Grand Canyon University is a large private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona, known for its strong business, nursing, and education programs and its energetic campus‑within‑a‑city vibe. Students often rave about the palm‑lined walkways, the many residence‑hall events, the loud game‑day energy of Lopes basketball, and the mix of in‑person and online options that fit working‑adult schedules.

State

Arizona

Student Population

25,000

Acceptance Rate

78–80%

GPA Range

3.3–3.6

SAT Range

920–1180

Common Majors

business, nursing, psychology, education, liberal arts, criminal justice

“My overall experience at Grand Canyon University has been very positive. I feel very confident that I am learning in a supportive environment, and the resources available really help me succeed.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

$17,450

Conference

Western Athletic Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

72.47

Avg Women's Scores

74.86

Men's Team Notes

Lopes men carded record 827 (37-under) at Visit Stockton Invitational on Stockton Golf Course, winning by eight over ranked foes with Kling (T6), Zorzetto (T4), and O'Neill's final-round 69. Par-5 eagles and Arizona desert depth fueled dominance.

Women's Team Notes

Lopes women averaged 298.9 adjusted over 29 rounds at Ken McDonald Golf Course Desert Spring Regional and other key events, led by Diehl's 72.2 mark with four top-10s. Strong ball-striking propelled top finishes on Phoenix-area layouts.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Mark Mueller

Women's Coach

Brent Nicoson

Men's Email

mark.mueller@gcu.edu

Women's Email

brent.nicoson@gcu.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Mark Mueller is Grand Canyon University men’s head golf coach, leading the Lopes in the Western Athletic Conference. A long‑time PGA‑level and collegiate‑golf coach, he has built GCU into a consistently strong WAC program with multiple conference‑level finishes and NCAA‑postseason‑caliber seasons. Mueller emphasizes a high‑level practice culture, strong fundamentals, and a competitive schedule aimed at maintaining GCU as one of the top men’s‑golf programs in the WAC.

Women's Coach Bio

Brent Nicoson is Grand Canyon women’s head golf coach, entering his second season at the helm in 2025–26 after a highly successful prior head‑coaching career. Hired to elevate the Lopes’ program, he brings a national‑championship pedigree and a reputation as an elite instructor and recruiter. Nicoson emphasizes technical‑skill refinement, scoring‑oriented play, and a strong team‑driven culture to position GCU women’s golf for sustained improvement within the WAC.