Grand Canyon University’s Snapshot Card
25+
Online master’s programs
$515–590
Per credit hour
~$18–42k
Typical total cost
8 wk
Cohort-based terms
Key policies
Institution type
Private, Christian university
Regional accreditation
HLC
Admissions model
Rolling — starts every few weeks
GRE/GMAT required
Not required
Faith integration
Embedded across all programs
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- ACBSP
- CCNE
- CACREP
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare Grand Canyon University by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in education, counseling, nursing, and accessible working-adult graduate pathways
- Compare accreditation → HLC regional accreditation plus CACREP, CCNE, and ACBSP programmatic credentials across major disciplines
- Compare learning model → Structured cohort-based 8-week courses with rolling admissions and multiple annual start dates
- Compare faith integration → Christian worldview embedded across coursework, institutional culture, and program frameworks — not limited to theology programs
- Compare alternatives → Liberty University, Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governors University, and Arizona State University
What Grand Canyon University Is Known For
Grand Canyon University is one of the largest providers of online master’s degrees in the United States. Originally founded in 1949 as a small Baptist college, GCU has transformed into a high-enrollment institution serving primarily working adults through its online division. The university integrates a Christian worldview across its curriculum — this isn’t incidental branding, it’s woven into coursework, program outcomes, and institutional culture.
GCU’s online master’s catalog is unusually broad, spanning education, nursing, business, counseling, psychology, healthcare administration, criminal justice, IT, public administration, theology, and communication. Its strongest cards are in education (one of the nation’s largest producers of teachers and school administrators), nursing (CCNE-accredited MSN pathways), and counseling (CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling). The rolling admissions model with 8-week course blocks makes GCU highly accessible for working professionals who can’t wait for traditional semester start dates.
GCU is regionally accredited by the HLC, which means credits generally transfer and degrees are recognized by employers and licensing boards. However, prospective students should understand that GCU is not a research university, its MBA is ACBSP-accredited rather than AACSB, and its faith-based orientation is a genuine factor in the student experience.
GCU’s reputation in the online master’s space rests on a few concrete strengths — not everything it offers is equally strong, so it’s worth distinguishing what GCU genuinely excels at from programs it simply has in its catalog.
Few universities match GCU’s sheer volume of online master’s options. With 25+ distinct master’s programs (many with multiple concentrations), students can find graduate pathways in education, nursing, business, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, healthcare, IT, public administration, theology, and more — all from one institution. This matters for students who want to stay within one university ecosystem for multiple credentials.
GCU is one of the largest producers of teachers and education administrators in the country. Its MEd programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and TESOL serve a large base of working educators. The Master of Arts in Teaching provides an initial licensure pathway for career changers. Education tuition is set at a lower per-credit rate ($515 vs. $590), which signals institutional investment in this pipeline.
GCU’s MSN programs — including Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner — carry CCNE accreditation. This is a meaningful credential for nursing graduates, as CCNE accreditation is widely recognized by employers, licensing boards, and doctoral programs. The MSN programs at GCU cover both clinical tracks (requiring 640+ clinical hours) and non-clinical leadership and education tracks.
GCU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling holds CACREP accreditation — one of the most important differentiators for students pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). CACREP accreditation streamlines the licensure process in most states and is increasingly required or preferred by employers. Students interested in clinical psychology and counseling programs should note that not all GCU counseling programs are CACREP-accredited — the MS in Professional Counseling, for example, is not.
Rolling start dates (often every few weeks), 8-week course blocks, no GRE requirement for most programs, and a structured cohort model make GCU one of the most accessible options for busy professionals. Students don’t need to wait until September or January to begin. GCU appears frequently in guides to online master’s programs with no GRE requirement for this reason.
GCU’s Christian worldview is embedded across programs — not just in theology degrees. Students in business, education, nursing, and counseling will encounter faith-based frameworks in coursework. For students who value this integration, it’s a genuine differentiator. For students who prefer secular education, it’s a factor that must be weighed seriously.
These are GCU’s standout online master’s programs — selected based on accreditation strength, career alignment, and what GCU does better or differently than competitors.
This is arguably GCU’s most competitively positioned graduate program. CACREP accreditation is the gold standard for counseling programs seeking licensure, and GCU is one of the relatively few large-enrollment online universities offering it. The 60-credit program includes concentrations in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, and Trauma. It requires practicum and internship hours — this is not a fully online program, but the didactic coursework is delivered online. At $590/credit ($35,400 estimated total), it’s competitively priced against other CACREP-accredited online options.
GCU’s FNP track is a strong option for BSN-prepared nurses pursuing advanced practice. The CCNE accreditation, 53-credit structure, and 640+ required clinical hours align with national certification exam eligibility. Students pursuing this pathway should also explore OMC’s broader guide to BSN-to-MSN programs for context on how GCU’s offering compares across the landscape.
