Menu
For Business Write a review File a complaint
Grand Canyon University [GCU] Customer Service Phone, Email, Contacts

Grand Canyon University [GCU]
Reviews and Complaints

www.gcu.edu

Learn how the rating is calculated

1.5 2 Reviews 311 Complaints
Claim Your Business
Take control of your profile: address complaints and engage with reviews
Write a review File a complaint

Grand Canyon University [GCU] Complaints 311

ComplaintsBoard
T
1:54 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] fraudulent practices

This school or institution is a complete rip-off. there should be a federal investigation done on this institution. They are scamming individuals and families of financial money in return for enrollment with the institution. They are changing financial statements so please keep copies of everything that is given. I feel totally lost and disturbed by what they have done to me as I left the school because I could not take it anymore. Financial advisors and faculty and staff members whom and which are trained to keep you going to the institution and then taking the federal government funds and changing figures on transaction billing statements. I have contacted the Department of United States Student Education Services and I'm now awaiting to hear from someone as I'm not only victimized as a former student but other students as well. This is suppose to be a Christian Institution only to gain funding purposes.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 3 comments
Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
D
D
DC Swede Larson
US
Oct 27, 2016 10:32 am EDT

I have experienced substantial problems as well... there is currently a New York Time reporter doing a story on GCU's unethical behavior towards its students. I would love to get a class action lawsuit against them for damages (both financially and emotionally) incurred as a result of the so called education they provide. If you are interested email me at swedehart@msn.com

O
O
onwaeze
Wilmington, US
Apr 02, 2014 9:46 am EDT

tpowels01 are you interested in talking to a lawyer regarding potential claims against GCU? If so, please visit whistleblowerlaws.com or gelaw.com and send us a message.

B
B
Briana Storch
Tarawa Terrance, US
Mar 26, 2014 3:31 pm EDT

I have been waiting for my aid to go though for almost 12weeks now it's crazy. I call and call and my advisor does not answer anything. I have not reserved my disbursement or any information about anything I'm really upset and might be looking for something else.

ComplaintsBoard
V
4:57 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] scholarship lies

I applied to Grand Canyon Univ. starting July 2008 for a BS in Emergency Management. The 1st counselor (female) who advised me to send her all documents. Documents included: Application, census number to proof I'm native, the Navajo Nation Scholarship application(which I had let her know the Navajo Nation Scholarship office was 1 mile from me in the same town I live in) regardless, she ask me to send all paper work. Addition to this she stated there was a Navajo Office on campus where she would submit all scholarship documents and that I would not have to worry and all other applications and document would be submitted to there departments. She ask me to contact her in 2 weeks. I called 2 weeks later and she verified she submitted all document to each department. But, had me enrolled in elementary education when in-fact I wanted Emergency Management which at the time was under BS Justice Program. She had a very hard time changing my Degree program and finally when i believe everthing was straighten out~~ she ask be to call back in 5 weeks to check on my Navajo Nation Scholarship. I stayed in contact between the 5 weeks time and MADE 2 VISIT IN PERSON FOR BOOKS THE UNIVERSITY WOULD NOT SEND ME AND TO CHECK IF ANYTHING ELSE WAS NEED IN THE OFFICE OF THE NAVAJO OFFICE. I WAS INFORMED THAT I ONLY NEED A FINANCIAL ANALYSTS AND TO APPLY FOR A LOAN. WHEN THE NAVAJO NATION SCHOLARSHIP ARRIVED THE LOAN WOULD BE PAID OFF. I ACCUTALLY, BELIVED THEM BECAUSE THEY SAY THEY ARE CHRISTAIN EDUCATORS. One of those call I was informed that the 1st counselor was in a very bad car accident. So, after that incident I would called and for each call I was assigned different counselor in total I had 5 different counselor in 5 wks straight and at this point I was taken my 1st semester online class. As advised by the 1st counselor, I called 5 wks after I enrolled to check with the Tribal Office on campus regarding my Navajo Nation Scholarship and was informed that MY NAVAJO NATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION WAS NEVER SUBMITTED. I Immeditalty called back the Campus Navajo Office for other information and more lies of information were open. I was told the Navajo Office was not the Navajo Office~~ it was the Tribal Office. The Tribal office gave information that my Navajo Nation Scholarship Application was never recieved. I was so disappointed I called Admission and withdrew from that University the same day (I LET THEM KNOW I VISITED ON CAMPUS IN PERSON AND ASK IF HAD NEED ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION, AND THEY WANTED A FINANCIAL ANYALST COMPLETED AND TO APPLY FOR A LOAN). I stated to the financial aide office i did not want a loan. Yet, they encourage me to help the cost and that the scholarship would cover the loan eventually.. I called the student loan and explained to them what happen, and they ask me to have the GCU return the LOAN. I ASKED GCU AND IT HAS BECOME SO IMPOSSIBLE.
IT'S BEEN A CIRCLE OF EXCUSES EACH TIME I CALL. I HAVE REQUESTED THAT THEY GIVE THE SCHOOL LOAN BACK TO THE LENDER SINCE THEY LOST ALL MY DOCUMENT AND RE-FILE FOR THE LOST AND EVEN THAT DID NOT GIVE PROOF. THEY STATED THAT I OWE THE STUDENT LOAN AND THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. I INFORMED THE STUDENT LOAN I NEVER SAW THE CHECK OR SIGNED IT. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THE STUDENT LOAN AMOUNT IS FROM GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY. I ONLY KNOW THE TOTAL FROM THE STUDENT LENDER. In fact, they erase my account as well. So, that I would not have any information.
I HAVE CALLED GCU AND I GET THE phone RUN AROUND AND I END WITH THE LAST PERSON WHO TIRED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE ISSUES. I TIRED TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH THEM TO SEND THE LOAN BACK TOTHE LENDER. I SEE GCU SO GREEDY FOR FAME. I APPEALED ONCE AND THEY INFORMED I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CLAIM OR REASONS TO SEND THE STUDENT FINANCIAL LOAN BACK.
I'VE GIVEN MY REASON THAT THEY GAVE ME INADUQUATE EDUCATIONAL ADVICE AND BASED ON THAT I WITHDREW.
OH~!~ ANOTHER THING~~ GCU MENTION TO BE THEY HAD SEVERAL STUDENTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT, ONE IN-PARTICULAR~~ ALSO NATIVE MALE. After all of the incidence? GCU Tribal office retrained their staff. Why? They stated, "So, it won't happen again." (So, did they really re-train?) What good did that do?
I BELIEVE GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY HAS LIED THEIR WAY THROUGH AND AROUND BY SQUEEZE INNOCENT PEOPLE FINANCES TO STAY AFLOAT. Using and Munipulating Native Americans? They are so Wrong~!~!.
I believe a class action suit is justifiable~~

