

<!-- DFS Xcelerate Taxonomy Schema - http://www.dfsco.com/financial-services/ -->
<!-- Version: 6.23.6 -->
<!-- Round: 2 -->
<!-- Creation date: 2018-08-07T19:20:32Z -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2017 Donnelley Financial, LLC. All Rights Reserved. -->
<schema xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema"
  xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance"
  xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase"
  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
  xmlns:srt-types="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:srt="http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:lope="http://www.gcu.edu/20180630"
  xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric"
  xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric"
  xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt"
  xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31"
  xmlns:currency="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017-01-31"
  xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:exch="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018-01-31"
  xmlns:invest="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31"
  xmlns:naics="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31"
  xmlns:sic="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31"
  xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31"
  targetNamespace="http://www.gcu.edu/20180630"
  elementFormDefault="qualified" attributeFormDefault="unqualified">
  <annotation>
    <appinfo>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" id="DocumentandEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>101 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative" id="StatementOfIncomeAlternative">
        <link:definition>103 - Statement - Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome" id="StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>104 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" id="StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParen">
        <link:definition>105 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified" id="StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified">
        <link:definition>106 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical" id="StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParen">
        <link:definition>107 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome" id="StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>108 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect" id="StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect">
        <link:definition>109 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNatureOfOperations" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsNatureOfOperations">
        <link:definition>110 - Disclosure - Nature of Business</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
        <link:definition>111 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlock">
        <link:definition>112 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock">
        <link:definition>113 - Disclosure - Investments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
        <link:definition>114 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Common Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock">
        <link:definition>115 - Disclosure - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
        <link:definition>116 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
        <link:definition>117 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
        <link:definition>118 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRegulatoryTextBlock" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRegulatoryTextBlock">
        <link:definition>119 - Disclosure - Regulatory</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies">
        <link:definition>120 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>121 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>122 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>123 - Disclosure - Investments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>124 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>125 - Disclosure - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>126 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables" id="Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables">
        <link:definition>127 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureNatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>128 - Disclosure - Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>129 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfRevenuesDisaggregatedByNatureOfTransferOfServices" id="DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfRevenuesDisaggregatedByNatureOfTransferOfServices">
        <link:definition>130 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Revenues Disaggregated by Nature of Transfer of Services (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>131 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleSummaryOfAssetsHeldForSaleAndLiabilitiesHeldForSale" id="DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleSummaryOfAssetsHeldForSaleAndLiabilitiesHeldForSale">
        <link:definition>132 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale - Summary of Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleSummaryOfAssetsHeldForSaleAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleParenthetical" id="DisclosureSubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleSummaryOfAssetsHeldForSaleAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleParenthetical">
        <link:definition>133 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale - Summary of Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestments" id="DisclosureInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestments">
        <link:definition>134 - Disclosure - Investments - Summary of Investments (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureInvestmentsAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>135 - Disclosure - Investments - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareSummaryOfWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding" id="DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareSummaryOfWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding">
        <link:definition>136 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Common Share - Summary of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>137 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsScheduleOfAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" id="DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsScheduleOfAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts">
        <link:definition>138 - Disclosure - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentSummaryOfPropertyAndEquipment" id="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentSummaryOfPropertyAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>139 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureShareBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>140 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToRestrictedStockGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan" id="DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToRestrictedStockGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan">
        <link:definition>141 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Granted under Company's Incentive Plan (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan" id="DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan">
        <link:definition>142 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under Company's Incentive Plan (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlanParenthetical" id="DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlanParenthetical">
        <link:definition>143 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under Company's Incentive Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpense" id="DisclosureShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpense">
