GCU: The Student Review

The Student Review
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Join me, a GCU student, as I delve into the for-profit education industry to uncover hidden truths and shed light on the current state of Grand Canyon University. Through this exploration, I’ll share stories involving key figures like John Sperling, Brent Richardson, and Brian Mueller, along with insights into institutions such as Grand Canyon University and the University of Phoenix. This podcast is designed to be a comprehensive resource for GCU students, or anyone else, interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the university and its recent developments.

Episodes

  1. 09/22/2025

    Episode 8 - The Department of Education Fine ($37 million)

    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 defenses inadequate. And at the end, I relay the shocking outcome of GCU's appeal of this fine!Recorded in May '25 A quick recap of some relevant context 0:55 Introducing the $37,000,000 fine 4:54 DOE's evidence of GCU fraud 7:25 How the fine amount was decided 20:30 A recent update on the case 22:20 The host delivers a rambling take 23:40

  2. 05/26/2025

    Episode 7 - Katie Ogdon v. Grand Canyon University, et al.

    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 story of Katie Ogdon herself, the student who filed the lawsuit. Toward the end of the episode, I discuss the recent developments in the case as well as how it could fit into the larger narrative surrounding GCU.

  3. 05/10/2025

    Episode 6 - For-Profit to Non-Profit

    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 GCE.

  4. 04/29/2025

    Update: I'm Back!

    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.

  5. 10/21/2024

    Episode 5 - GCU (part 2)

    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 a leadership change, with Brian Mueller, President of GCU, assuming the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at GCE, a role previously held by Brent Richardson.

  6. 10/07/2024

    Episode 4 - GCU (Part 1)

    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, reflecting patterns seen at the University of Phoenix. Additionally, GCU faced legal issues over illegal recruiting tactics, similar to those encountered by the University of Phoenix, suggesting a shift towards prioritizing profit over student success.

  7. 09/23/2024

    Episode 3 - The University of Phoenix (Part 2)

    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. To wrap up, I highlight the transition of Brian Mueller from the University of Phoenix to his new role at Grand Canyon University.

  8. 09/16/2024

    Episode 2 - The University of Phoenix (Part 1)

    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 significant reliance on Title IV funds

  9. 09/02/2024

    Episode 1 - An Introduction to The Student Review

    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.

  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

Join me, a GCU student, as I delve into the for-profit education industry to uncover hidden truths and shed light on the current state of Grand Canyon University. Through this exploration, I’ll share stories involving key figures like John Sperling, Brent Richardson, and Brian Mueller, along with insights into institutions such as Grand Canyon University and the University of Phoenix. This podcast is designed to be a comprehensive resource for GCU students, or anyone else, interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the university and its recent developments.

Information

  • Creator
    The Student Review
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Student Review
  • Show Website
    GCU: The Student Review