University fined for misrepresenting costs of PhD programmes

The Biden administration issued a US$37.7 million fine against Grand Canyon University on Tuesday 31 October after a United States Department of Education investigation concluded that the private university in Phoenix misrepresented the cost of its doctoral degree programmes, writes Katie Lobosco for CNN.

The vast majority of doctoral students who graduated between 2017 and 2022 ultimately had to pay US$10,000 to US$12,000 more than Grand Canyon University initially advertised because they needed to enrol in ‘continuation courses’ in order to complete their dissertation requirements, according to the Department of Education. The university denies all accusations and intends to appeal the fine.

While the Biden administration has cancelled more federal student loan debt than under any other president, Tuesday’s announcement marks one of its first significant enforcement actions.
Full report on the CNN site