Trump Admin. Frees Nation's Largest Christian College From Biden's $37.7M Fine

Thanks to the Trump administration's Department of Education, the nation's largest Christian college has been freed from a massive $37.7 million fine.

In 2023, the Biden administration accused Grand Canyon University (GCU) of misleading doctoral students about program costs, swiftly imposing the hefty fine. Then-Education Secretary Miguel Cardona openly criticized GCU, stating he was "cracking down not only to shut them down, but to send a message to not prey on students."

At the time, GCU President Brian Mueller described the accusation as nothing short of "ridiculous." He had also shared with The Washington Stand that his college had sought to rise above the circumstances by being a good example through Scriptural obedience and service. He also noted that "all the issues we have are with a very small number of people in Washington, D.C."

However, the situation raised suspicions of targeted persecution, especially as Liberty University, America's second-largest Christian university, faced a similar $37 million fine around the same time. Mueller highlighted this in a speech, questioning, "It's interesting, isn't it, that the two largest Christian universities in the country ... are both being fined almost the identical amount at almost the identical time?"

After nearly two years of legal battles, the Trump administration's Department of Education announced on Friday that it had rescinded the $37.7 million fine against GCU, clearing the university of any wrongdoing. The university's press release stated there were "no findings against GCU, or any of its employees, officers, agents, or contractors, and no fine is imposed." The move has been hailed as both an academic and political victory. The decision also reflects the Trump administration's commitment to protecting religious institutions from discriminatory enforcement.

Education Department Spokesperson Ellen Keast underscored the administration's stance, stating, "Unlike the previous administration, we will not persecute and prosecute colleges and universities based on their religious affiliation. The Trump administration will continue to ensure every institution of higher education is held accountable based on facts -- but department enforcement will be for the purpose of serving students, not political bias."

The Trump administration's statement reflected a broader commitment to fairness and impartiality in regulatory oversight, particularly for faith-based institutions that felt unfairly targeted under prior policies. And ultimately, the decision was met with widespread praise from advocates of Christian higher education. David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council, considers it a victory for GCU and the broader landscape of Christian colleges and universities.

He told the Washington Stand, "The news today involving Grand Canyon University is encouraging for those who care about Christian higher education." As Closson explained, "GCU is the nation's largest Christian college, and it appears they were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. GCU has maintained from the beginning that they did not mislead their doctoral students in terms of course requirements and cost. The granting of their appeal vindicates the contention the university has been making from the beginning."

Closson also commended GCU's leadership for its principled response throughout the ordeal. "GCU leadership, including President Mueller, have demonstrated a disposition marked by fruit of the spirit throughout the entire process," he said. Closson concluded that Christians nationwide should be grateful for the vindication of one of the premier institutions of Christian higher education, which continues to play a vital role in shaping students' faith and intellect.

Originally published at The Washington Stand