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU]
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
J
5:38 am EDT

Grand Canyon University [GCU] dangerous and criminal staff

This school is not a christian's school this is a groupe of criminal called staff you will never have any thing resolved they are taking care of the situation by thenself still indentity they will transfere you to their co-worker who will play the dean or director they will ripp-you off your money do you know about dont tell this is their bible if you have a chance to talk too an associe dean he will not resolve the problem he will have one af the mafia member called you and they will asked you why did you called the DEAN and they will make your life miserable beleive me you will failed they will do it for your they are criminal.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 4 comments
Hide full review
4 comments
Add a comment
D
D
DC Swede Larson
US
Oct 27, 2016 10:35 am EDT

I have experienced substantial problems as well... there is currently a New York Time reporter doing a story on GCU's unethical behavior towards its students. I would love to get a class action lawsuit against them for damages (both financially and emotionally) incurred as a result of the so called education they provide. If you are interested email me at swedehart@msn.com

J
J
James Ziegler
Rosedale, US
Feb 16, 2013 7:44 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Yes they are shysters I failed a class because an instructor did not like an e-mail sent and the e-mail pertained to me. It was a simple question. I asked did she believe I knew what I was doing. A simple enough question and my grade went from a 94.88 to a 43.00. I complained and was contacted by someone who stated they would get back to me and the next thing I knew is that I had to repeat the class. I did under protest and got bascally the same grade a B, I had two more classes after and then received a congratulatory letter of congradualtions because all I had left were 2 more classes and 2 practicums, and then they said Hey you owe us $ 1, 700. Had someone really assisted me I would not have re-taken that class. I would have protested harder and not continued until it was fixed. I feel that this was purposely done, and if there is a law suite I want in ASAP. They refuse to give up my transcripts or even compromise. I tired everything to contact them regarding this. But all they have done is harass me regarding a bill I should never of had. Yes tell me who to contact regarding this law suite I want in. I became unemployed during this process and they were a wear of that yet the harassed me since 2011 and I only work part time and they still refuse to discuss the matter or even investigate it. Someone please e-mail me the contact person to add my name to the list-jamesziegler1@verizon.net. Please send me that info the name is James Ziegler

G
G
GCU Class Action Lawsuit
Phoenix, US
Jan 29, 2013 9:17 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Contact: GCUclassactionlawsuit@yahoo.com

G
G
GCU-student
Tempe, US
Jan 22, 2013 7:59 pm EST

I have had the same problems with GCU. I call and write e-mails and nothing. Drop scholarship checks and one month later and they do not appear on my student account. Three times I have had my financial counselor changed and no one told me anything. At my previous school, I had no problems with financial aid, yet at GCU, is constant. I am deeply frustrated and do not know where to go, who to complain to, how to resolve the issue. It is exhausting. I am told the money will post on one day and a week later there is still nothing. I write and write and no resolution. Even though I have excess that needs to be return, no one will give me a date as to when it will be disbursed. I called my student loan provider and FAFSA and I was re-assured the money was in the possession of the school already. I was even turned away from school for not paying the parking (how can I when I have bills and don't know when my money will be disbursed?) and when I asked the attendant to let me in to speak to my financial aid counselor I was told, he could not allow me in the campus and for me to turn around. I wrote my financial aid counselor with the problem and guess what? You got it, no response. My family has recommended that I change schools if every single time, I am going to have this problem. I am just tired of the excuses and the non-responsiveness of the department.

ComplaintsBoard
B
8:56 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I will be joining in the Class Action Lawsuit due to fraud. I also found out that they do not have the NCATE accreditation for their teaching program, as an online school. This means that the degree is worthless, no school will accept this for student teaching or otherwise in GA.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 12 comments
ComplaintsBoard
C
12:11 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] scholarship lies

I agree with you totally and I hope you found resolution to this issue.
Upon my initial introduction and application at GCU on March 22, 2010, my academic counselor Alix Langdon notified my that I would be receiving a $1000 scholarship towards tuition because of my undergraduate GPA. Throughout the course of my program I saw on my finances at the school website I had received a discount of $333. towards tuition. Off course I did not print it because I trusted them. After I graduated, all financial statements were removed from the website and I was not given an scholarship. There were numerous fees applied to my account for e-books and maintenance fees, plus a balance of almost $2k that was supposed to be returned to the federal government was kept into their account. I asked the financial aid counselor, Kim about this and she notified that GCU never offer students scholarships like that. Also, they hold on to your Federal student loan balance in their account, while you pay interest on it. I am appalled that a school which considers itself a christian colllege with claims of honesty and integrity will resort to this type of behavior, but I am no longer surprised since there are numerous reports of their unchristian like behavior. I have tried rectify this with the financial aid counselors but once you graduate, you are no longer a cash cow to them.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
D
D
Dekyi
Phoenix, US
Jun 29, 2013 2:07 am EDT

GCU pulled the same thing on me. They told me if I enrolled by December, they would give me a $500 scholarship. I did, but then they told me no classes were available to start until January, so I would not be eligible to collect the scholarship. When I said I would wait to enroll at that time, they told me the scholarship would not be available that month. When I asked when the scholarship would next be offered, they said they were not sure because it was not offered on a regular basis. They were very crafty.

