History of Grand Canyon University in Timeline

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is categorized as a for-profit institution by the U.S. Department of Education, a designation the university is challenging. GCU offers over 200 degree programs across nine colleges. With over 100,000 students enrolled both online and on-campus as of September 2023, it stands as one of the largest Christian universities based on student enrollment in the United States.

1949: GCU began sponsoring intercollegiate athletics

In 1949, GCU started sponsoring intercollegiate athletics with men's basketball, and was an NAIA member.

1949: Grand Canyon College Founded in Prescott, Arizona

In 1949, Grand Canyon College was founded as a nonprofit institution in Prescott, Arizona, by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention to provide local Baptists with college degrees.

1949: Establishment of Grand Canyon College

In 1949, the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention established Grand Canyon College.

October 8, 1951: Relocation to Phoenix

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

1961: Grand Canyon College candidacy for accreditation

In 1961, Grand Canyon College entered candidacy for accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1968: Grand Canyon College regionally accredited

By 1968, Grand Canyon College was regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, HLC's predecessor.

1984: Vote to Transition to University Status

In 1984, the college's trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the school's 40th anniversary.

1989: Grand Canyon College Becomes Grand Canyon University

In 1989, Grand Canyon College officially transitioned to Grand Canyon University. At this time, it also changed governance from the Southern Baptist Convention to the GCU Board of Trustees.

1990: GCU becomes NCAA Division II member

In 1990, GCU became an NCAA Division II member, after being an NAIA member since 1949.

1999: Ending Affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention

In 1999, Grand Canyon University ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, becoming non-denominational Christian.

2000: Transition to Non-Denominational Christian University

In the 1999-2000 academic year, Grand Canyon University officially transitioned to a non-denominational Christian institution.

2004: Sale to Significant Education, LLC

In 2004, facing financial difficulties, Grand Canyon University's trustees authorized its sale to California-based Significant Education, LLC, marking it as the first for-profit Christian college in the United States.

2005: Significant Education Becomes a Corporation

In 2005, Significant Education became a corporation.

2006: Campus Renovation

In 2006, Grand Canyon University spent $150 million to renovate the campus, adding a brick promenade, an aquatics center, and a café.

2008: Enrollment Below 1,000 Students

In 2008, Grand Canyon University had fewer than 1,000 students enrolled.

2008: Grand Canyon Education, Inc. Publicly Traded

In 2008, Significant Education became a corporation, publicly traded under the name Grand Canyon Education, Inc. GCE trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "LOPE".

2008: Government Sues GCU for Incentive Compensation

In 2008, the federal government sued Grand Canyon University for paying enrollment counselors based on enrollment numbers while accepting federal financial aid, violating the Department of Education's incentive compensation ban. GCU settled and paid a $5.2 million fine.

2009: $60 Million Campus Expansion Project

In 2009, Grand Canyon University began work on a $60 million campus expansion project including a 500-bed dormitory, a 55,000-square-foot fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley, and a 5,000-seat arena.

September 2, 2011: Opening of the GCU Arena

On September 2, 2011, the GCU Arena opened, used for concerts, speakers, the college's basketball teams, and volleyball games.

2013: Joins Western Athletic Conference

Grand Canyon University joined the Western Athletic Conference for the 2013–14 academic year.

2013: GCU becomes NCAA Division I member

In 2013, GCU became an NCAA Division I member, after being an NCAA Division II member since 1990.

2014: Student Loan Debt

By 2014, GCU students' accumulated student loan debt was estimated at more than $5.9 billion.

2014: Expansion of GCU Arena

In 2014, the GCU Arena was expanded to 7,000 seats.

2014: Exploration of Return to Nonprofit Status

In the fall of 2014, Grand Canyon University announced the exploration of a return to nonprofit status.

2015: Economic Impact Study

A 2015 economic impact study revealed that Grand Canyon University was adding about $1 billion to the state's economy each year during its expansion.

2015: GCU changes policy regarding same-sex marriage benefits

In 2015, after the ACLU of Arizona advocated on behalf of two Grand Canyon University employees whose same-sex spouses were denied health insurance, Grand Canyon University changed its policy to allow employees in same-sex marriages to receive equal marriage benefits.

August 2016: Announcement of 10 in 2 Initiative

In August 2016, Grand Canyon University announced its 10 in 2 initiative, planning the building of 10 on-campus athletic facilities in a two-year span.

August 2016: Establishment of the GCU Police Department

In August 2016, Grand Canyon University announced the establishment of the GCU Police Department.

December 3, 2016: Basketball game at GCU

On December 3, 2016, college basketball hall of fame coach Rick Pitino called GCU the "toughest crowd I've ever faced" after his team won by nine at GCU.

2016: Initial Rejection of Nonprofit Status Petition

In 2016, Grand Canyon University's regional accreditation body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), initially rejected the university's petition for conversion to nonprofit status.

2016: Opening of Online Seminary

In the Fall of 2016, Grand Canyon University opened an online seminary.

February 2017: Positive Impact on Surrounding Neighborhoods

In February 2017, then Arizona Governor Doug Ducey noted that the neighborhoods surrounding Grand Canyon University had experienced a 30% increase in housing values and a 30% decrease in crime rates.

April 2017: Censure by Arizona Nursing Board

In April 2017, Arizona nursing board officials censured Grand Canyon University after the school's nursing programs fell below 80% graduation rate for two consecutive years. GCU implemented a plan to increase graduation rates.

2017: GCU renewed 10-year comprehensive evaluation

In 2017, GCU successfully renewed its 10-year comprehensive evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2017: First WAC Commissioner's Cup Win

Since 2017, Grand Canyon University has been the Western Athletic Conference's most successful athletics program by winning the WAC Commissioner's Cup seven times.

