Office of Federal Student Aid finds the university deceived students regarding the cost of doctoral programs.
The Department of Education has fined Grand Canyon University (GCU) $37.7 million for falsely advertising a lower cost for doctoral programs than the university actually charged.
GCU’s actions were discovered by the department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) when an investigation the agency conducted found that 98 percent of students from GCU’s doctoral program ended up paying more than advertised to complete their education. GCU advertisements said the doctoral programs cost between $40,000 and $49,000. However, the university required students to enroll in additional “continuation courses” to actually complete their doctorate, adding an additional $10,000 to $12,000 more to the total amount paid.
“GCU lied about the cost of its doctoral programs to attract students to enroll,” said FSA Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray. “FSA takes its oversight responsibilities seriously. GCU’s lies harmed students, broke their trust, and led to unexpectedly high levels of student debt. Today, we are holding GCU accountable for its actions, protecting students and taxpayers, and upholding the integrity of the federal student aid programs.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For COO Cordray as he oversees the Office of Federal Student Aid.
- For Education Department officials as they seek to protect student borrowers from predatory financial practices on the part of universities.
Sources: Department of Education