J
J
jeneen
Martinez, US
Feb 22, 2013 4:58 am EST

That is bait and switch. They did the same thing to me. I am gathering information for a law suit. We need to stand against them and sue.

ComplaintsBoard
G
7:04 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

We have read hundreds of complaints by ripped off students and mistreated former faculty members. A class action lawsuit is truly in order. Please contact us at GCUclassactionlawsuit (This is a Yahoo account) if you are interested in joining the class action lawsuit.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 101 comments
ComplaintsBoard
F
10:23 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] financial aide trickery/ hold degrees and defrauding the u. s. government

My time at GCU started back in 2009 and at first the experience was okay. The introduction counselors seemed to be nice, possibly Christian hard to tell now. The school made every effort to make sure I became a student, of course so they could get the need enrollee's up to help satisfy investors. Yes that's right, not until I was about 6 months out of completing my degree did I first find out the GCU, a private So-Called Christian University was Incorporated and was more in the business of trading dollars for degrees than educating. That's right if you look on the NASDAQ you can find this degree mill listed as LOPE currently trading at $20.50 per share. The financial aide department plays a major role in this corporations success on the stock market. The financial aide department is tasked with accepting then rejecting loans on students for any reason, to then turn around and have the student owe Grand Canyon Education, Incorporated money. This is the schools projected sales, and their is a heavy push to sucker in Veterans and others to help boost enrollment to of course project to investors that revenue will increase because student enrollment has increased. Grand Canyon Education, Incorporated is more interested in making money for the companies board of directors, stock holders and the lovely employee's of this corporation that have brought into the notion of taking advantage of students, through the governments student loan program as the new way of laundering money. Our goal is to call to the masses that have been a victim of this corporation posing as a school tatics and call on Congress, the Department of Justice, Veterans Groups, Civil Rights Groups, the national Media, students and parents. To not engage in a business relationship with this or instutions like it, similar to the Apollo Group that had received rebuke for its business practices as it fronts as a house of education but in fact are scams that make millions for these Corporations posing as Colleges/Universities to only turn around and cause serious debt to potential students. Organizations like this are America's problem, these companies cause unsuspecting students large sums of debt that piles on our nations deficit. Much like the fight that is finally leaned on the side of home owners with the mortgage crisis that greed, criminal bankers took advantage of. We too the former, current or potential students will fight to cause major changes in federal financial aide practices, fight to have universities with low retention and graduation rates to lose accrediation and have no access to federal or state funding. We will seek class action lawsuits to award the millions of dollars stolen from the federal government and students to be returned. The fight is just beginning. Please email us at [protected]@yahoo.com and like our Facebook just look for Fight GCU! United we will not only make changes at GCU, but every other for-profit school that has one thing in mind and that is taking their students to the bank!

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU]
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
S
4:29 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] theft of funds

I was promised a two year completion and six years later I'm still not finished. They changed their credit requirements in the middle of my semester from three credit hour classes to four credit hour classes, which really messed up my financial aid. They required me to take a class that I had previously acquired at another college that was transferable. I got down to my last two classes when they audited my classes to make sure I had all the requirements and found that they had made a mistake and now I do not qualify for any further financial assistance. They have made numerous errors both financially and academically and they will not take responsibility for their mistakes. After six years and thousands of dollars in financial aid (that I have to pay back) I can not graduate unless I pay out of pocket for their mistakes! They in essence have stolen government money given to them for my education and have not kept there end of the agreement.Now I have to start paying back my loans and I did not receive the education/degree they promised in order to have the education, carrier and salary required to be able to pay back the student loans.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
P
P
purplmama
US
Mar 10, 2013 11:26 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They did a similar thing to me. I've been in its teacher education program for the last 5 years! What should have taken me 2 years because I transferred has now taken me 5 years! What I was promised is NOT what I've received! GCU drags you on and on because its only concern is MONEY-MONEY-MONEY! Did you know that the president, Brian Meuller, makes over 2 million a year? That's where our money is going, people! GCU settled a 2010 class action due to dishonest enrollment practices. BTW: Meuller came from University of Phoenix, who also had a lawsuit concerning dishonest enrollment practices. See the connection, anyone?

Now that I'm at the end of my program getting ready to--finally--graduate, it says, "Oh, now you have to re-take a class that you took 3 years ago... at your own expense. Ooops.. Oh well, too bad!" This is legal extortion.. Oh, and why do the "advisors" not know what the heck they're doing? Because they're not really ADVISORS! They're students, like you and me, getting a huge break on their tuition! My last "advisor?" She just got her bachelor's in Journalism! What the heck does Journalism have to do with Post-Secondary Academic Advising?

Why is GCU getting away with this, year after year?

B
B
borntowin
Duluth, US
Jul 11, 2012 3:17 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

THIS SCHOOL IS A FRAUD! TODAY...JOIN ME AS WE PLAN TO FIGHT THIS IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA! OUR GOAL IS TO EXPOSE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE AND DRAW THOUSANDS OF MISTREATED, CHEATED VETERANS, AND STUDENTS WITH US IN FILING THE LARGEST CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. OUR GOAL IS TO STRIP THIS BUSINESS OF ITS EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS, AND CALL ON THE V.A. TO NOT APPROVE THIS SCHOOL FOR ITS ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERANS.

