Phoenix-based Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the U.S., is planning to appeal a $37.7 million fine imposed by the Department of Education (DOE) on allegations of misleading students about the cost of its doctoral programs. The DOE has accused GCU of “lying” to over 7,500 former and current students and falsely advertising a lower cost for its doctoral programs. According to the investigation conducted by the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), about 98% of students ended up paying more than the advertised cost.
The university has been given a 20-day deadline to request a hearing with the DOE’s Office of Hearings and Appeals or file a response to the FSA to explain why the fine should not be imposed. In addition, specific conditions have been imposed on the school to continue participating in federal student aid programs.
GCU President Brian Mueller held a news conference to announce the school’s plans to appeal the fine and to express concerns about the federal government’s broader efforts to target the university. Mueller stated that the university does not mislead or deceive students and instead goes above and beyond what is legally required to provide transparency. He criticized the education system for lacking transparency and expressed concerns about the federal government’s authority and selective enforcement powers.
The school claims that the DOE’s accusations are not validated by the federal court system, which has previously ruled in its favor in a similar matter. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), GCU’s accrediting body, also disagrees with the DOE’s claims. GCU asserts that it provides more cost information than required and takes a leadership role in providing transparency in higher education.
Mueller believes that the DOE’s opposition to GCU’s nonprofit model has led to targeted inquiries and coordinated efforts with other federal agencies to harm the university. He finds it absurd for the DOE to state that GCU intentionally lied and argues that the university’s innovative approach to managing costs has allowed them to freeze tuition on their ground campus for 15 straight years.
The university’s appeal of the fine highlights concerns about the federal government’s fairness and objectivity in its operations. GCU aims to fight against what they perceive as ideological government overreach and the weaponization of federal agencies. They believe that such behavior not only affects them but also undermines public confidence in the federal government.
In conclusion, Grand Canyon University’s appeal of a $37.7 million fine imposed by the US Department of Education sheds light on their allegations of misleading students about the cost of doctoral programs. The university claims to provide transparency and disagrees with the DOE’s accusations. They believe that the federal government’s actions reflect a broader issue of ideological government overreach and the lack of checks and balances to prevent such behavior.