        <link:definition>144 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRegulatoryAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureRegulatoryAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>145 - Disclosure - Regulatory - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="lope-20180630_cal.xml" xlink:title="Calculation Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="lope-20180630_def.xml" xlink:title="Definition Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="lope-20180630_lab.xml" xlink:title="Label Links, all"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:href="lope-20180630_pre.xml" xlink:title="Presentation Links, all"/>
    </appinfo>
  </annotation>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-types-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-types-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017/currency-2017-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018/exch-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017/naics-2017-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd"/>
  <import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd"/>
  <element name="AccountingPronouncementsRecentlyAdoptedPolicyTextBlock" id="lope_AccountingPronouncementsRecentlyAdoptedPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" id="lope_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AdmissionAdvisoryAndRelatedExpensesPolicyPolicyTextBlock" id="lope_AdmissionAdvisoryAndRelatedExpensesPolicyPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpenses" id="lope_AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpensesMember" id="lope_AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpensesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AncillaryRevenuesMember" id="lope_AncillaryRevenuesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AssetHeldForSaleMember" id="lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AssetPurchaseAgreementMember" id="lope_AssetPurchaseAgreementMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTableTextBlock" id="lope_AssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="BasePurchasePriceAdjustmentAmount" id="lope_BasePurchasePriceAdjustmentAmount" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod" id="lope_CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="CashTransferred" id="lope_CashTransferred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ComprehensiveReviewPeriod" id="lope_ComprehensiveReviewPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" id="lope_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="EarlyTerminationPeriidOfAgreement" id="lope_EarlyTerminationPeriidOfAgreement" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="GrandCanyonUniversityMember" id="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRent" id="lope_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InitialMaturityPeriidOfAgreement" id="lope_InitialMaturityPeriidOfAgreement" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InstructionalCostsAndServices" id="lope_InstructionalCostsAndServices" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InstructionalCostsAndServicesMember" id="lope_InstructionalCostsAndServicesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InterestAndOtherIncomeExpenseNonoperating" id="lope_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpenseNonoperating" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InterestRateCorridorMember" id="lope_InterestRateCorridorMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InvestmentMaturityPeriod" id="lope_InvestmentMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LiabilitiesHeldForSaleCurrent" id="lope_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" id="lope_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MarketingAndPromotionalPolicyPolicyTextBlock" id="lope_MarketingAndPromotionalPolicyPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MasterServicesAgreementMember" id="lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate" id="lope_MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="MidTermReportPeriod" id="lope_MidTermReportPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonemployeeMember" id="lope_NonemployeeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonrenewalFeesPaymentPeriod" id="lope_NonrenewalFeesPaymentPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfAnniversariesOfGrantDateUponWhichRestrictedStockUnitsVest" id="lope_NumberOfAnniversariesOfGrantDateUponWhichRestrictedStockUnitsVest" type="xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfColleges" id="lope_NumberOfColleges" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfDegreeProgramsOffered" id="lope_NumberOfDegreeProgramsOffered" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment" id="lope_PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfAgreementTerminationFeeOnPurchasePrice" id="lope_PercentageOfAgreementTerminationFeeOnPurchasePrice" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity" id="lope_PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfNonrenewalFeesPayment" id="lope_PercentageOfNonrenewalFeesPayment" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" id="lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodForWriteOffInactiveStudentAccounts" id="lope_PeriodForWriteOffInactiveStudentAccounts" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodOfBaseInterestRate" id="lope_PeriodOfBaseInterestRate" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PrepaidRoyaltiesNoncurrent" id="lope_PrepaidRoyaltiesNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PurchaseOfLandRelatedToOffsiteDevelopment" id="lope_PurchaseOfLandRelatedToOffsiteDevelopment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PurchasePriceOfAcquiredAssets" id="lope_PurchasePriceOfAcquiredAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PurchasesOfPropertyAndEquipmentIncludedInAccountsPayable" id="lope_PurchasesOfPropertyAndEquipmentIncludedInAccountsPayable" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RealEstatePropertyDescription" id="lope_RealEstatePropertyDescription" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationOfCapitalizedCostsDueToAdoptionOfASC606" id="lope_ReclassificationOfCapitalizedCostsDueToAdoptionOfASC606" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationOfDeferredRevenueDueToAdoptionOfASC606" id="lope_ReclassificationOfDeferredRevenueDueToAdoptionOfASC606" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationOfRestrictedCashToAssetsHeldForSale" id="lope_ReclassificationOfRestrictedCashToAssetsHeldForSale" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationOfTaxEffectWithinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" id="lope_ReclassificationOfTaxEffectWithinAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" id="lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RegulatoryTextBlock" id="lope_RegulatoryTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorSecuredNoteBearsInterest" id="lope_SeniorSecuredNoteBearsInterest" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SeniorSecuredNotesMaturityDate" id="lope_SeniorSecuredNotesMaturityDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" id="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFourMember" id="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFourMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardsMember" id="lope_StockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlock" id="lope_SubsequentEventAndAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="TerminationFeesPaymentPeriod" id="lope_TerminationFeesPaymentPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TransactionsCostsIncurred" id="lope_TransactionsCostsIncurred" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TuitionRevenuesMember" id="lope_TuitionRevenuesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoThousandAndSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" id="lope_TwoThousandAndSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoThousandEightEquityIncentivePlanMember" id="lope_TwoThousandEightEquityIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwoThousandSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" id="lope_TwoThousandSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnauditedInterimFinancialInformationPolicyTextBlock" id="lope_UnauditedInterimFinancialInformationPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>





