by Staff Reporter | Jan 18, 2026 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
Psychology was a top major for Arizona college students this past year, per a new study.
This determination was pulled from data gathered concerning college major-related queries in Arizona and organized by monthly search volumes.
The top five college majors based on monthly searches were psychology, then music, then computer science, then communications, and then business administration.
The subsequent most-popular college majors searched were criminal justice, then accounting, then business management, then nursing, and finally social work.
The data was published by Flipsnack, a company that creates flipbooks.
Psychology ranks near the bottom for median wage early career and middling for median wage mid-career, per the New York Federal Reserve Bank’s Labor Market for Recent College Graduates.
The top but lesser popular college majors fared far better in terms of salary potential. Computer science sat at the very top, followed by a slew of engineering specialities: computer engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering. Just above miscellaneous engineering and general engineering sat physics.
Psychology’s median early career income potential was around $35,000 to $45,000 less than computer science, the major with the highest labor market outcome for early career wage. Psychology was projected to earn around $55,000 less for mid-career median wage than several of the engineering majors.
Reporting data from the state’s three public universities aligns with these findings. Psychology was a top degree for both Arizona State University (ASU), University of Arizona (UA), and Northern Arizona University (NAU), according to Niche.
ASU’s top five degrees based on the number of graduates in recent years, in order, included business and business support services, psychology, biology, computer science, and marketing.
Per their latest data published in 2024, the top majors for ASU Online were information technology, psychology, liberal studies, business administration, biological sciences, electrical engineering, software engineering, English, criminology and criminal justice, and nursing.
ASU offers over 400 undergraduate programs. They also boast an 89 percent success rate of graduates securing employment or a job offer within 90 days of graduation, with a median full-time salary of $55,000.
NAU’s top degrees include psychology, liberal arts and humanities, nursing, elementary education, and criminology.
NAU has over 150 undergraduate programs. The university reported a full-time employment rate of 45 percent, and 35 percent seeking employment. The median salary for these graduates sits at around $50,000.
UA’s top five degrees based on the number of graduates in recent years, in order, were psychology, liberal arts and humanities, intelligence, physiology and pathology, and nursing.
Likewise, UA has over 150 undergraduate programs.
UA reported a full-time employment rate of 56 percent, with a median full-time salary of $60,000. 25 percent reported continuing education or seeking continuing education, 15 percent reported seeking employment, and two percent reported part-time employment.
Grand Canyon University (GCU), a private university that consistently ranks up there with the state’s three public universities, didn’t report psychology as a popular pick among its graduating students. GCU’s most popular majors were nursing, business, human services, elementary education, and special education and teaching.
Psychiatrist and mental health services fell just outside the scope of top-five popularity for GCU graduating students.
GCU reported a 96 percent employment rate post-graduation, with a median salary of $62,000 annually.
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by Ethan Faverino | Jan 13, 2026 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Grand Canyon University (GCU) announced it will continue its historic tuition freeze on the Phoenix campus for the 18th consecutive year, maintaining the same rate through the 2026-27 academic year.
The private Christian university will keep campus tuition at $16,500 (before institutional aid) for the upcoming year—the same amount that has been in place since the freeze began in 2008-09.
This longstanding commitment provides students and families with rare cost predictability amid widespread concerns about escalating college expenses and the long-term value of a degree.
In the 2024-25 academic year, more than 92% of GCU’s traditional students received institutional scholarships totaling $181 million, reducing the average tuition cost to approximately $8,900. This figure is comparable to many public universities and significantly lower than most other private institutions.
National data from the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid Report showed the significance of GCU’s decision. Since 2008-09, average in-state tuition and fees at four-year public colleges have increased 81% (from $6,585 to $11,950), while four-year private institutions have seen costs rise 78% (from $25,143 to $45,000).
GCU’s housing costs also remain well below national averages. The university’s estimated average room and board cost for 2025-26 is $10,658, compared to $13,900 at four-year public colleges and $15,920 at four-year private institutions.
This affordability is notable given that nearly all GCU’s modern residence halls have been constructed in the past 15 years, with approximately 64% of rooms being single occupancy.
