s largest Christian university Phoenix Business Journal Retrieved December 9 2020 Leingang Rachel Grand Canyon University may now be the largest Christian university in the United States The Arizona Republic Retrieved December 9 2020 Liberty University is no longer the largest Christian university Religion News Service April 27 2018 Archived from the original on May 25 2018 Retrieved July 15 2018 Recipient of free campus has Baptist roots Baptist News Global 2012 Archived from the original on September 22 2018 Retrieved September 21 2018 One grand story How GCU began rewriting its destiny 10 years ago GCU News Bureau 2014 Archived from the original on September 22 2018 Retrieved September 15 2018 a b Degree Programs College Courses Campus amp Online GCU Retrieved October 1 2023 a b History OF GCU Grand Canyon University 2015 Archived from the original on August 5 2016 Retrieved August 12 2016 a b c Ledbetter Tammy Reed February 10 2004 Grand Canyon Univ sold trustees in advisory role Baptist Press Archived from the original on February 25 2014 Retrieved July 2 2021 Bob Smietana Christian Ed That Pays Off Archived May 12 2006 at the Wayback Machine Christianity Today May 19 2005 Accessed May 11 2006 a b Form S 1 Registration Statement Grand Canyon Education Inc EDGAR Company filings database U S Securities and Exchange Commission Notes to Financial Statements page F 7 May 13 2008 retrieved December 17 2020 Grand Canyon Education Inc Common Stock LOPE Everett William February 15 2017 Grand Canyon University expansion has enhanced the area officials say Arizona Republic Retrieved September 9 2017 Hansen Ronald January 9 2015 GCU expansion worth 1 billion yearly Arizona Republic Retrieved September 9 2017 GCU 27th Avenue Grand Opening Governor s Office of Education February 15 2017 Archived from the original on December 5 2017 Retrieved March 19 2018 Ley Tom Grand Canyon University A For Profit School Previously Sued By The Feds Joins The Great Scam Of NCAA Division I Athletics Deadspin Archived from the original on February 7 2019 Retrieved February 5 2019 Looney Adam Yannelis Constantine A crisis in student loans How changes in the characteristics of borrowers and in the institutions they attended contributed to rising loan default PDF www brookings edu Brookings Institution Retrieved November 20 2021 a b How the only for profit Div I school is building a monster in the desert ESPN com February 21 2018 Archived from the original on April 7 2019 Retrieved February 5 2019 Ryman Anne Why Arizona State doesn t play Grand Canyon University azcentral GCU to Host ASU in December Grand Canyon University Athletics a b Cross Jim March 4 2016 Grand Canyon University Denied Switch to Nonprofit Status KTAR News Archived from the original on October 20 2016 Retrieved August 12 2016 Public Disclosure Notice PDF Archived PDF from the original on October 20 2016 Retrieved March 6 2016 Klapper Clayton March 4 2016 Grand Canyon University Denied Request to Switch to Nonprofit Status ABC15 Arizona Archived from the original on October 20 2016 Retrieved August 12 2016 Ashley A Smith January 5 2018 Another Shot at Becoming a Nonprofit Inside Higher Ed Archived from the original on January 28 2018 Retrieved January 27 2018 Thomason Andy March 6 2018 On Its 2nd Try Grand Canyon U Gets the Green Light to Become a Nonprofit The Chronicle of Higher Education Archived from the original on July 24 2018 Retrieved March 19 2018 Leingang Rachel July 2 2018 It s official Grand Canyon University has its non profit status back The Arizona Republic Retrieved August 5 2018 Leingang Rachel November 13 2019 GCU a captive client to for profit company feds say The Arizona Republic Retrieved September 2 2020 Wiles Russ February 5 2020 Grand Canyon Education s stock price drops after critical report from investment firm The Arizona Republic Retrieved September 2 2020 Grand Canyon Education The Educational Enron PDF Report Citron Research Archived PDF from the original on February 7 2020 Retrieved March 11 2020 Moody Josh For Profit University Giant Goes Nonprofit Amid Questions And Concerns Forbes Archived from the original on February 12 2019 Retrieved February 12 2019 Letter to National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity PDF ed gov May 7 2018 Archived PDF from the original on March 7 2019 Retrieved March 6 2019 Schwatrz Natalie Judge dismisses Grand Canyon U lawsuit seeking more COVID 19 aid www highereddive com Higher Ed Dive Retrieved November 20 2021 Leingang Rachel We have no choice Grand Canyon University sues U S Dept of Education over nonprofit status Schwartz Natalie Judge rejects Grand Canyon University s bid to overturn its for profit status Government Agencies Unjustly Targeting GCU Press release Grand Canyon University October 5 2023 Retrieved October 6 2023 Knott Katherine October 6 2023 Grand Canyon University Lambastes Federal Agencies in Unusual Public Statement