

<!-- DFS Xcelerate Taxonomy Definition Linkbase - http://www.dfsco.com/financial-services/ -->
<!-- Version: 6.23.6 -->
<!-- Round: 3 -->
<!-- Creation date: 2018-11-08T18:20:15Z -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2017 Donnelley Financial, LLC. All Rights Reserved. -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase"
  xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
  xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt"
  xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfIncomeAlternative" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParen" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParen" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureTheTransactionAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCU" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCU"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCUParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCUParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfRevenuesDisaggregatedByNatureOfTransferOfServices" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfRevenuesDisaggregatedByNatureOfTransferOfServices"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfRestatementsOnConsolidatedIncomeStatement" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfRestatementsOnConsolidatedIncomeStatement"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestments" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestments"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureInvestmentsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareSummaryOfWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareSummaryOfWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsScheduleOfAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsScheduleOfAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentSummaryOfPropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentSummaryOfPropertyAndEquipment"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilities"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassified" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassified"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToRestrictedStockGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToRestrictedStockGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlanParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlanParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#DisclosureShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpense" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsNatureOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNatureOfOperations"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"/>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport" xlink:label="lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InterestIncomeOnNoteReceivable" xlink:label="lope_InterestIncomeOnNoteReceivable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InvestmentInterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="lope_InvestmentInterestIncomeOther"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_LossOnTransaction" xlink:label="lope_LossOnTransaction"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_MarketingExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServiceMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices" xlink:label="lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_UniversityRelatedRevenueMember" xlink:label="lope_UniversityRelatedRevenueMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MarketingExpense" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_LossOnTransaction" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServiceMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="lope_UniversityRelatedRevenueMember" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="lope_InterestIncomeOnNoteReceivable" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="lope_InvestmentInterestIncomeOther" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" xlink:label="lope_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssued" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardForfeited" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="lope_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfBusinessAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" xlink:label="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NatureOfOperationsTable" xlink:label="lope_NatureOfOperationsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfColleges" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfColleges"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfDegreeProgramsOffered" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfDegreeProgramsOffered"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_RealEstatePropertyDescription" xlink:label="lope_RealEstatePropertyDescription"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NatureOfOperationsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="lope_RealEstatePropertyDescription" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfColleges" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_NatureOfOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfDegreeProgramsOffered" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_NatureOfOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AssetPurchaseAgreementMember" xlink:label="lope_AssetPurchaseAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_CashTransferred" xlink:label="lope_CashTransferred"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement" xlink:label="lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_FinalPurchasePriceAdjustmentAmount" xlink:label="lope_FinalPurchasePriceAdjustmentAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" xlink:label="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement" xlink:label="lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_LossOnTransaction" xlink:label="lope_LossOnTransaction"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NonrenewalFeesPaymentPeriod" xlink:label="lope_NonrenewalFeesPaymentPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageOfAgreementTerminationFeeOnPurchasePrice" xlink:label="lope_PercentageOfAgreementTerminationFeeOnPurchasePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageOfNonrenewalFeesPayment" xlink:label="lope_PercentageOfNonrenewalFeesPayment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" xlink:label="lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PurchasePriceOfAcquiredAssets" xlink:label="lope_PurchasePriceOfAcquiredAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_SeniorSecuredNoteBearsInterest" xlink:label="lope_SeniorSecuredNoteBearsInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_SeniorSecuredNotesMaturityDate" xlink:label="lope_SeniorSecuredNotesMaturityDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TerminationFeesPaymentPeriod" xlink:label="lope_TerminationFeesPaymentPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PurchasePriceOfAcquiredAssets" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_FinalPurchasePriceAdjustmentAmount" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_SeniorSecuredNoteBearsInterest" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_SeniorSecuredNotesMaturityDate" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageOfAgreementTerminationFeeOnPurchasePrice" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_TerminationFeesPaymentPeriod" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageOfNonrenewalFeesPayment" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NonrenewalFeesPaymentPeriod" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_CashTransferred" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="lope_LossOnTransaction" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="lope_AssetPurchaseAgreementMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCU">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="lope_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroupCurrent" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_LiabilitiesHeldForSaleMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTheTransactionSummaryOfDisposedAssetsPreviouslyAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldForSaleTransferredToGCUParenthetical">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_AssetHeldForSaleMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleByAssetTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="lope_CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerRefundLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerRefundLiability"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DescriptionOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DescriptionOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement" xlink:label="lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" xlink:label="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement" xlink:label="lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InterestRateCorridorMember" xlink:label="lope_InterestRateCorridorMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember" xlink:label="lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate" xlink:label="lope_MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfMajorRatingAgenciesReportingCreditRatings" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfMajorRatingAgenciesReportingCreditRatings"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfStagesOfSoftwareDevelopmentProjects" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfStagesOfSoftwareDevelopmentProjects"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment" xlink:label="lope_PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity" xlink:label="lope_PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" xlink:label="lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_PeriodOfBaseInterestRate" xlink:label="lope_PeriodOfBaseInterestRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" xlink:label="lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentItemAgreement" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentItemAgreement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_RoyaltyAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="lope_RoyaltyAmortizationPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="lope_InterestRateCorridorMember" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member" order="1.3700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="lope_MasterServicesAgreementMember" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1.3800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentItemAgreement" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_CashAndCashEquivalentMaturityPeriod" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PeriodOfBaseInterestRate" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DescriptionOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeActivities" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_MaximumPercentageOfVariableInterestRatesBasedOnBaseInterestRate" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageOfAmountPaidByUniversity" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageDeductedFromBaseInterestRateForActualPayment" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_PercentageOfTuitionAndFeeRevenueUsedForClosingOfPurchaseAgreement" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_InitialMaturityPeriodOfAgreement" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_EarlyTerminationPeriodOfAgreement" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerRefundLiability" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_RoyaltyAmortizationPeriod" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfStagesOfSoftwareDevelopmentProjects" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfMajorRatingAgenciesReportingCreditRatings" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="6.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="7.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="8.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" order="9.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="lope_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="11.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="1.3600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfRevenuesDisaggregatedByNatureOfTransferOfServices">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AncillaryRevenuesMember" xlink:label="lope_AncillaryRevenuesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" xlink:label="lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TuitionRevenuesMember" xlink:label="lope_TuitionRevenuesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="lope_ReductionInRevenueDueToScholarshipsOfferedToStudents" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="lope_TuitionRevenuesMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="lope_AncillaryRevenuesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfRestatementsOnConsolidatedIncomeStatement">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="lope_AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport" xlink:label="lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InstructionalCostsAndServices" xlink:label="lope_InstructionalCostsAndServices"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_MarketingExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ReclassifiedMember" xlink:label="lope_ReclassifiedMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ReportedMember" xlink:label="lope_ReportedMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentRestatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentRestatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices" xlink:label="lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TransactionalLosses" xlink:label="lope_TransactionalLosses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses" xlink:label="lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:to="lope_ReportedMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:to="lope_ReclassifiedMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_TechnologyAndAcademicServices" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_CounselingServicesAndSupport" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MarketingExpense" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_UniversityRelatedExpenses" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_TransactionalLosses" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_InstructionalCostsAndServices" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="lope_AdmissionsAdvisoryAndRelatedExpenses" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentRestatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentRestatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsSummaryOfInvestments">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_InvestmentMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="lope_InvestmentMaturityPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="lope_InvestmentMaturityPeriod" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareSummaryOfWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerCommonShareAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_StockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="lope_StockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_StockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardsMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsScheduleOfAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentSummaryOfPropertyAndEquipment">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandImprovementsMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilities">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassified">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" xlink:label="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NonemployeeMember" xlink:label="lope_NonemployeeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfAnniversariesOfGrantDateUponWhichRestrictedStockUnitsVest" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfAnniversariesOfGrantDateUponWhichRestrictedStockUnitsVest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired" xlink:label="lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" xlink:label="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFourMember" xlink:label="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFourMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TwoThousandAndSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="lope_TwoThousandAndSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TwoThousandEightEquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="lope_TwoThousandEightEquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TwoThousandSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="lope_TwoThousandSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VestingDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_TwoThousandAndSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_TwoThousandEightEquityIncentivePlanMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="lope_TwoThousandSeventeenEquityIncentivePlanMember" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="lope_GrandCanyonUniversityMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="6.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfAnniversariesOfGrantDateUponWhichRestrictedStockUnitsVest" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="lope_NumberOfFormerEmployeesHired" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrent" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="lope_NonemployeeMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VestingDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFourMember" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:to="lope_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheFiveMember" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToRestrictedStockGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlan">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationSummaryOfActivityRelatedToStockOptionsGrantedUnderCompanysIncentivePlanParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_CounselingSupportAndServicesMember" xlink:label="lope_CounselingSupportAndServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_TechnicalAndAcademicServicesMember" xlink:label="lope_TechnicalAndAcademicServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="lope-20180930.xsd#lope_UniversityRelatedExpensesMember" xlink:label="lope_UniversityRelatedExpensesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="lope_TechnicalAndAcademicServicesMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="lope_CounselingSupportAndServicesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="lope_UniversityRelatedExpensesMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNatureOfOperations">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCostAndEquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAllowanceForCreditLossesTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.gcu.edu/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>