Since the tuition freeze began in 2008, the university’s traditional campus enrollment has grown dramatically from fewer than 1,000 students to around 25,000, while the campus itself has expanded to 300 acres.
During this period, the university has invested more than $1.8 billion in new degree programs, classrooms, laboratories, research spaces, residence halls, and advanced technologies.
“When you look at the rising costs in higher education, it’s not surprising that families are questioning the value of a college education,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “By freezing our tuition for nearly two decades, we have been able to build trust and predictability without compromising our academics. Our campus has grown exponentially, and we are blessed that it has occurred without passing those costs on to students and without requiring state tax subsidies that public universities receive.”
Mueller emphasized the broader impact of the university’s affordability strategy: “Freezing tuition costs is one way that we ensure higher education is affordable to all socioeconomic classes. That increases diversity on college campuses (over 40% of GCU’s ground campus enrollment are students of color), makes higher education more accessible to first-generation college students, and helps prevent students from taking on large amounts of debt.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 16, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Linda McMahon has formally restored Grand Canyon University’s nonprofit status, a reversal of a years-long dispute that had kept recognition of the Phoenix-based university’s tax-exempt classification in limbo.
The Department of Education’s (USDOE) action means it will now consider Grand Canyon University (GCU) a nonprofit institution for federal purposes, aligning its treatment under federal student-aid rules with the university’s longstanding recognition as a nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service.
“We are appreciative that officials within the current Department of Education adhered to the recent Ninth Circuit decision in our favor and conducted an objective and thorough review of GCU’s operations in determining GCU’s nonprofit status under the correct legal standard,” GCU President Brian Mueller said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Department in a cooperative manner moving forward and being part of the conversation to address the many challenges facing higher education.”
The move follows a May decision by the USDOE to reverse a $37 million fine against GCU, imposed under the Biden administration with prejudice. The fine was the largest ever levied by the agency against a university.
In November 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the Department of Education had unlawfully denied GCU nonprofit status and remanded the matter to the department for reconsideration under the correct legal standard. In 2018, the IRS reaffirmed GCU’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status after a multi-year audit, concluding that the university met all requirements of a nonprofit educational institution.
The restoration of nonprofit recognition comes as several Arizona members of Congress and other lawmakers have publicly advocated for the university’s status.
U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ02) took to X on Monday to highlight the Education Department’s decision, calling the reinstatement of nonprofit status a significant development for the institution.
U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ05) also posted on X following the department’s announcement, noting the change in federal recognition and urging continuation of support for aligned legislative efforts.
In previous years, Arizona Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Gosar and Biggs had criticized the Department of Education’s handling of the university’s nonprofit status and its regulatory actions. They characterized earlier denials and fines as misplaced or excessive and called for greater alignment between federal treatment and GCU’s IRS-recognized status, per the Arizona Sun Times.
Gosar told the outlet at the time, “GCU is being targeted for its religious views and for being the largest Christian university in the country. The Department of Education should recognize GCU’s lawful nonprofit status and stop the harassment.”
With the Education Department’s updated decision, the agency will now consider GCU’s application as a nonprofit institution in future federal evaluations, including eligibility for Title IV federal student financial aid programs.
“This decision removes the cloud of confusion over our nonprofit status and allows us to put our complete focus and resources on our mission to provide affordable, Christian higher education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” Mueller added. “We are excited to move forward with clarity and purpose.”
According to the university, nonprofit recognition is also expected to expand access to private scholarships restricted to nonprofit institutions, increase eligibility for nonprofit-specific grants and partnerships, restore eligibility for future government relief programs, reduce legal expenses associated with defending its status, and solidify GCU’s standing as a voting member of NCAA athletics.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 3, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Fresh off his 2025 graduation from Grand Canyon University, Caleb Foss is now helping senior leadership at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where his team has brought in $58 million in secured funds over the last 30 days.
Foss serves as executive assistant to Lisa Dale, the center’s Senior Vice President and Head of Development. He graduated summa cum laude from GCU this year with a bachelor’s degree in government, with an emphasis on public administration, according to GCU News. During his time at the Phoenix-based university, Foss participated in the Canyon Civic Institute, a student organization focused on preparing members for careers in civic engagement and public service.