July 1, 2018: Approval of Nonprofit Status

On July 1, 2018, Grand Canyon University's application to change to nonprofit status was accepted by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

2018: Censure of Nursing Program and Improvement in NCLEX Pass Rates

In 2018, The Arizona State Board of Nursing censured Grand Canyon University's nursing program, but the school saw nursing students post a 95.65% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the second quarter of 2018.

2020: Resumption of Sporting Events with ASU

In 2020, Arizona State University reversed its initial decision and recommenced sporting events with Grand Canyon University.

2020: Opening of ABSN Locations

In 2020, Grand Canyon University opened its first two ABSN locations, in Sun City and Tucson.

2021: Lawsuit Regarding CARES Act Relief Funds

In 2021, Grand Canyon University filed a lawsuit claiming it did not receive all the CARES Act relief funds it was entitled to.

2021: University acceptance and retention rates in 2021

In 2021, the university acceptance rate was 76.9%, and, of those admitted, 23% enrolled. The freshman retention rate was 61%.

2021: University Acceptance Rate

In 2021, the university acceptance rate was 76.9%; of those admitted, 23% enrolled. Grand Canyon University 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.

May 9, 2022: Opening of ABSN Location in Sandy, Utah

On May 9, 2022, Grand Canyon University opened an ABSN location in Sandy, Utah.

2022: GCU Roller Hockey's inaugural season

During 2022, GCU Roller Hockey's inaugural season took place. The team and program were established by Aydin Schwetz in the summer of 2022. GCU Roller Hockey is a member of the NCRHA Division I, with the majority of their games played in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League. The on-campus roller hockey rink at Grand Canyon University was fully funded by the NHL Arizona Coyotes.

2022: Dismissal of Lawsuit Against Department of Education

In 2022, a federal district judge dismissed Grand Canyon University's lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education after being denied nonprofit status twice.

September 7, 2023: Opening of ABSN Location in Chandler, Arizona

On September 7, 2023, Grand Canyon University announced the opening of its 5th ABSN location in Chandler, Arizona.

September 2023: Enrollment Exceeds 100,000 Students

In September 2023, Grand Canyon University had more than 100,000 students enrolled online and in person, making it one of the largest Christian universities by enrollment.

September 18, 2023: Opening of ABSN Location in Phoenix's West Valley

On September 18, 2023, Grand Canyon University opened its 6th ABSN location in Phoenix's West Valley with a grand opening ceremony.

October 2023: Allegation of Concerted Effort Against GCU

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 nonprofit status.

2023: FTC Files Lawsuit Against GCU

Also in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a federal lawsuit alleging that GCU deceived prospective doctoral students about the cost of its program and its for-profit status.

2023: Second season of GCU Lopes

In 2023, in only its second season, the GCU Lopes emerged as the NCRHA Division I Champions.

2023: Department of Education Fines GCU for Deceptive Practices

In 2023, the Department of Education fined Grand Canyon University $37.7 million for allegedly deceiving students about the cost of doctoral degrees. The department alleged that 78% of students in those programs paid about 25% more than represented. GCU disputed the allegation.

2023: Seminary begins offering in-person courses

In Fall of 2023, the seminary began offering in-person courses as well.

April 20, 2024: GCU Lopes win NCRHA Division I Championship

On April 20, 2024, the GCU Lopes won the NCRHA Division I Championship by defeating the undefeated Lindenwood Lions 2–1 in triple-overtime at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine.

May 10, 2024: Announcement of Move to West Coast Conference

On May 10, 2024, Grand Canyon University announced it would be moving to the West Coast Conference for its primary conference affiliation beginning in July 2025.

November 1, 2024: Announcement of Move to Mountain West Conference

On November 1, 2024, following Gonzaga's departure from the WCC, Grand Canyon University declined its invitation to the conference and announced a move to the Mountain West Conference for no later than 2026.

November 2024: Court Orders Re-evaluation of For-Profit Status

In November 2024, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Department of Education exceeded its authority and ordered it to re-evaluate GCU's classification using a different standard.

November 2024: Appeals Court Overturns Ruling on Nonprofit Status

In November 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned the district judge's decision and ruled that the U.S. Department of Education erred in denying Grand Canyon University nonprofit status.

2024: Washington Monthly ranked Grand Canyon University

In 2024, Washington Monthly ranked Grand Canyon University 193rd among 438 national universities in the U.S. based on Grand Canyon's contribution to the public good, as measured by social mobility, research, and promoting public service.

May 2025: Department of Education Rescinds Fine

In May 2025, the Department of Education rescinded the $37.7 million fine against Grand Canyon University without prejudice and with no findings against GCU or its employees.

July 8, 2025: Joins Mountain West Conference

Grand Canyon University officially joined the Mountain West Conference on July 8, 2025.

July 2025: Planned Move to the West Coast Conference

In July 2025, Grand Canyon University was initially planning on moving to the West Coast Conference for its primary conference affiliation.

August 2025: FTC Drops Lawsuit Against GCU

In August 2025, the FTC dropped the lawsuit against Grand Canyon University after a unanimous 3-0 vote.

2025: Membership in Mountain West Conference

Grand Canyon University will primarily be a member of the Mountain West Conference, joining for the 2025–26 academic year.

2025: U.S. News & World Report ranked GCU

In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked GCU No.392-434 out of 436 "National Universities".

2026: Planned Move to Mountain West Conference

Grand Canyon University planned move to the Mountain West Conference for no later than 2026.

Mentioned in this timeline

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