A conflict has emerged between Grand Canyon University (GCU) and the U.S. Department of Education.

The core issue revolves around allegations of predatory practices directed at GCU by federal authorities. Secretary Miguel Cardona has labeled GCU as a “predatory for-profit college,” citing instances of alleged misconduct such as misleading students about program costs and enrollment strategies aimed at boosting revenues. However, GCU officials vehemently reject these accusations, claiming unjust targeting and attributing the Department’s actions to bias.

“Regarding Cardona’s misguided comments that GCU “lied” and “preyed” on students, we have asked ED repeatedly for evidence of intent and verified student complaints, and they have refused to provide us with that information,” said GCU in a news release. “Rather, their accusations are based entirely on their own subjective opinion of GCU’s financial disclosures for doctoral programs. As Mr. Cardona’s comments confirm, those opinions reflect a deeply held bias against GCU, which has manifested itself in his Department’s selective and punitive enforcement actions against the university.”

The discrepancy in fines imposed on GCU compared to other institutions has raised concerns and suspicions of selective enforcement.

This is not the first institution that has come under scrutiny from the Department of Education. Last year the Department of Education cancelled student loans for millions of people they deemed to be victims of predatory for-profit colleges.