Email us at fightgcu@yahoo.com
Find us on Facebook: Fight Gcu

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Apr 25, 2012 9:05 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi STipper,

We're sorry to hear you are frustrated and would like to assist. Could you kindly send an email to resolutionteam@gcu.edu detailing your issue and someone will be in touch with you to help provide a resolution.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
M
1:49 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] money bandits

Grand Canyon University is in the Business of ripping off students. They have the biggest scam going on in their financial department. I believe that the Financial Department is trained to suck all the money out of the students without their knowledge!
They have several bogus charges, such as health insurance of $1400.00 per year. They never let you know about this until its too late to deny it! Have you taken a good look at GCU lately, they have built a huge stadium and made so many additions to the grounds. How do they have the money to do this is easy...take it from the students that attend GCU. The total amount of tuition is $16, 500 per year. They try to recruit as many foolish students as possible, with a carrot of a promise of a scholarship, Eventually, you end up paying the majority of the tuition! Beware all students thinking of attending GCU! They are NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATING RATHER THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MONEY!

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 4 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
4 comments
Add a comment
D
D
DDrew89
Oakland, US
Jul 25, 2023 3:27 pm EDT

[censored] GCU they racist af and I am so upset... And how they talking and God verses in school but on that scam artist ishhh NOTHING BUT THE DEVIL 👿

P
P
pernita2007
Chicago, US
Dec 17, 2013 2:22 pm EST

GCU (Gimme the Cash U)

J
J
jch123
Prattville, US
Oct 19, 2012 3:07 am EDT

I totslly agree with you and $60 fee for this and $40 fee for that besides the $400. This is ludacris! Blood sucking hounds(GCU).

A
A
Anna1999
Maricopa, US
Mar 26, 2012 8:57 am EDT

NOW THEY CHARGE $400 FEE UPFRONT FOR USING THE CLASS EMAIL SYSTEM I BELIEVE. GREEDY AND MONEY HUNGRY. THE 400 FEE IS OUTRAGEOUS

ComplaintsBoard
J
9:12 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] inept financial aid process & staff

My wife has been a Paraprofessional in the Fulton County Georgia School System for almost 10 years. It was suggested several years ago that she enroll in an online Masters Program in Education to expedite getting a Teaching Certificate in Georgia since her Bachelor's Degree was not in Education. She enrolled with Grand Canyon University's online Master's Program for teachers.

Everything seemed to click right along with the online courses, feedback, and grades. I continued to file FAFSA for her and both of our sons who were also in college at the time as well. Then, all of a sudden we receive a bill from the Grand Canyon University Financial Aid Office for about $13, 000. Since most of their Help Desk attendents appear to be High School dropouts reading from a Tele-prompter, it took dozens of phone calls and dozens of screaming matches to get a straight answer on WHY we received a bill for the $13, 000. Apparently they did not receive paperwork from the Federally approved nelnet Education Planing & Financing unit so when those funds were finally received by this so-called University; they returned it to nelnet and billed us.

The process was supposed to work as follows;
1. My wife enrolls and takes the Master's Program courses.
2. The Program's expenses are paid by a Federally supported Financial Aid loan.
3. My wife should then get her Master's Degree in Education upon completion of the program.
4. My wife's income increases substantially so that she can now pay back the Financial Aid provided for the program.

Unfortunately, the idiots at Grand Canyon could not explain WHY they returned the financial aid, but that did not matter to them. They demanded the entire amount, $13, 000 immediately or my wife was not allowed to complete her Master's Program which now involved Student Teaching. I refused to settle with them until I understood why they couldn't accept nelnet's check which they claim was late for those fees. My wife agreed to cash in her IRA to pay GCU $300 per month, which I did not agree with. She was late in November of 2011 and immediately Grand Canyon University turned her account over to a Collections Agency; Williams & Fudge in Rock Hill, SC who added another $4000, 00 of fees onto the School Loan Amount!

I have filed complaints with the Fulton County School Corporation, The State of Georgia's Superintendent of Education Dr. John D. Barge and I would escalate it higher at Grand Canyon University, but they will not tell me who the President is (already found out) and said that I wasn't allowed to speak with that office.

Their other little trick to avoid conversation or resolution:
Carrie Giordano and Nancy Patt, both from the Student Resolutions Office at the University will always tell me that I am not allowed information from them because they did not receive the FERPA form (Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act) which has been faxed to their direct office no less than 6 times! They never seem to be able to find it.

I have never in my life dealt with such inept people, processes and policies! I am just seeking a resolution which they do not seem to care enough about. The WORST situation I can imagine any Teacher getting into is dealing with this so-called University.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
B
B
brown5
Marietta, US
Aug 08, 2012 8:52 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I too am going through the same as your wife and not being able to get my Master's Degree. I will be joining in the Class Action Lawsuit due to fraud. I also found out that they do not have the NCATE accreditation for their teaching program, as an online school. This means that the degree is worthless, no school will accept this for student teaching or otherwise in GA.

B
B
borntowin
Duluth, US
Jul 11, 2012 3:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Had a very similar situation happen to us as well! Please join us in helping to expose this school for what it is! Email us at fightgcu@yahoo.com and please find us on Facebook at Fight GCU

ComplaintsBoard
K
5:28 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] incompetent academic counselors and financial aid counselors

I'm getting my Master's in Teaching from GCU's online component.. I've been pulled around by Grand Canyon University (GCU) for over a year now and frankly, I'm fed up with their handling and treatment of students. Their academic counselors and financial counselors have no idea what they are doing. They don't communicate between departments, they have no clue what's going on with their students, and furthermore, they haven't any idea what is entailed in order for students to graduate on time. I'm going to explain to you a series of events beginning in November 2010.

