Canyon Rising Scholarship Program

The mission of Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Rising Scholarship program is to grant local students the opportunity to receive a private college education. Many inner-city students in our community face significant barriers to achieving their college dreams, including financial challenges. To make private, Christian education more accessible for all, GCU’s Canyon Rising offers not only scholarships but also housing and meal plans for some students. This program is designed to enhance students’ chances of  landing a job in their field of study by providing support beyond just grades and degree attainment, empowering them to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals.

You can propel local high school students forward in their educational journey by supporting this program today. Your gift will go directly to the Canyon Rising Scholarship, helping cover all tuition and course fees. Make your gift to the Canyon Rising Scholarship program below to change the future of deserving young people in our community.

Scholarship recipient students at a GCU Scholarship Banquet

Hear What Scholarship Recipients Have To Say

Young man named Jose Monarrez smiling.

I would like to thank the person who funded my scholarship for allowing me to go to college. I would want them to know they have helped an immigrant achieve a lifelong goal of getting an education. Because of people like them, the world is becoming a better place.

Jose Monarrez, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

If I were to meet the person who donated the funds for the scholarship, I wouldn’t know how to thank them. Thanking them would just be the start. Because of their donations, they give kids with less resources a chance to create a better future for themselves and their families. I would want them to know that they truly are making a difference.

Johanna S. Gonzales, Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics

While at GCU I realized that if all kids had someone to look up to, that could change their outcome and allow them to become someone better. I now look back on life and see that what I only dreamed of has become possible and now I’m entering my career and beginning to live my life-long dream.

Sean Oliver, Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

Headshot of young man wearing glasses smiling named John Nguyen.

Speaking for many, college was not a top option for us because of financial struggles and challenges. The scholarship was a blessing — an opportunity for us as students to achieve our dreams and goals. This has helped my family and they are so proud of me for being the first generation to achieve their bachelor’s degree.

John Nguyen, Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

This is a need-based scholarship program for eligible Arizona students entering GCU for the first time. There are a limited number of scholarship awards available for this program. There are two types of Canyon Rising Scholarship awards. Both scholarship types cover the full cost of tuition and fees (excluding parking and health insurance) and the second type also covers room and board. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters and are not subject to the University CAP policy. GCU accepted students who meet the criteria for the Canyon Rising Scholarship award will be automatically reviewed for consideration by a selection committee and will be notified of the award no later than July 1, 2024.

Grand Canyon University is a 501(c)3 organization, EIN#47-2507725. Donations are tax-deductible.