Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	May 03, 2024
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-34211
Entity Registrant Name	GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	20-3356009
Entity Address, Address Line One	2600 W. Camelback Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Phoenix
Entity Address, State or Province	AZ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	85017
City Area Code	602
Local Phone Number	247-4400
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	LOPE
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,738,382
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0001434588
Amendment Flag	false