1) I finished my courses in October 2010. My counselors said I was ready to start my student teaching in January 2011. I was all set and ready to go, then my academic counselors informed me in late November 2010 that I needed to take my PLACE exams before I could student teach. This left me with NO time. You need to schedule PLACE exams 2-3 months in advance. I was screwed. They told me in October that I didn't need to. They lied to me, because the counselors are untrained and have no idea the processes students need to take to graduate. I was furious, but decided to postponed my student teaching one semester, because I had no choice. This also screwed me, because my FASFA loans started calling to collect. I had to defer the payments, but this made my interest rate increase!

2) In August of 2011, I was ready again to start my student teaching. My education specialist, Erick Sanchez enrolled me and set me up with Summit High School in Frisco Colorado. I started my student teaching as planned. Then, one month in to it, my academic counselor called and said I needed to pay my $5100 tuition before I could continue. I said I applied for financial aid and was was approved last Spring (April 2011). Kristen Spooner said that my financial aid was never submitted to the government, because it "fell through the cracks." She said to resign my Master Promissory Note and she would resubmit everything for me and we could continue. I did, and within two weeks of us talking... internal collections sold my tuition bill to an EXTERNAL collections agency. The departments did not communicate! Kristen Spooner said basically that there was nothing GCU could do! She said I needed to pay it off in full before I could continue with my education. But by this time, I was TWO months into student teaching. There was no way I was going to do it all over again.

3) Kristen Spooner ceased being my academic counselor shortly after. Andy Jagodowski became my new counselor and I had to explain the entire situation and story again! Andy said they would try to enroll me in an independent study so I could count my student teaching towards my degree. He appealed for this to happen, and GCU said "no". At the moment, it's still being under investigation.

First of all, I am very unhappy with GCU. In the last 2 years, my academic and financial aid counselors have changed every 2-3 months! None of them communicate with each other, no one seems to know what's going on. The departments don't talk to each other, and students are treated like crap.

GCU blatantly admitted that they messed up and forgot to submit my Federal Student Aid to the government! However, even though they messed up, they won't accept responsibility. They sold my tuition to an external collections agency and now won't let me graduate without paying it off in full. I don't have that kind of cash laying around. Of course not... that's why I've been on FASFA for the past two years.

GCU has ruined my credit score and now my 2 years of master's program is for nothing. I will never, ever attend a for-profit university again. And I feel sorry for anyone else who is.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 3 comments
Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
English Ian
English Ian
GB
Dec 29, 2011 2:39 am EST

to the op... yes, its a tough life at times but as you get older you might realise that it can get a little tougher... so get over it and stop blaming others. I bet there's more to this than meets the eye.

Jim... get over yourself... ok whoopeee dooo... you are a moderator on my3c but not on here... when will you realise mickey fu cking mouse has as much jurastiction on cb as you do!

A
A
Alfred Etter
Millville, US
Dec 29, 2011 1:50 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

All a person needs to know is that this school HA HA HA IS A FOR PROFIT SCHOOL AND THE DOLLAR RULES. I WAS CALLED A NAZI BY A PIG NAMED GENA MCGOWEN AND WHEN I OBJECTED I WAS KICKED OUT. I AM STARTING A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT LEAVE YOUR NAME AND NUMBER HERE IF INTERESTED

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Dec 27, 2011 3:26 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello klhilborn,

We’d like to assist you. Please contact the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
J
8:24 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] customer service and overall experience

First, the recruiters for this University are only after one thing: Consumers: so they will tell you everything you want to hear to get you signed up without really assessing your needs. Second, The costs: Was told that financial aid would cover all school expenses for classes online; Additionally, was told that fiancial aid was approved and go ahead and sign up for the class not really knowing how much I was approved for; Third, Class experience: signed up for the first mandatory class; How to succeed at Grand Canyon University (Cost: 2, 700 dollars); Started having difficulties posting assignments due to technical difficulties in the first and second week; Told by instructor that it didn't matter that you were having technical dificulties you have until such time to complete all assignments eventhough there is a record that they were sent and shown successfully posted; Technical service and advisor resolve the issue and convince me to stay on additional time eventhough I am failing a class that has no real application in my degree path; Decide to drop the class in the third week (No refund). Financial aid: Covered $700 dollars of this course; Rest of the expenses covered by me; Told must pay $250 dollars a month; Call financial office to set up another payment plan; No phone calls returned; Poor customer service and a very Unsatisfied customer.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
M
M
MonicaB1
Phoenix, US
Jul 15, 2015 2:42 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I totally understand you issue I am currently going through the same process and was advised by 3 different counselors that I would be reimburse for a class I dropped within the 1st week of my summer semester and was told that they will not be refunding anything because I did not drop the class in the beginning of the summer semester. Which I couldn't drop the class because it didn't start until June 29. I am in the process of hiring an attorney because this is money that I have to pay back for a class that I didn't benefit from. Then on July 12th I was advised that I can re enroll into the class if I wanted to even though I have missed 2 1/2 weeks o assignments. I have emailed several individuals since June 30th and no response at all. I am very upset so I am getting an attorney to handle my account. I don't have money to blow on classes I didn't take. How can I be punished for advice I received student services.

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Dec 13, 2011 9:18 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello Jarrett,

We’d like to assist you. Please contact the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
U
1:12 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] school

Grand Canyon University is trying to get me to pay for a class that I never actually took. Do not post on their site unless you have every ounce of information you need. DO NOT enroll at this school. From the moment I began at this school the people were pushy and would not stop calling. Then I found out a few days after the class had began that in order to finish this degree I would have to do student teaching again. After that, I decided that I wanted to cancel. The people than became rude towards me. I un-enrolled and 5 months later began getting calls again. After dealing with the pushy people at the beginning of the process, I never called back and they never stated why they wanted to speak with me. Two months later I get a bill for $330 for posting to the class once. I then tried to get the matter resolved and the people were again rude and did not want to help in any way. They stated that once it hit internal collections there was nothing they could do. I never received the initial bill until it posted to internal collections and was told that "I should have returned the calls made in the first place." I have had nothing but a terrible experience with this place!

