Grand Canyon University

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Its ABSN program operates across 12 learning sites in 7 states, offering a hybrid model that pairs online nursing theory with in-person skills labs, simulation, and locally arranged clinical rotations. The university offers three cohort start dates per year.

Program Offerings

Grand Canyon University offers 26 nursing programs, including the following:

• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) – available at multiple locations including Albuquerque, Boise (Meridian), Denver (Englewood), East Valley (Chandler), Las Vegas (Henderson), Miramar (Miami), Orlando, Salt Lake (Sandy), St. Louis, Sun City, Tucson, and West Valley (Phoenix)
• Accelerated BSN (online + campus) – $49,000 total, 18-month program
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – online, 48-month program
• BSN (Traditional) – on-campus, $50,400 total, 48-month program
• DNP – online, $30,000 total, 36-month program
• DNP – Executive Leadership / Healthcare Systems – online, 36-month program
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – online, 36-month program
• DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – online, 36-month program
• MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) – online, 24-month program
• MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – online, 24-month program
• MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner – online, $30,625 total, 36-month program
• MSN — Health Care Quality & Patient Safety – online, $22,050 total, 24-month program
• MSN — Nurse Educator – online, $22,050 total, 24-month program
• MSN — Nursing Informatics – online, $22,050 total, 24-month program
• RN to BSN – online, $18,900 total, 12-month program

Accreditation and Outcomes

Grand Canyon University holds accreditation from CCNE. The ABSN program is ranked #13 nationally for nursing (2026). The NCLEX-RN pass rate is 97%, with an acceptance rate of approximately 78%.

Program-Specific Details

• Accelerated BSN: Minimum GPA requirement of 3.25 in prerequisite coursework (cumulative) to be eligible. The program is hybrid: lectures largely delivered online, with in-person skills labs, immersive simulations, and clinical rotations required on campus.
• BSN (Traditional), DNP, MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN — Health Care Quality & Patient Safety, MSN — Nurse Educator, MSN — Nursing Informatics, RN to BSN: GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers these programs in online, hybrid, and on-campus formats to accommodate different lifestyles.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

• Accreditation: Ensure the program holds programmatic accreditation from CCNE or ACEN, in addition to regional institutional accreditation.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a key indicator of program quality. The national average is approximately 87–89 percent (NCSBN). Look for programs that consistently meet or exceed this benchmark.
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong clinical partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations ensure students get diverse, high-quality hands-on experience during training.
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success and licensure exam readiness.
• Career Placement: Some schools maintain partnerships with healthcare employers that facilitate hiring of new graduates, easing the transition from education to practice.