Posted on 11/17/2023 2:10:33 PM PST by DFG
The nation's largest Christian university says it's fighting a $37.7 million fine brought by the federal government over allegations that it lied to students about the cost of its programs.
Grand Canyon University, which enrolls more than 100,000 students mostly in online programs, said it's filing an appeal with the U.S. Education Department on Thursday. If it fails, the Phoenix-based school said it's prepared to file a federal lawsuit.
In a 40-minute speech, university President Brian Mueller called the fine “ridiculous” and questioned whether the school is being targeted because of its faith affiliation. He noted that the nation's second-largest Christian university, Liberty University, is reportedly being threatened with a $37 million fine over alleged underreporting of crimes.
“It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the two largest Christian universities in the country, this one and Liberty University, are both being fined almost the identical amount at almost the identical time?” he said. “Now is there a cause and effect there? I don't know. But it's a fact.”
The Education Department fined Grand Canyon on Oct. 31 after an investigation found that the university lied to more than 7,500 current and former students about the cost of doctoral programs.
As far back as 2017, the university told students its doctoral programs would cost between $40,000 and $49,000. The department found that less than 2% of graduates completed programs within the range, with 78% paying an additional $10,000 to $12,000.
The additional cost often came from “continuation courses” that were needed to finish dissertation requirements, the department said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
They didn’t think to add “YMMV” (your mileage may vary)? Think how much automakers have saved by adding that simple disclaimer.
...university President Brian Mueller called the fine “ridiculous” and questioned whether the school is being targeted because of its faith affiliation. He noted that the nation's second-largest Christian university, Liberty University, is reportedly being threatened with a $37 million fine over alleged underreporting of crimes.“It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the two largest Christian universities in the country, this one and Liberty University, are both being fined almost the identical amount at almost the identical time?” he said. “Now is there a cause and effect there? I don't know. But it's a fact.”
They could bring these same charges to any major university. There is no doubt the Christians are being singled out. These are the times we are in.
I’m planning to start a doctoral program in AI next year. I’ve read that half of the candidates for the typical doctoral program do not finish due to not being able to complete and defend their theses and dissertations.
I don’t know anything particular about this university’s program, but it certainly looks like this is another example of the weaponization of government.
Rule of Thumb: PhD programs always take longer and cost more! Always! Anyone who thinks that’s not the case is naive.
Allegations that it lied to students about the cost of its programs.
Harvard mum locks doors.
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