Grand Canyon University Welcomes Its Largest Incoming Class In School History

Approximately 6,500 campus students will now call GCU "home"

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Aug 23, 2012, 06:16 ET

PHOENIX, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Canyon University will throw open its doors to 3,500 new students this week, the largest incoming class in the school's 63-year history, topping out the total number of GCU students on campus at 6,500.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120823/AQ62241)

The growth in the student body parallels unprecedented enhancements taking place on the 110-acre campus in the heart of Phoenix. In the past two years alone, GCU has built a Student Recreation Center, two new classroom buildings, three new residence halls, a fast-food dining area and bowling alley, four lecture halls, a five-story parking garage and the 5,000-seat Grand Canyon University Arena.

"The past two years have been among the most exciting in Grand Canyon's history, and we're only just beginning," said Brian Mueller, President and CEO. "Over the next few years, we will continue to improve and grow our campus to serve our students in the best way possible. This is their home, and we want it to be an exciting place to live and learn."

The University has immediate plans for two additional residence halls, two more parking garages, a new classroom building and various other campus enhancements. By 2015, campus enrollment is expected to reach 15,000 students.

"We are able to offer students something truly unique – an affordable, private, Christian education on a vibrant University campus," Mueller said. "Our students have access not only to high-quality academic programs, engaging faculty and cutting-edge technology, but also a rich campus life that includes theater, athletics, music and worship."

Mueller also noted that GCU has frozen tuition since 2009, making the cost of attending the University comparable to that of a public university.

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in seven colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Theology, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu.

SOURCE Grand Canyon University