GCU: The Student Review

In this episode, I unpack the $37.7 million fine the Department of Education issued to Grand Canyon University in 2023. The fine centers on claims that GCU misled students about the true cost and length of its doctoral programs, with fewer than 2% finishing at the advertised price. I walk through the Department’s letter, breaking down the evidence, GCU’s defenses, and why regulators found those de...

In this episode, I take a look at Katie Ogdon v. Grand Canyon University, et al. , a class action lawsuit that marks the first in depth court case that I've covered. This case involves alleged fraud, deceptive recruitment practices, and other claims made by the plaintiff against GCU, GCE, and other high-ranking officials. I go through the complaint section by section, and then delve into the s...

This episode marks the beginning of a deeper look at current issues surrounding Grand Canyon University, starting with its attempts to transition to non-profit status. I revisit GCU’s first attempt to convert, and then shift to their second attempt. I break down the $850 million sale of the university to a newly created entity, the role of Brian Mueller, and the long-term contract between GCU and...

Don't feel like listening to me yap for 3 minutes? Here's the gist. I took a little break, but more episodes are on the way. However, this next episode was recorded a few months ago, so it isn't entirely current. That's basically it.

This episode picks up where the last one left off, starting with a review of a detailed report highlighting troubling trends in the for-profit university sector. I briefly recount GCU's first attempt to transition to a non-profit and outline the numerous advantages that non-profit status would provide, especially in contrast to the struggling for-profit landscape at that time. I conclude by noting...

This episode begins with the purchase of the struggling non-profit GCU and its switch to a for-profit institution. Four years later, in 2008, the owners took GCU public, with executives from the University of Phoenix, like Brian Mueller, Stan Meyer, and Daniel Bachus, joining GCU. I focus on how, as GCU grew, it experienced declining graduation rates and increased federal funding through Title IV,...

This episode picks up where part 1 of the University of Phoenix story left off, specifically focusing on the university’s recruiting and admissions practices. I delve into the aggressive marketing and high-pressure tactics used to enroll students, examining the ways prospective students were targeted. I also explore findings from a Department of Education report that scrutinized these practices. T...

We begin with the for-profit giant, the University of Phoenix. This institution laid the blueprint for the for-profit universities that followed, including GCU. In Part 1, I introduce the University of Phoenix and dive into its structure, leadership, and history. I begin to explore what made the university so controversial, including its low graduation rates, lenient admissions standards, and its...

Are you curious about The Student Review? If so, you are in the right place! In this introductory episode, I share the purpose and inspiration for this project. I also talk a little bit about what to expect moving forward.