Department of Education Takes Action Against Grand Canyon University for Misrepresenting Doctoral Program Costs

Grand Canyon University Fined Record Amount for Misrepresenting Doctoral Program Costs

The US Department of Education has fined Grand Canyon University (GCU), the nation’s largest Christian university, a record amount for allegedly misrepresenting the cost of certain doctoral programs to thousands of students.

The fine, which totals $37.7 million, is the largest the department has ever imposed on a university for misrepresenting the cost of a higher education program.

The department’s investigation found that GCU underestimated the cost of its doctoral programs by failing to include the cost of required continuation courses, which are needed for students to complete their dissertation requirements.

The department also found that GCU engaged in deceptive marketing practices by advertising its doctoral programs as affordable and accessible, when in fact they were significantly more expensive than advertised.

Department of Education Takes Action Against Grand Canyon University for Misrepresenting Doctoral Program Costs

The Department of Education’s action against GCU is part of a broader effort to crack down on universities that misrepresent the cost of their programs.

In recent years, the department has fined several other universities for misrepresenting the cost of their programs, including Corinthian Colleges, ITT Technical Institute, and DeVry University.

The department’s action against GCU is a reminder to students that they should carefully research the cost of any program before enrolling.

Students should also be wary of marketing materials that promise that a program is affordable or accessible.