"My experience has led to horrible experiences with the counseling staff and poor quality control for courses Multiple issues related to counseling have left me the only one affected. First I took the wrong content exam multiple times before a counselor informed me. I was then forced to scramble over 3 weeks to study and pass the correct exam in order to meet the deadline for my ST application. I asked if they would compensate me for the wasted fees I spent on the incorrect test. They told me they would not and that it was my fault. They claimed I acted on assumptions. I had mentioned my intentions to multiple counselors multiple times and have an email record that shows me reaching out to get a correction from the appropriate counselor. She never responded and i, being busy with grad school and work (which requires someone in a guidance role to make sure I am on top of the logistics.....like a counselor), didn't read a correction email so I kept on the same path I had formed over multiple meetings with counselors. Fast forward, I am not waiting to be placed in my student teaching assignments. Apparently they do not always place all their students, which I can understand. Yet, no counselor told me this was a possibility. Again, I sent many emails asking questions about this process and no one told me I may not get placed till the final week. I ultimately did not get placed an now must wait multiple months to be assigned, if I am lucky enough to be assigned next quarter. However, the school is asking me to pay back the loan disbursement sent to me, despite it being made clear I would only get the money if I was registered to an assignment. On top of that my loans, which have a much higher ARP than my loans from undergrad, are accusing interes while I wait. I am now working to find a temporary job, which I was not planning on since ST is a full time job, in order to pay this inter St while I wait. The counseling team not only with holds valuable information, for fear students ma leave, they are slow to communicate. They often respond to my questions with links to the information I had questions about. They often tell me they can't help me, despite many of these hurdles I'm dealing with being affected by university actions and over promises. Academic quality is also very low. Resources are our of date or covered in advertisements, both pop up and dispersed. Their library shows abstracts for resources they do not have access to. Instructors don't choose the resources and it has become obvious they do not check to see if the resources students are given are relevant or functional. I've had instructors express their concern with the resources available as well.For any amount of 10s of thousands of dollars this is ridiculous. I need help figuring out how to navigate this or I will continue to be taken advantage of."

Sean

Reviewed: 1/6/2025
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2024

"Please don’t do it. You are just a number to them. There is no effort to make a personal connection from professors and especially counselors. I have a hard time getting my counselors to answer the phone. They misled me or gave me false guidance several times. I recently graduated about a month ago and have heard nothing about next steps or even a congratulations. Again they just want your money. Don’t."

Ben Matthews

Reviewed: 1/8/2023
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2019

"I enrolled in Grand Canyon Universities Online graduate program for the Masters in Education, Secondary Education degree. I was able to double up on classes and finish the program earlier than most. My grade point average was 3.84 (GCU uses the 4.000 grading scale). Each course was 4 to 6 weeks long and had requirements for field work. Overall, my counselors and the staff of GCU always had open lines of communication, the grading was rigorous but it enhanced the academic experience by expecting more from its students, and its cost of tuition and enrollment was fair compared to other institutions. If you are looking for a good and accredited graduate degree you should definitely consider Grand Canyon University."

J.H.

