In a recent turn of events, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has seen the rescission of a hefty $37.7 million fine previously levied against it by the U.S. Department of Education. This fine, which was announced in October 2023 and represented the largest of its kind to date, was originally imposed on the basis that the university allegedly misled students regarding the cost of its doctoral programs, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The contention arose from the assertion that GCU advertised a doctoral program cost that few students were actually able to meet. Arizona's Family obtained details indicating that the fine was issued after the Department of Education accused the university of false advertising, alleging that GCU promoted a lower cost than nearly all students ultimately paid. GCU, however, described such accusations as "gross mischaracterizations." GCU President Brian Mueller expressed relief over the dismissal in a statement obtained by Arizona's Family, stating, "The facts clearly support our contention that we were wrongly accused of misleading our doctoral students, and we appreciate the recognition that those accusations were without merit."
The dispute extends over various fronts, as GCU has been embroiled in a legal battle on allegations of deceptive advertising and the struggle for recognition of its nonprofit status. The university asserts its innovation and transparency, and it points toward other regulatory bodies, including two federal courts that supported its position by disputing the Department of Education's claims. Moreover, Ellen Keast, a spokeswoman for the department, pledged in a statement that "Unlike the previous Administration, we will not persecute and prosecute colleges and universities based on their religious affiliation. The Trump Administration will continue to ensure every institution of higher education is held accountable based on facts – but Department enforcement will be for the purpose of serving students, not political bias," indicating a departure from what GCU perceived as retaliatory practices by the prior administration, as noted by Arizona's Family.
The conclusion of this chapter for GCU arrives amidst ongoing litigation with the Federal Trade Commission over further disputes regarding the accurate portrayal of its degree programs, particularly concerning an “accelerate” doctoral program that allegedly requires additional courses for nearly all doctoral students, contrary to initial advertisements, as mentioned by Arizona's Family.
In addition, President Mueller previously questioned the seemingly targeted nature of these fines against large Christian universities, referencing a similar situation with Liberty University. In a report by FOX 10 Phoenix, he stated, "It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the two largest Christian universities in the country, this one and Liberty University, are both being fined almost the identical amount at almost the identical time?" and "Now is there a cause and effect there? I don’t know. But it’s a fact."
These remarks came shortly before the rescinded fine, bringing an end to part of GCU’s legal challenges while enrollment numbers continue to surge, reaching a record 125,000 students last academic year.