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Update by upsetupsetupset2
Jan 12, 2012 5:35 am EST

I called and nothing was done. I was told the exact thing I had been told prior. I was also told I would be contacted and never was.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
T
T
tpowels01
Detroit, US
Dec 11, 2013 1:57 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I experienced the same so I do know what you're dealing with. the institution is a complete rip off and something needs to be done.

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Dec 13, 2011 3:03 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello,
We’d like to assist you. Please contact the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
C
11:01 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] financial aid fraud

I got my bachelor's degree through a program at my former employer, who had a direct bill agreement with Grand Canyon University. I ended up dropping a class which I of course would have to pay for, so I applied for a student loan to cover; I also needed the money because the costs of buying books was proving rather prohibitive. I was awarded UN subsidized loans, because I had no financial need according to my FAFSA, , which I knew would happen. The week I graduated, I got a bill for in the area of $2500. A month later, it was up to $3190. I am now receiving collections calls from them, and they are saying I took out $12000 in loans which I was not entitled to. This is patently not true! I was only awarded $8245 by the Dept of Education and the disbursement by the DoE was on 8/17/2010. In fact, when I called the student loan servicer for my loan, there were THREE LOANS taken out in my name, only one of which I signed a Master Promissory Note for, and only one of which I received fund from!

When I spoke with Desiree, a loan manager from financial services, she said the above - that I was given too much money (the $12000) and that I have to pay it back. I did NOT RECEIVE THIS EXTRA MONEY NOR DO CAN I ACCOUNT FOR WHERE THE REST OF MY LOAN MONEY WENT AS I ONLY RECEIVED $6052 OF THIS MONEY YET I OWE $8245 PLUS INTEREST. The class I dropped was $998 in tuition yet there is $2193 of the loan money missing. Where has it gone? They cannot tell me. Nor can they tell me how it is I received SUBSIDIZED loan money which they say they had to pay back and is what they are billing me for. They keep calling the loan a 'stipend' and saying that I got more money that I should have because I exceeded my 'need.' Well, since my loan wasn't based on NEED I am really not sure what they are talking about. They are also saying I didn't disclose that I was receiving a scholarship which is what they are calling the direct bill program - since they would never tell me what the tuition difference even was until after I graduated, I don't think I was being dishonest there. Yet there were no changes to my award amount according to the Dept of Ed rep I spoke with.

I have receipts from my former employer stating the tuition was paid in full; I have proof from the loan servicer that three loans were taken out in my name; I have a copy of my FAFSA stating the amount and type of award. I also have a letter from Michael Whisman saying that once my employer paid, I would owe nothing. Yet now they are calling this collections calls. This has been truly a nightmare. I owe more to them and to the student loan servicer than I would have owed if I had just gone to ASU or NAU, and I was trying to avoid more debt.

What do I do? My husband says them taking out loans in my name is identity theft.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 3 comments
Update by Coyotefan
Nov 02, 2011 8:18 pm EDT

Seriously dude? I got caught taking out loans I wasn't entitled to? I took the ONLY loan I was entitled to, yet THREE were taken out in my name by the University!

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
N
N
nikiipink88
US
Nov 03, 2012 9:52 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Contact the loan servicing company and tell them that it was fraud. The school will have to prove that you signed for them and recieved them. If they are not able to prove it then you may be able to have them discharged due to fraud!

C
C
ccb7826
bluefield, US
Mar 06, 2012 3:49 am EST

GCU puts you into classes, and they are so nice when you first start, they call you to follow up in the first class or two, then all of sudden when problems develop, and they will, with financial aid first. The say your check is on the way, so you can order books for your classes and then suddenly there is a problem, and they blame a computer error, then it is an accounting error, but they can not reach anyone in the accounting office to speak to them to find out what to do to fix it. after a month or so of lying to you about where your money is they say the dept of education made a mistake. Three to four months later the money shows up, and all goes well for a week or so. Then you will get a bill, which nobody can explain to you, but they will blow your phone asking you to make payments until the money arrives to the school. when you get upset, the money is suddenly fixed and then things go smooth again until its time to get your next class started.. The class moderator, which is not even a teacher posts a syllabus, which is generic, and when you need help you get bounced around by tech support. The discussion questions often seem pointless, and being an online student is designed to work with people who have busy schedules and less time to devote to class. then if you have problems like several of my friends, and myself have had you get a grade that is not yours, you do the work, but suddenly the moderator says its late, or its not right and you get a failing grade. The same people who couldn't stop calling you for money to pay the bill, suddenly cant remember that you are a student who needs help. They notified me six or seven weeks into my class that i had failed the last class. of course there is a time limit on an appeal or anything else you can do to fix it, and they conveniently wait until that time has passed before notifying you. My instructor changed in the middle of the class without notification, we had a death in the family and it was the holidays, i emailed my instructor and asked for a weeks grace period to turn in the work, she gave it to me, and assured me that i was passing the class. seven weeks later i was notified by the academic advisor that i have balance owed and can not proceed without paying for the class! i refused to pay and got the emails as proof, they wanted to know what happened, i told them, and suddenly nobody will return my calls or emails, other than to ask for the money. do not go to this school, they scam you for money any way they can, and do not care about their students at all!

M
M
Mrknowitall
Philadelphia, US
Nov 02, 2011 1:44 am EDT

You got caught taking out loans you weren't entitled to. You should be in jail. You tried to beat the system and it's beating you. Good, I hope they make your life a living hell.

