#United States #Workforce Development #Phoenix #Higher Education #Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with Record Graduates

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is making headlines as it concludes its milestone 75th anniversary year with a record-breaking graduating class of 31,104 students. This historic achievement highlights the university's growth and commitment to providing accessible education that caters to the needs of today's workforce. Of the total graduates, 5,669 completed their studies on-campus in Phoenix while a substantial 25,435 studied through online programs. This year also marks the fourth consecutive year that GCU has had around 30,000 graduates, underscoring its ongoing expansion and popularity.

The graduating class is near-evenly split between those earning bachelor's degrees, totaling 15,890, and those obtaining graduate degrees, who number 15,214. The class includes students who completed their degrees during the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters, with an expected influx of Spring 2025 graduates. GCU will honor these graduates during commencement ceremonies scheduled for April 23-25 for traditional students and from April 29 to May 2 for online learners.

GCU President Brian Mueller expressed great pride in this milestone, attributing it to the hard work of students, the unwavering commitment of faculty and staff, and GCU's innovative educational offerings. He noted the university’s flexible approach to education accommodates diverse student life circumstances, offering traditional classes, online learning, hybrid models, and accelerated pathways. This adaptability is increasingly important to families as they seek education from a Christian worldview perspective, which GCU emphasizes.

A significant number of graduates are entering professions grappling with widespread workforce shortages. Notably, 8,684 graduates have majors in teacher education—with 3,619 being first-time teachers, alongside 5,277 in nursing, and 5,274 focused on social work and counseling. The university is committed to collaborating with employers in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, engineering, and technology to help mitigate workforce shortages.

In response to current labor market demands, GCU has rolled out 148 new academic programs, certificates, and emphases across its ten colleges, even while some universities have curtailed programs following declining enrollments due to the pandemic.

Highlights from the 2024-25 Academic Year

The numbers at GCU reveal a thriving academic environment. The enrollment figure shows nearly 25,000 students on the Phoenix campus, complemented by over 98,000 students engaged in online education. Moreover, GCU's Center for Workforce Development (CWFD) has broadened its offerings, introducing a new Intensive Manufacturing Specialist Pathway in partnership with TSMC and West-MEC. This pathway is designed to equip students with essential skills for excelling in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Moreover, partnerships with Rosendin Electric have expanded a Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway into the Austin area to cater to the growing demand for construction electricians.

The addition of three new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program sites—located in Meridian, Idaho, St. Louis, Missouri, and Albuquerque, New Mexico—brings GCU's total to nine sites. Students can now complete the hybrid program in as little as 16 months, directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in the U.S.

A notable five-year, $2 million grant from the T.W. Lewis Foundation has also initiated the T.W. Lewis Center for Student Success at the Colangelo College of Business. This funding allows for the hiring of a full-time director, development of specialized curriculums, and various career connection programs aimed at benefiting both current students and alumni.

In addition to academic advancements, GCU opened a new police substation on 27th Avenue as a measure to enhance safety in the surrounding community. This is part of a broader redevelopment project, where the university has invested around $170 million, resulting in numerous community benefits such as the establishment of the GCU Hotel, the Canyon Ventures business incubator, and a Learning Lounge that provides free tutoring and scholarships to K-12 students.

Community Engagement

GCU commemorated its 75th anniversary with a Week of Service, offering over 1,000 volunteer opportunities across 40 ministries. The first-ever Amethyst Gala raised an impressive $1.5 million towards GCU's ambitious Five-Point Plan aimed at transforming the surrounding west Phoenix community.

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University has established itself as Arizona's premier private Christian university, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers 349 diverse academic programs to both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals while merging academic rigor with Christian values, paving the way for graduates to pursue purposeful and fulfilling careers. For more information, prospective students and interested parties can visit gcu.edu.