size increased. After having fewer than 1,000 students enrolled in 2008, the university had 17,500 students in the spring of 2017. A 2015 economic impact study revealed that the university was adding about $1 billion to the state's economy each year during its expansion. In February 2017, then Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said that the neighborhoods surrounding the university had experienced a 30% increase in housing values and a 30% decrease in crime rates.
By 2014, GCU students' accumulated student loan debt was estimated at more than $5.9 billion.
Citing GCU's controversial for-profit status, Arizona State University initially declined to play against GCU in any sport. ASU eventually reversed its position, and sporting events between the two universities recommenced in 2020.
=== Attempts to return to nonprofit status ===
In the fall of 2014, the college announced the exploration of a return to nonprofit status. GCU's regional accreditation body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), initially rejected the …