Reviewed: 3/5/2020
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2020

"When deciding on how and where I would complete my graduate degree and teaching certificate, I determined that efficiency and convenience was more important than the quality of the experience in my individual case. As an undergrad, I had an amazing and empowering educational experience, but because I was already employed in education and proficient in my field, I did not feel that I needed to duplicate that experience. GCU fit the bill. However, for those people lacking adequate experience working in education, I would not recommend GCU. GCU was ok. The assignments were relevant and the workload was manageable for an adult working full-time and with a family. I think grading was inflated. I graduated with a 3.93 without a ton of effort. I skipped lots of assignments when it became apparent that my grade would not fall below a 4.0. My biggest challenge was the weekly participation posts. Three participation post are required weekly, but the expectation was generally that you would respond to a classmates post. This would look something like "I like that you said... I agree with you... nice post..." They were so lame and lacked any value at all that I avoided them out of spite. Occasionally a professor would post questions to respond to, which improved the requirement, but more often then not, the posts were redundant and a regurgitation of what someone else said. Talk about "busy work..." It was also apparent that there were lots of less capable, less intelligent people in the classes. Graduate level students ought to be able spell, write coherent sentences, and follow directions. At times I was shocked at what I was reading, other times I could not decipher what I was reading. In one particular class, several students began posting that students in school shouldn't be able to wear clothing displaying the Mexican flag because it meant they were in gangs. There was a spew of not-so-subtle racist posts that went unchallenged by the professor. Freedom of speech? Sure. But these people are our future teachers. That was a disheartening concept. The professors were mostly fine. They didn't add much to the classes. GCU provides the materials and assignments, not the teachers, and the same assignments are recycled time, and time again. Sometimes assignments were outdated, and sometimes links to materials were no longer available. Other times, someone clearly attempted to update the assignments and/or materials but misaligned the course as a result, which became problematic to both the students and the professor. Because of how GCU is structured, the difficulties equally impacted students and professors, but there was no recourse for either of us. A lot of times I didn't understand what the assignments required, but I'd wing it, submit it, and get a 4.0. I received very little feedback and often wondered what other students were submitting and if anyone was actually reading my papers. I contemplated submitting a random paper to test the hypothesis, but never followed through. Another issue that I encountered regularly throughout my experience, was high similarity scores for plagiarism with other past students. Because the same assignments and readings have been reused hundreds of times, I'd submit essays that were identified as being submitted by another GCU student. ALL OF MY WORK WAS ORIGINAL, but a concept can only be explained so many different ways before it starts appearing similar to how someone else described it. Sometimes I would need to rewrite a paragraph three or four times before it cleared the system. By the end, it would no longer even reflect my thoughts or writing style, it would just be written in a way necessary to clear the system. Ultimately, GCU was what I expected; a sub-par collegiate experience that provided the certification I needed to advance in my career, but not because of the certification, but because of the ample experience I possess. For a younger student (I am in my late 30's) with less experience, I would encourage you to explore other options that will provide the valuable experiences that we all need to be good at our craft. For older adults like myself, GCU may help you advance your career if you already possess the bulk of the knowledge and skills that are foundational to your next steps. In regards to other experiences I have read about, I personally had a good student services team who was supportive and responsive. My criticisms apply only to how the online program is structured, the obvious need to update classroom assignments and materials, and create a more dynamic and engaging online learning community. To all of you, I wish you good luck and a prosperous life."

Sidy H Ba

Reviewed: 1/21/2020
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2020

"I currenly student at Grand Canyon University. I learn a lot, great school and staff. I agree that sometime, some courseS are very hard and need a lot of reading and research but that what we are here for, TO LEARN AN DGAIN KNOWLEDGE. Moreover, they usually give you a lot of resources or you can also find them on GCU website."

Nporter

Reviewed: 5/29/2019
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2019

"If I had it to do over again, I would NOT attend Grand Canyon University. I felt like I constantly had to push them and ask for help and direction before they would offer anything in the process of obtaining my teaching certification. (Also, when I would reach out to them for help inevitably that "wasn't their area" and would have someone else call me back.) Never once got any of my counselors without having to wait for a return call (living overseas the time change made that difficult.) They were not pro-active in helping guide me through the process for licensure and it was only after submitting everything for my license application I found out from the state of Arizona that I still had to take a professional knowledge test. Only thing they are pro-active about is getting your money. Hounded me over a $51 error they made and said I owed them. In the 18 months of my program I had 3 different field counselors. No consistency."

Arinn Bogarty

Reviewed: 7/3/2017
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2015

"GCU staff was absolutely amazing as I went through my program to receive my master's degree. I hit a hard time in the course of the study and they were so helpful. The professors were very active with us online students. The classmates were involved and encouraging with one another. We even were able to complete group projects. It was an open forum to discuss and learn from each other. I loved the school so much I am back for my doctorate!"

Darcy Tanaka

Reviewed: 3/30/2017
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 1993

"The enrollment process was a nightmare. And then I was bounced between two different counselors who never told me the same thing. My professor was non-existent as he felt free to access YouTube videos were an acceptable substitution for teaching. Vague directions with specific expectations. Just not a positive support network. I stayed for one class and then left as quickly as I could. They charged me nearly $2,000 without applying financial aid for a non-education with an absent professor. Sounds fair, right?"

Danklemitis

Reviewed: 3/5/2017
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"GCU has a very good education program. Having known other teachers for many years (my wife graduated a year after we got married), I can say that this program is not the best, but it is still worth the money. GCU had many levels of accountability and support to facilitate greater learning and preparation for a career or advancement in teaching. It helps that the books are digital and included in the cost."

Bub

Reviewed: 4/21/2016
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"Administration is great. I have taken many classes there and not once did I find an instructor that would answer your questions. If they answer they refer you to GCU website. I thought it was just a few instructors until I took more and more classes. Every one of them does this. The grades re the same regardless of effort, it's always the same. I was in to far by the time I realized this so it was to late for me. The instructors are horrible. Maybe they're all like this, I don't know."

