Phoenix, Arizona — Grand Canyon University, the largest Christian college in the United States, has been exonerated following allegations made by the Federal Trade Commission, which accused the university of deceptive advertising and illegal telemarketing. University officials contend that the accusation constituted an unjust targeting by the previous administration.
In a unanimous decision, the FTC voted last week to dismiss its lawsuit against Grand Canyon University (GCU), its marketing arm Grand Canyon Education, Inc., and President Brian Mueller. The FTC’s initial lawsuit was filed in 2023 and highlighted concerns over misleading claims to doctoral students regarding program completion times and the portrayal of the institution as a nonprofit entity.
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson noted that the case faced multiple setbacks, including two motions to dismiss that resulted in losses for the agency. Compounding these challenges, a related court ruling favored the university against the U.S. Department of Education, which had previously denied GCU’s nonprofit status despite approval from several authoritative bodies, including the Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education and the IRS.
The commission had alleged that GCU improperly contacted prospective students who explicitly requested no contact, a significant point of contention that led to questions about the university’s marketing practices. The claims were made amidst a backdrop of increased scrutiny of for-profit educational institutions under the Biden administration.
Mueller expressed relief following the FTC’s decision, framing it as a culmination of “years of coordinated lawfare” aimed at the university. He praised current FTC officials for evaluating the case with impartiality and acknowledged the decisions made by various agencies and courts that ruled in favor of GCU.
In light of the FTC’s dismissal, Mueller reiterated the argument that the accusations against GCU lacked validity. He emphasized the university’s commitment to transparency and proper disclosures, characterizing the institution as a leader in ethical marketing within higher education.
This recent development followed the U.S. Department of Education’s rescission of a $37.7 million fine against GCU for similar alleged deceptive practices. The dropping of these charges is a significant win for the university, which officials believe was subjected to unwarranted federal scrutiny.
Mueller’s assertions suggest a broader narrative of defense against what he describes as an unfairly aggressive investigation by federal agencies. He stated that despite ongoing challenges, GCU has continued to thrive and expand its operations.
As Grand Canyon University moves forward, officials expect to refocus on educational growth and community engagement, striving to reinforce its reputation as a respected institution of higher learning.
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