Collegeboxes is the top student storage and shipping provider. While serving over 350-plus schools, we’ve learned a lot about different universities. This month we are spotlighting Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. It is Arizona’s premier private Christian University and continues to grow each year. GCU offers a great cost, a welcoming Christian community, and more.
1. GCU Cost
For many students, the debate between staying in their home state and going out of state is because of money. Most universities charge out-of-state students more in tuition than in-state students. According to valuepenguin.com, Arizona schools cost out-of-state students an average of $18,000 more than in-state students. GCU doesn’t do that. Students are charged the same rate regardless of if they are from Arizona or not.
The cost of college has continued to rise for students around the nation. But not for those that want to be a Lope. GCU has not increased the tuition rate since 2009 as it is committed to providing an affordable educational system. The university does stand by that in different ways. Institutional scholarships have helped students cut the average annual tuition price nearly in half.
2. Christian Community
The foundation of GCU is that it’s a private, Christian college. The school was founded as a Baptist university in 1949. Now, GCU is an interdenominational university, welcoming students from all backgrounds. Attending GCU means committing to 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.
There’s also the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. Its mission is to develop leaders, ministers, and scholars who rightly God’s Word, teach what accords with sound doctrine and equip the people of God for missional service within a rapidly changing world. At a Christian university, learning goes beyond the textbook. The curriculum includes faith and service to honor God and encourage others to join as well.
There is also a Chapel and worship services during the week led by all-student worship teams on campus. It includes guest pastors and university leaders giving inspirational messages. Group bible studies and spiritual counseling is available to students too.
3. GCU Campus
GCU isn’t far from downtown Phoenix, making it a great area post-graduation to land a job in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. However, the campus might as well be its own little town. GCU has its own private, gated area from the city making students feel secure on campus.
In Arizona, students will get 300-plus days of sunshine. A great reason to use one of the multiple pools on campus. Along with the pools, students have different gym and fitness options to choose from including the GCU Recreation Center. Being a part of the student section during a men’s basketball game at GCU Arena is one of the best on-campus experiences during your time as a Lope.
There are a handful of restaurants to choose from on campus. GCU offers basic meal plans like other universities as well. The school brings food trucks and farmers markets onto campus to sample local food. According to niche.com, GCU ranks in the top 25 among 1,000-plus campuses and college food. The school’s best ranking is for its dorms, which is our next point.
4. GCU Dorms
Students enjoy living at GCU because the dorms and student apartments (that are on campus and essentially dorms) are very nice. The dorms are spacious and bigger than most other universities. Each one usually comes with a shared private bathroom, a utility sink, and a small common area in the middle. Depending on the hall you pick to live in, there are different amenities included such as laundry facilities on every floor, convenience stores, one of the various pools, breakout rooms for studying, and plenty more.
The apartments follow a similar trend but are bigger. Most apartments at GCU are four-bedroom layouts. It includes two bathrooms, a nearly fully equipped kitchen (most don’t have dishwashers), and a large living room that you and your roommates can decorate. As the dorms do, each of the 10-plus apartment buildings has different amenities including the Grand Canyon Beverage Company, where you can grab a coffee as you head out.
5. GCU Online
Most GCU students attend the online campus. According to a 2021 press release, 90,000-plus people, a large majority being working adults, go to school online through GCU. Through the online degree programs, students of any age that are accepted through the school’s admission process can obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree online. From graphic design to marketing and advertising, achieve your degree in your time at a quality school like GCU.
Need any more convincing as to why to love Grand Canyon University? Didn’t think so. If you’re planning on going to Phoenix or are a current Lope, trust Collegeboxes, the No.1 student storage and shipping provider, for your college moving needs. Sign up today!