Inside Higher Ed Retrieved October 11 2023 Hupka Sasha Grand Canyon University fined 37 7M for deceiving students about cost of doctoral degrees USA Today Retrieved October 31 2023 U S Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid Fines Grand Canyon University 37 7 Million for Deceiving Thousands of Students Press release U S Department of Education Retrieved October 31 2023 Stanton Alison October 11 2006 GCU campus receives makeover Arizona Republic Retrieved October 11 2006 Where to Eat New Campus Options Already Popular GCU Today Grand Canyon University September 1 2011 Archived from the original on August 17 2014 Retrieved August 21 2014 A Year s Wait Is Over Welcome GCU Arena GCU Today Grand Canyon University September 8 2011 Archived from the original on February 3 2014 Retrieved August 21 2014 Anderson Craig March 23 2010 GCU begins expansion of campus in Phoenix Arizona Republic Retrieved May 13 2010 Bob McClay December 16 2013 GCU to expand seating at new arena ktar com Archived from the original on October 31 2014 Retrieved August 21 2014 Done Arena is ready for its unveiling GCU edu Today August 13 2014 Archived from the original on February 13 2017 Retrieved March 21 2017 GCU Student Life Archived from the original on January 30 2017 Retrieved February 12 2017 GCU now has its own police force Grand Canyon University August 31 2016 Archived from the original on February 14 2017 Retrieved February 12 2017 GCU 10 in 2 Sports facilities to get makeovers by 2018 FOX 10 Phoenix August 16 2016 Archived from the original on September 10 2017 Retrieved September 9 2017 a b c d Sweeten Shults Lana September 7 2023 GCU opens new ABSN site in Chandler addresses nursing shortage GCU News Retrieved October 1 2023 Sweeten Shults Lana June 13 2022 GCU Nursing opens Accelerated BSN site in Utah GCU News Retrieved October 1 2023 Grand Canyon University to open newest nursing site in Chandler Chandler Arizona March 14 2023 Retrieved October 1 2023 Glader Paul August 11 2016 Largest For Profit Christian College to Open Seminary This Fall Christianity Today Archived from the original on August 13 2016 Retrieved August 12 2016 Ryman Anne April 9 2017 Grand Canyon University s RN program censured by state nursing board Arizona Republic Retrieved March 19 2018 Ryman Anne July 25 2017 Arizona nursing board GCU s RN program has made tremendous improvements since censure Arizona Republic Retrieved March 19 2018 State board censures Grand Canyon University www bizjournals com April 10 2017 Archived from the original on May 8 2017 Retrieved February 5 2019 Ryan Kryska July 19 2018 Nursing students post stellar licensure exam rating Grand Canyon University Archived from the original on July 28 2018 Retrieved September 13 2018 Undergraduate Campus and Online Admission Requirements gcu edu Grand Canyon University Retrieved July 7 2021 a b Gonzales Angela November 27 2012 Grand Canyon University becomes NCAA Division I school joins WAC Phoenix Business Journal Retrieved December 21 2020 Obert Richard August 23 2017 GCU officially granted Division I active membership by NCAA The Arizona Republic Retrieved December 21 2020 How the only for profit Div I school is building a monster in the desert ESPN com February 21 2018 Retrieved December 21 2020 Grand Canyon University cleared for D I play by NCAA Arizona Sports Associated Press August 23 2017 Archived from the original on September 10 2017 Retrieved September 9 2017 2023 2024 Best National Universities U S News amp World Report Retrieved September 22 2023 2022 National University Rankings Washington Monthly Retrieved September 13 2022 Higher Learning Commission Reaffirms Grand Canyon University Accreditation PR Newswire March 13 2017 Archived from the original on July 16 2017 Retrieved May 18 2017 Grand Canyon University s Accreditations Grand Canyon University 2018 Archived from the original on August 17 2018 Retrieved September 13 2018 GCU Admission Requirements U S Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics survey collegesimply com CollegeSimply com Retrieved July 7 2021 a b Grand Canyon University U S News amp World Report Archived from the original on September 12 2017 Retrieved August 18 2017 Edholm Eric January 12 2023 Bears name Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren as president and CEO NFL com Retrieved April 27 2023 Peters Craig February 4 2017 Kevin Warren Presented with Inaugural Pioneer Award Minnesota Vikings Archived from the original on February 14 2017 Retrieved February 13 2017 nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grand Canyon University 33 30 45 N 112 7 48 W 33 51250 N 112 13000 W 33 51250 112 13000 Portals nbsp Arizona nbsp Christianity nbsp Education Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Grand Canyon University amp oldid 1188417250, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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