GCU News revealed that Foss traces his path to the Kennedy Center back to high school, when he first got involved in political media. At GCU, that interest turned into hands-on work as a finance assistant and fundraising consultant for Kari Lake’s U.S. Senate campaign.
In his senior year, he joined the university’s Canyon Civic Institute, and a CCI trip to Washington, D.C., opened the door to job interviews and networking that ultimately led to his current role. At the Kennedy Center, Foss supports operations, scheduling, and fundraising efforts under the leadership of Kennedy Center Chairman President Donald Trump, Kennedy Center President and Ambassador Richard Grenell, and the board of trustees.
In June, he helped raise more than $10 million at the red-carpet premiere of “Les Misérables,” an event attended by the president, vice president, and Cabinet members. Foss also attended a Stuttgart Ballet performance in October alongside Dale and Lake, now acting CEO for the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
“It’s truly an honor. Especially with the President of the United States being chairman of the center, it’s a great privilege to be involved and help make the Kennedy Center better than ever.”
Foss attributes his drive to public service to his faith. “My true passion for going into that originally stems from my faith, my passion to serve and to lead in different areas, especially within government,” he stated. “My Christian foundation in life has been essential for pointing me in the direction where I believe I can make a difference.”
In reflecting on the recent fundraising success, Foss noted, “In the past 30 days, we brought $58 million in secured funds for the Kennedy Center.” He explained, “It’s a big operation, and it’s really exciting to be a part of it. With the leadership of Chairman President (Donald) Trump, Kennedy Center President and Ambassador Richard Grenell, Lisa Dale, the board of trustees, and our entire leadership team, the Kennedy Center has accomplished so much in this past year, and we have many great things in store for the future.”
Foss described the “Les Misérables” event as pivotal: “The president and the vice president were there, along with many members of the Cabinet. We brought in a lot of new donors for the Kennedy Center and raised over $10 million that one night. It was an incredible experience.”
Offering advice to current GCU students pursuing similar paths, Foss said, “Communication and connection are essential. But most importantly, stick to your morals, values, and faith, especially. No matter what the goal is at that moment, stay true to what you believe in.”
He emphasized starting locally: “The best place you can get involved is in your local community first. Whether that’s in your church, your neighborhood, or something like the Canyon Civic Institute or other clubs or organizations at GCU, from there, the opportunities are endless.”
The Kennedy Center is a national cultural hub undergoing major renovation under President Trump, who provided $257 million in funding, and continues to host live performances and national events such as the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk, amid these improvement efforts.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 5, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Grand Canyon University announced projections for record-breaking student enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year with as many as 133,000 Antelopes or ‘Lopes’ as they’re called, donning the Christian university’s signature purple and black. The new year enrollment represents an increase of approximately 8% over the fall 2024-25 enrollment figure. The increase isn’t limited to online students either, with the university seeing a ten percent increase in new students attending in-person instruction at the North Phoenix campus.
Specifically, the total projected enrollment of GCU for 2025 is 133,000 or more. On-campus enrollment is projected to be approximately 25,000, while online enrollment is expected to exceed 118,000.
In a press release, GCU President Brian Mueller attributed the uptick to the university’s “three core strengths,” citing “high-quality academics, taught from a Christian worldview perspective, a longstanding commitment to affordability, and a vibrant Christ-centered campus culture.”
“There is no shortage of families looking for high-quality, affordable education options rooted in Christian values,” Mueller said. “And they come from every corner of the country.”
In a press release, the GCU emphasized its policy of a tuition freeze for in-person students for the past 17 years, with “only nominal increases in online tuition.”
Mueller also explained, “If I ask students on our ground campus why they chose GCU, 9 out of 10 will say it is because of the community atmosphere on campus It’s what we’re known for, and faith plays a big part in creating that culture.”
Fresh off setting a record in April 2025 for its largest graduating class to date, GCU issued the release corresponding with the university’s ‘Welcome Week,’ describing the festivities as “a spirited tradition that includes more than 105 events organized by Welcome Programs staff alongside more than 500 Welcome Crew and Student Affairs volunteers. Activities range from student orientations, daily socials and nightly events such as Canyon Cooldown, Silent Disco and the inspirational Ignite worship ceremony, which sets the tone spiritually for the school year.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