Designed for current educators aiming for principal certification, this 34-credit program is one of GCU’s most popular. It requires practicum hours and leads to administrative certification in many states (students must verify state-specific reciprocity). At $515/credit ($17,510 estimated total), it’s one of the more affordable paths to a school leadership credential.
GCU’s MBA offers seven concentrations and ACBSP accreditation. At 54 credits and $590/credit ($31,860 total), it’s mid-range in cost. The key caveat: this is ACBSP, not AACSB. For students who specifically need AACSB-accredited MBA programs, GCU won’t meet that requirement. But for working professionals who prioritize accessibility, rolling starts, and a structured cohort model over brand prestige, it’s a functional option — and often appears in lists of accessible online MBA programs.
For RNs who want to move into faculty roles, GCU’s 38-credit Nursing Education MSN is fully online (no clinical requirement) and CCNE-accredited. At $22,420 estimated total, it’s a cost-effective pathway into teaching — a field facing significant faculty shortages.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
GCU’s business programs are ACBSP-accredited. The MBA (54 credits, $590/credit) offers seven concentrations. The MS in Accounting (30 credits) is designed for CPA exam preparation. The MS in Leadership (36 credits) offers concentrations including Health Care Administration and Servant Leadership.
This is GCU’s deepest subject area. Programs range from the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (with TESOL, Gifted Education, and Reading concentrations) to Educational Administration (requires practicum), Special Education (includes initial licensure tracks with student teaching), Early Childhood Education, TESOL, Educational Leadership, and the Master of Arts in Teaching for career changers entering the classroom. Education programs are priced at $515/credit — lower than GCU’s standard rate.
All four MSN tracks carry CCNE accreditation. The FNP and Acute Care NP tracks require 640+ clinical hours and a BSN for admission. The Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership tracks are fully online and designed for RNs seeking career advancement. Students exploring nursing graduate programs broadly should see OMC’s MSN programs hub .
GCU offers the CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credits, requires practicum/internship), the MS in Professional Counseling (60 credits, not CACREP-accredited — students must verify state licensure implications), and the MS in Psychology (36 credits, non-licensure) with concentrations including Industrial and Organizational Psychology . The psychology programs hub provides a broader context for comparing these options.
The MS in Criminal Justice (36 credits) offers concentrations in Law Enforcement and Legal Studies. It’s fully online and requires no GRE. For more on the field, see OMC’s criminal justice programs guide .
GCU offers an MHA (58 credits, not CAHME-accredited), an MPH (54 credits, not CEPH-accredited, requires practicum), and an MS in Health Care Informatics (36 credits, fully online). Students specifically seeking accredited MHA programs should note GCU’s lack of CAHME accreditation.
The MS in Information Technology (34 credits) includes concentrations in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. Fully online, no GRE required.
The MPA (36 credits) offers concentrations in Government and Policy and Health Care Management.
The MA in Communication (36 credits) is fully online.
The Master of Divinity (72 credits) and the MA in Christian Ministry (36 credits) serve students pursuing pastoral, ministry leadership, and worship leadership roles. These programs are unique to faith-based institutions.
How Grand Canyon University Compares
GCU vs. Liberty University
Liberty University is the closest comparison — both are large private Christian universities with massive online master’s catalogs, faith-integrated curricula, and rolling admissions. Key differences: Liberty’s business programs are also ACBSP-accredited (not AACSB), so neither has an edge there. GCU has a slight edge in nursing with its CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP track, and its CACREP-accredited counseling program is a strong differentiator. Liberty’s catalog is arguably even broader than GCU’s in some areas (e.g., divinity, government). Tuition is comparable. The choice often comes down to specific program availability, state licensure reciprocity, and personal preference.
GCU vs. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Southern New Hampshire University is GCU’s closest secular competitor for adult learners seeking accessible, affordable online master’s degrees with rolling starts. The critical distinction: SNHU is secular; GCU integrates a Christian worldview. For students who prefer a faith-neutral environment, SNHU is the obvious pick. GCU has stronger clinical and practicum-based programs (CCNE nursing, CACREP counseling) — SNHU’s strengths lean more toward business, IT, and general liberal arts. SNHU’s tuition ($627/credit for many graduate programs) is slightly higher than GCU’s $590 rate for non-education programs, but cost differences are modest.