ComplaintsBoard
R
7:25 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] finance

I have attended Grand Canyon University since 2009 and the finance department has been my biggest complaint. As I began my final 2 classes to complete my bachelors degree, I once again contacted the finance department to ensure all loan packaging was correct and they notified me they had not packaged it all correctly for the last year and half and would have to return approximately $10, 000 to the lender, making me responsible for this balance now on my account. I called numerous people for several days with no return calls until I was finally put in contact with someone who assured me I had more funding coming in which would cover the balance. The funding came in and did not cover the entire balance. I made numerous calls again to plead my case as I did not feel I should penalized for their error; the reason they have finance people is to ensure the loans and grant are done correctly! I am not completed with my degree, with no way of receiving my diploma or transcripts until this balance is paid, so basically I am paying for the mistakes of the university. I call every day to work on an arrangement and every day I hear that someone will get back to me and every day no one does. My education has become a waste to me; if I have to pay back this balance because they screwed up before I get my diploma I will be working minimum wage for more than a year and sending every penny I get to the university. My mother and my sister are both alumni, and my husband is serving in Afghanistan; this is not how I anticipated a Christian university dealing with their students

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 4 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
4 comments
Add a comment
A
A
Annleigh
Lumberton, US
Jan 20, 2022 10:10 am EST

I am so frustrated with this college. This suppose to be a christian school.I have been going here every since 2015 and finally finished my degree in B-K. They told me that I owe over $2,000. I can not get my degree until I pay it. I have a better job offer and all they need from this school is a letter saying that I have completed my degree. This school won't give me a letter showing that I have finished. Many people that I work with want to come to this school but the experience that I am having, they do not want to attend now. I use to tell everyone about how good this college is and that it is a christian school but with this experience, I am heart broken and will not tell no one else about coming to this college.

M
M
morganregan
Albuquerque, US
Aug 28, 2012 6:52 pm EDT

I have also been left with a balance on my account that I do not understand and does not make sense! I keep getting the run around with my financial aid advisor and everything seems so shady!

A
A
angryaccountant
New York, US
Oct 24, 2011 11:02 pm EDT

I understand your frustration. I received my most recent distrubtion check back in September. Was called three weeks later and told I needed to send money back because they had sent me too much, they had not yet billed me for my last class. I am currently unemployed and need these disbursement checks to help pay for living expenses. I said I thought I was still still receive another disbursement for this last class and believed there was a mistake, my advisor told me he would look into and get back to me. A week later, the day before my class was to start I was told they unenrolled me in the class, because I had not yet paid a balance from another disbursement in which they sent to much and I had not yet paid for a class, that still had not been billed to me. So then I was told I could pay the full balance or pay the balance over 8 weeks. When asking to speak with managers, you don't get far, you call and leave messages and no one calls you back, the communication is horrible. I was finally told I had to pay within the 14 day period before they send money back to Dept of Ed, if I go over the 14 days then I'll have to pay more back when I am finally ready to pay for the class, and I was told this on the 3 days before the end of the 14 day period. Everything is last minute, all they can do is apologize for mistakes, and now as I am looking for jobs, I have to explain why I can't graduate when I was supposed to and there is no explanation of the frustration. I am appalled and disgusted with the schools accounting and financial aid office. I've never had this experience with any University and Community College I've attended in the past, and 2 of the 3 schools were twice the size or larger than GCU.

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Aug 20, 2011 12:25 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi Rachelmbwd,

Grand Canyon University’s Student Resolution Team works to facilitate resolutions for GCU students. To report an issue or complaint, you can reach the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
G
8:24 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] they are idiots

Had I known about this website before enrolling in GCU, I would have never attended that school. My experience has been the worst and I pray a boomerang effect on them. All the hell they put me through, I know they will see it again, but they will be on the receiving end the next time around. I will not go into detail on this board because what I have to say is going to be discussed with a lawyer. They are used to this, because they just settled a qui tam action for $5.2 million last year.
GCU is not going to be able to continue with their illegal practices without eventually paying a price. You would think they'd learn from this, but unfortunately for the students, they are right back to their old tricks. They advertise themselves as a Christian school, but they hire people who know nothing about unconditional love, or Christian values. The advisors lie and pretend to be concerned. They don't follow through and its only after you threaten to file a complaint outside of the school do they take action. It is my prayer that their enrollment drop and they get exposed for being the poorly ran school that they are. I read they are only concerned about stocks and not the welfare of their students. I know from my experiences it seems to be true. This battle is not mine, it belongs to the Lord and they will see that I come out on top. God is going to bring serious judgment against this school. I should have gone to Oral Roberts Christian College, they have a better reputation and I would have enjoyed my experience there more so than I did at this evil school.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
J
J
jtgcu2011
Jamestown, US
Oct 26, 2011 4:22 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Make sure to file your complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona):

http://www.bbb.org/phoenix/Business-Reviews/schools-academic-colleges-and-universities/grand-canyon-university-in-phoenix-az-34001345/complaints/

A
A
April Newsome
Newnan, US
Sep 20, 2011 5:51 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You are so right! SCAM, DEVILS

ComplaintsBoard
F
9:06 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] official transcripts to teach

I am extremely frustrated as well! I have been on the phone with them all morning trying to get a waiver to get my official transcripts so I can get my intern cert so I can teach. I have three more classes to take here which require me to have my cert. But because I have a low balance on my account - I don't work in the summer therefore have no money to pay it - they won't let me get them. Which now means I can't work and can't take the three classes I have left. To top if off I had to call back to speak with my Financial counselor she didn't call me back really? At first I really liked this school but every other week it seems like my counselors are changing and I have to re-explain everything to them. I am a frustrated Master's student - Wish I read all the complaints before I wasted my money.

