Canyon Rising Scholarship Program
The mission of Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Rising Scholarship program is to expand access to private, Christian higher education for students who face financial barriers to attending college. This need-based scholarship program is designed for eligible high school students, living in Arizona or outside of Arizona, entering GCU for the first time. This program provides support beyond just grades and degree attainment. It is designed to empower students to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals.
To qualify, students must be eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant award as determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting it to GCU (school code 001074). Students must also have a minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA.
While eligibility requirements remain consistent, the scholarship coverage differs based on residency:
- Arizona Residents: The scholarship covers the remaining cost of tuition and fees after the Pell Grant award and all other GCU institutional aid have been applied. It does not cover parking, health insurance, housing or food-related expenses.
- Out-of-State Residents: The scholarship covers the remaining cost of tuition after the Pell Grant award and all other GCU institutional aid have been applied. It does not cover fees, program premiums, health insurance, housing or food-related expenses.
There is no overall cap on the number of scholarship recipients; however, off-campus participation is limited to 300 students.
You can help 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.
Hear What Scholarship Recipients Have To Say
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
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.