GCU vs. Western Governors University (WGU)
Western Governors University uses a fundamentally different learning model: competency-based education with flat-rate tuition (~$4,500-$5,400 per six-month term regardless of how many courses you complete). GCU uses traditional credit-hour-based, instructor-led cohorts with 8-week blocks. For self-directed learners who can accelerate, WGU is often significantly cheaper. For students who need structured pacing, instructor support, and the specific programmatic accreditations GCU holds (CACREP, CCNE), GCU is the stronger fit. WGU doesn’t offer the clinical counseling or nurse practitioner pathways that GCU does.
GCU vs. Arizona State University (ASU)
Arizona State University is also headquartered in the Phoenix metro area, but serves a different segment entirely. ASU is a public R1 research university ranked among the most innovative in the country. Its online master’s programs are more selective, carry stronger research credentials, and come with higher tuition. GCU is optimized for accessibility and volume. Students who prioritize institutional prestige, research output, or specific ASU programs should look at ASU. Students who prioritize rolling admissions, faith integration, affordability, and structured 8-week courses are GCU’s core audience.
| Dimension | GCU | Liberty | SNHU | WGU | ASU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution Type | Private, Christian | Private, Christian | Private, Nonprofit, Secular | Private, Nonprofit, Secular | Public, R1 Research |
| Accreditation | HLC | SACSCOC | NECHE | NWCCU | HLC |
| Business Accreditation | ACBSP | ACBSP | ACBSP | ACBSP | AACSB |
| Nursing Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE | CCNE | CCNE/ACEN | CCNE |
| Counseling Accreditation | CACREP | CACREP | — | — | CACREP |
| Tuition/Credit (typical) | $515–$590 | ~$565–$615 | ~$627 | ~$4,500–$5,400/term | ~$750–$1,200 |
| Learning Model | Cohort, 8-week blocks | Cohort, 8-week blocks | Asynchronous, instructor-led | Competency-based, self-paced | Semester-based, varies |
| GRE Required | No (most programs) | No (most programs) | No | No | Varies by program |
| Faith Integration | Yes — embedded | Yes — embedded | No | No | No |
| Rolling Admissions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (monthly) | No (semester-based) |
Grand Canyon University is
Best For
GCU is a strong fit for specific student profiles — not for everyone. Here’s who benefits most:
- Working adults who need structured scheduling with frequent start dates. GCU’s 8-week course blocks and rolling admissions (new cohorts start every few weeks) mean you’re never far from a start date. This matters for professionals who can’t plan around rigid academic calendars.
- Students who want faith-integrated graduate education. If a Christian worldview in your coursework, assignments, and institutional culture is important to you, GCU delivers this across all programs — not just theology degrees.
- Aspiring teachers and school administrators. GCU’s education catalog is deep and specifically designed for working educators. The MEd programs, initial licensure MAT, and education-specific tuition rate ($515/credit) make it one of the most cost-effective paths into or up through the education profession.
- Nurses seeking CCNE-accredited MSN pathways. Whether you’re pursuing the FNP, Acute Care NP, Nursing Education, or Nursing Leadership track, GCU’s CCNE accreditation and structured clinical placement support are meaningful advantages.
- Counseling students who need CACREP accreditation for licensure. In states where CACREP accreditation matters for LPC licensure (and their number is growing), GCU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is one of the stronger large-enrollment online options available.
- Students who want a large, established university with a broad program selection. If you’re weighing multiple graduate interests or want to pursue additional credentials at the same institution later, GCU’s catalog breadth is a real asset.
Not a Best Fit For
GCU isn’t the right choice in several specific situations. These aren’t minor caveats — they’re genuine tradeoffs that should drive your decision.
- You need an AACSB-accredited MBA.
- GCU’s business programs carry ACBSP accreditation, not AACSB. For many working professionals, ACBSP is perfectly adequate. But if your employer, industry, or target doctoral program specifically requires or strongly prefers AACSB, GCU won’t meet that bar. See OMC’s list of AACSB-accredited online MBA programs for alternatives.
- You prefer a secular curriculum without faith integration.
- GCU integrates a Christian worldview across its programs. This isn’t optional or limited to elective courses — it’s structural. Students who want a faith-neutral learning environment should look at Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governors University, or other secular options.
- You want a competency-based, self-paced learning model.
- GCU uses structured cohorts with instructor-led 8-week blocks. You can’t accelerate through material you already know. Students who prefer self-paced progression and the ability to finish faster should consider WGU’s competency-based model.
- You’re seeking a nationally ranked research university credential.
- GCU is not a research institution. It doesn’t appear in U.S. News national university rankings the way Arizona State University or Purdue University do. For industries or career paths where institutional prestige and research reputation matter (e.g., competitive consulting, academia, selective doctoral admissions), a different university will serve you better.
- You need a CEPH-accredited MPH or CAHME-accredited MHA.