Ross

Reviewed: 12/27/2015
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"I have read most of the review about G.C.U. and I wondering if some of these people attended this university..I'm in the student teaching B and I must say that I have enjoyed attending this university and would recommend it to every none traditional student. I'm an online student and I would not advise anyone to take the online journey unless they are well prepared to meet the challenge. I must say it's hard work! Staff and support team is great! Love at GCU....Strongly recommend this college!"

Chloe Smith

Reviewed: 11/11/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"The biggest pro regarding Grand Canyon University is the level of communication I experience with all staff members. I have several academic advisors who keep me in the loop with regularity. If ever I have a question, both administrators and instructors respond quickly and efficiently. I feel supported every step of the way, and a large part of that is due to the program's commitment to regular communication. The only con that I have experienced actually has nothing to do with Grand Canyon University. Ideally, I would have enrolled in a program with courses taking place on a physical campus. However, as I am a full-time teacher, the only option for me would be to take evening courses. I could not find a program in Hawaii that accommodated my needs, so I turned to an online institution. While this wasn't my ideal academic situation, Grand Canyon University has offered me an alternative that fits my needs. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this program. It has been an excellent experience, and is allowing me to complete my education goals with ease."

Tashina Eller

Reviewed: 7/8/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"The student support is second to none. Questions are answered quickly and phone calls are returned in a timely fashion. So far, I love this school!"

GLS

Reviewed: 5/19/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2016

"I am currently in my fourth class at Grand Canyon. I only have good things, no GREAT things to say about my experience at Grand Canyon. The instructors are supportive and very helpful. Both the professors and the support staff returns emails and calls promptly. The entire staff is professional and represents Grand Canyon well. The teachers are knowledgeable in their field. The online classes are not Mickey Mouse classes. I work my butt off; however, I am enjoying it. I have learned a lot from Grand Canyon’s teachers so far. I have never had a bad experience with any staff member at Grand Canyon. I highly recommend Grand Canyon to anyone who is looking for a school. Grand Canyon displays a Christian atmosphere, but does not shove their beliefs down your throat. I do not regret for one minute deciding to do my masters at Grand Canyon. I LOVE Grand Canyon, the professors, and the administrative staff."

Juliana Byrd

Reviewed: 2/20/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2015

"Grand Canyon has been incredibly supportive and a good way to start on-line education. The classes have not been as rigorous as I experienced in a brick & mortar school but have provided opportunities to learn at my own pace."

Danielle Cornum

Reviewed: 1/27/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2014

"Grand Canyon University has proven to have a dynamic online program that is both challenging and stimulating in it's set-up of required participation. I have found the staff to be helpful and available, answering questions and providing help when needed in a timely manner. As a full time teacher and mother to two children under three years of age, the organization of the program allows me to learn and work on my time, and communicates class expectations clearly. I have read many reviews lately about how for-profit colleges and universities care only for churning out degrees and not at all about their student success, but that could not be more incorrect in what I have experienced in the last 10 months at Grand Canyon. I am impressed with the professionalism of the staff, the organization of the program, and as a high school teacher myself, the challenges and higher learning each class has provided. Going into my Master's program I was concerned about the quality of the meaningful work I would be assigned, and I am happy to report that Grand Canyon has challenged me and required me to work hard through my learning to earn my degree. As a BS graduate from a non-profit university, I feel Grand Canyon is lacking in nothing in comparison, and highly recommend it for future students seeking an online gradute degree."

Peggy McGuire

Reviewed: 1/21/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2015

"I like the convenience of being able to take my classes online while obtaining a Masters Degree."

Arinn Bogarty

Reviewed: 1/2/2014
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2015

"Some of the questions I couldn't answer because I am strictly online, if so the star rating would be higher. However the online community promotes positive and healthy conversations in the forums. Critical thinking is strongly encouraged. The staff as in my enrollment counselor, academic/financial counselor, and professors are very helpful. They communicate with you on a regular to make sure that you are doing well in your classes."

Melonie Smith-Williams

Reviewed: 8/3/2013
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2011

"Completing a Master of Art in Teaching was very beneficial to me because I expanded my knowledge base significantly and was also better at my "craft"; which is teaching. I learnt new and current teaching strategies and methodologies which I was able to share with my colleagues. It was a very time consuming program, but through hard work and dedication I completed it within 14 months. There were a few challenges which i had to deal with; as it relates to the availability of research materials and the fact that most of the text were in the e format, so during the hurricane season it was difficult to get access if there was a power outage, strong winds or even a hurricane."

Raul Garcia

Reviewed: 6/24/2013
Degree: Secondary Education
Graduation Year: 2014

"Grand Canyon gives a great learning process for teachers ,"