The Financial Perks of Pursuing a Degree at Grand Canyon University
As higher education costs continue to rise, prospective students are increasingly focused on finding affordable options. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a range of financial aid opportunities that may drastically lower the expense of earning an undergraduate or graduate degree. This post will explore the various scholarship opportunities available at GCU and how to maximize your chances of being awarded financial aid.
Understanding GCU’s Scholarship Options
GCU offers a generous selection of merit-based scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Merit scholarships are awarded based on factors like high school or previous college GPA, standardized test scores like ACT/SAT, intended major, or extracurricular activities. Some of the notable merit scholarships include:
- Presidential Scholarship: Full tuition for four years. Awarded to incoming first-year students with a minimum high school GPA of 3.9 and SAT/ACT scores in the 95th percentile or higher. A minimal number is available.
- Deans Scholarship: Up to $12,000 per year. Awarded for a minimum high school GPA of 3.75 and SAT/ACT in the 85th percentile or higher.
- Faculty Scholarship: Up to $10,000 per year. Awarded for a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and SAT/ACT in the 75th percentile or higher.
- University Scholarship: Up to $8,000 per year. Awarded for a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 and SAT/ACT in the 65th percentile or higher.
The annual amounts are renewable for up to 8 semesters if you maintain the required GPA at GCU (usually 3.0). Graduate students may qualify for the Graduate Academic Scholarship worth up to $5,000 annually.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to merit-based aid, GCU offers a variety of other scholarships. Some examples include:
- Departmental Scholarships: Awarded by specific colleges/departments based on your declared major and talents in that field. Amounts vary.
- Transfer Scholarships: Students transferring to GCU with at least 24 college credits completed. Awards up to $5,000 per year, depending on your college GPA.
- Athletic Scholarships: For students participating in NCAA Division I athletics.
- Spiritual Life Scholarships: For students who demonstrate strong leadership in their spiritual commitments.
- Work Study Program: Part-time on-campus jobs that allow you to earn money to pay for educational costs.
GCU also provides need-based grants and loans for those who complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. Many scholarships do not require a separate application beyond general admission to GCU.
Maximizing Your Chances of Being Awarded Aid
To strengthen your scholarship eligibility, focus on maintaining high grades throughout high school. Take the ACT/SAT multiple times to maximize your scores. Get involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities that showcase your talents and leadership abilities. Apply for admission to GCU early and ask your teachers or counselors to provide strong letters of recommendation highlighting why you deserve scholarship support. With hard work and dedication, attractive scholarship packages are within reach for many dedicated students interested in the life-changing education GCU offers.