- GCU’s Master of Public Health is not CEPH-accredited, and its Master of Health Administration is not CAHME-accredited. For students in public health or healthcare administration where these specific accreditations matter for career advancement or credentialing, this is a real gap.
- You’re comparing total cost and can accelerate through WGU.
- At $590/credit for most programs, GCU is affordable but not the cheapest option. WGU’s flat-rate tuition model can be dramatically cheaper for students who can move quickly through competency-based assessments. A 36-credit GCU program costs ~$21,240; the same scope at WGU might cost $9,000–$15,000 depending on pace.
Admission Requirements
GCU’s admissions process for online master’s programs is designed for accessibility — it’s one of the most straightforward in the large-enrollment online university space.
- Admissions Model: Rolling — new cohorts start every few weeks throughout the year. No application deadlines to manage.
- GRE/GMAT: Not required for the vast majority of programs. GCU has largely eliminated standardized test requirements for graduate admission.
- Minimum GPA: Generally 2.8–3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, depending on the program. Some programs accept provisional admission for lower GPAs.
- Application Fee: None for most online programs.
- Required Materials: Completed application, official transcripts, and program-specific prerequisites where applicable.
Program-Specific Prerequisites to Note:
- MSN programs (FNP, Acute Care NP): Require a BSN from a regionally accredited institution and current RN licensure.
- MSN programs (Education, Leadership): Require BSN and RN licensure.
- MEd in Educational Administration: Typically requires a valid teaching certificate and classroom experience.
- MAT (Initial Licensure): Designed for career changers — no prior teaching license required, but student teaching placement is mandatory.
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: No specific undergraduate major required, but the 60-credit, practicum-intensive structure means students should be prepared for a significant time commitment.
GCU’s admissions process is intentionally low-barrier. This is part of the institution’s model — high accessibility with structured support once enrolled. Students should understand that easy admission doesn’t mean easy completion; clinical and practicum programs in particular, have rigorous progression requirements.
Tuition & Cost
GCU uses a per-credit tuition model with two primary rate tiers:
| Program Category | Tuition Per Credit | Typical Credit Range | Estimated Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Programs (MEd, MAT) | $515 | 30–48 credits | $15,450–$24,720 |
| Most Other Programs (MBA, MS, MSN, MHA, MPH, MPA, MA, MDiv) | $590 | 30–72 credits | $17,700–$42,480 |
Key Cost Observations:
- GCU’s education programs are priced at a lower rate ($515/credit), which makes its MEd and MAT offerings some of the more affordable online education master’s degrees available.
- The MBA at 54 credits and $590/credit totals approximately $31,860 — mid-range compared to competitors, but notably higher in credit count than many online MBAs that run 36–42 credits.
- The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at 60 credits totals approximately $35,400. This is competitive for a CACREP-accredited program, but the credit count is standard for counseling programs meeting licensure requirements.
- MSN-FNP and Acute Care NP tracks cost approximately $31,270 but require arranging and completing 640+ clinical hours, which adds logistical cost (travel, time, potential lost income).
- The Master of Divinity at 72 credits and $515/credit is approximately $37,080 — typical for MDiv programs but a significant total investment.
Financial Aid & Military Benefits:
GCU participates in federal financial aid (FAFSA eligible). The university also offers military tuition discounts and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and other veteran benefits. Students exploring financial aid strategies may find OMC’s guide to student loan forgiveness programs useful for long-term planning, particularly for education and public service professionals.
Cost Comparison Context:
GCU’s per-credit rates are generally in line with Liberty University and slightly below SNHU . WGU’s flat-rate model will be cheaper for students who can accelerate. ASU and other public research universities typically charge significantly more per credit for online graduate programs.
GCU’s programs are relevant to several OMC ranking pages. These can help you see where GCU fits in the broader landscape:
Visit Grand Canyon University’s official online programs page
- Online Master’s Programs With No GRE Requirement — GCU waives the GRE for most of its online master’s programs, making it a natural fit for students seeking graduate programs without standardized test barriers.
- Easiest Online MBA Programs — GCU’s MBA is frequently cited among accessible online MBA options due to its rolling admissions, no GMAT/GRE requirement, and ACBSP (rather than AACSB) accreditation framework.
- AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs — GCU’s MBA does not appear here, and that’s worth knowing. If AACSB accreditation is a requirement for you, this ranking will point you to alternatives.
- MSN Programs — GCU’s CCNE-accredited MSN tracks are relevant for nursing students compared to online options nationally.
- MHA Programs — GCU offers an MHA, though it lacks CAHME accreditation. This ranking helps students compare accredited and non-accredited options.
- Psychology Programs — GCU’s CACREP-accredited counseling program and MS in Psychology are relevant entries in the broader psychology and counseling landscape.