Grand Canyon University (GCU) is currently facing multiple challenges that have put the institution under scrutiny. The troubles began with a significant $37.4 million fine imposed by the Department of Education (ED). Now, the school is also dealing with a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging deceptive advertising and illegal telemarketing practices. On top of that, GCU is facing a risk-based audit initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The root cause of these actions against GCU can be traced back to the Department of Education's findings that the university misled more than 7,500 students regarding the cost of its doctoral programs. GCU allegedly misrepresented the price of these programs, which is a crucial factor for students making decisions about their education. This is especially true for graduate programs, where funding is often limited, and loans can be substantial. Having accurate information about program costs is vital.