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 4 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
4 comments
Add a comment
U
U
ughgcu
Los Banos, US
Jul 18, 2011 9:42 pm EDT

As far as counselors changing, I believe that is to be expected, what makes it frustrating when they do it and do not contact you, or when you are in middle of a problem. That has happened to me twice. I had to start over in describing my problem. It's not easy or fun. Good thing I save all my emails from GCU. I can just forward them to the next counselor. Also, the transcripts, yes it is true that no school will let you transfer with a balance. They tell you that the financial aid will cover it, it never does because now you are starting a new semester and they say, the money does not cover anything pass owed. You end up with a balance. That is bothersome. Maybe just telling us the truth or be honest about money. GCU has policies, use them and not just say what the caller wants you to say, then, we end up in a problem.

R
R
RogueScholar
Glendale, US
Jul 18, 2011 7:13 pm EDT

As far as counselors changing, I imagine that would be frustrating if they don't keep some kind of historical records on you.
I sort of find the complaint regarding the transcripts a bit ridiculous. Can you name a school that WILL provide you transcripts when you have a balance on your account?

U
U
ughgcu
Los Banos, US
Jul 18, 2011 2:47 am EDT

I sent an email, let's see if you do

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Jul 14, 2011 9:39 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University’s Student Resolution Team works to facilitate resolutions for GCU students. To report an issue or complaint, you can reach the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

ComplaintsBoard
U
8:36 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] financial

I too am very frustrated with Grand Canyon. It seems that they do everything possible to put errors in your financial area. I have been attending GCU for three years now, I have only moved once, yet they never can get my information correct. They love to add fees to your account. I have to call them once a week for one thing and yell until they do something about it. My husband, they sent the wrong amount to us. He had just spoken to them, they said everything was fine, it was not. They did not call, email or send a letter telling us they had sent the wrong amount. Then they credited his account, seven times with an award he has never had before, took away his military, sent the extra money back, put the military award back on, said he had to pay, over two thousand dollars. We finally after months of fighting and they lying to us, did an account audit, that did not work either. They never took off the seven award errors, brought in balances we have no idea are, and send he his stipen, and told him, OK we fixed it, you owe us two thousand dollars. You can pay that right now. Don't go here. I have to threaten a lawyer to get them to call me back. You don't want this. Now, that we all have this balance, we can't transfer or get our records. Though its their fault, but we have to pay, which we are not. After three years worth of work, 1800. per class that teachers you nothing, but you write a term paper every week. It's not worth coming here. We are talking to a lawyer, possible class action against them for the troubles, heartaches, and general the extra tears we have gone through, plus the phones we have thrown across the room. Now, they are charging 100 for old students and 400 for new students a fee for the new classroom. Beware, also class prices went up too... DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL, IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
View 0 more photos
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
S
S
Studient in Arizona
Phoenix, US
Oct 05, 2011 10:18 pm EDT

Agreed! I have four classes to go but they can get screwed, I will leave and attend elsewhere even if it takes me longer. The finance department tells you different things every few weeks. What a horrible joke of a school.

A
A
April Newsome
Newnan, US
Sep 20, 2011 5:32 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I wish I had known this before and my first class started Aug 8, 2011 and i have not got any notice except a bill statement of over 2, 000 and my aid has been approved. What are they waiting on i can not answer that and they cant either.

ComplaintsBoard
H
4:47 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] grounds for a lawsuit??

Unlike most of the complaints on the internet boards I was an on ground student at Grand Canyon University and was attempting to get my BSRN. I was enrolled in school BEFORE the Apollo College merger and I have to say that the time at the school pre-Apollo was actually quite good. I had a couple REALLY brilliant professors including one who was a lead microbiologist for humanitarian missions to 3rd world countries to help with vaccinations and pandemics. However after Apollo came into the picture the school all the good teachers were either fired or unable to teach the material they wished to thus the whole system went to hell.

I know that it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to file claims against private schools however there were a few incidents which occurred during my time at the college that I personally feel are beyond the legal protection blanket of the "private college" title. Please let me know if it seems like I have grounds to file...

1) When I started school at GCU I was told VERBATIM by both a nursing school advisor and an academic advisor that if I started out my academic career at the school with Freshman status I would be automatically accepted into the BSRN program at the school as long as I maintained a 3.0 GPA for all of my under grad years. In order to qualify myself to be a freshman I didn't transfer SEVERAL classes and paid to retake them at GCU so I could qualify for the automatic enrollment bonus. Upon hitting my senior year I met with the nursing school advisor to sign up for classes (I had met the 3.0 requirement) however I was not only told that my GPA was not high enough to enter the program (so I needed to retake classes) but that there was never an a promise of automatic entry into the program with freshman status and a 3.0 GPA. So basically they lied to me and forced me to pay to retake classes I had no need to take and then revoked a promise they had stated upon enrollment. My mother, father, and emails can attest to their statements.

2) While I was enrolled in the schools mandatory "Ethics" class I was participating on the online weekly discussion board when the topic of euthenisation came up. Of course it is controversial however I stated my views honestly and logically in order to get credit for the assignment. It was then that the professor personally replied to my post comparing me to "the unholy nazis who ran gas chambers in Auschwitz" and continued to go so far to inquire if I was "one of those baby killing pro-lifers". May I remind you that this is THE PROFESSOR? I reported this to the school and nothing was done.

3) While I was enrolled in the schools "Christian World Views" class online I was mandated to work online with another student to finish an assignment. When I contacted that student at first I wasn't able to get a response, to which the professor stated "I was not trying hard enough". Finally when I did get a hold of the student after doing much of the work on my own the student then stated to me if it would be cool if he just bought a paper online to turn in as our assignment...I was NOT about to get screwed for participating in plagiarism and turned him in to the teacher and to the school. Nothing was done. He was passed and the teacher said nothing.

***This might fall under whistle blower category***
These actions took place during my time working in the GCU offices/call centers

1) Students who were employed by the school to contact people who were "interested" in GCU were suppose to be removed from the lists when they requested to be removed but they NEVER WERE, students also called phone numbers before their legally allowed time zone time, and called people who were on "do not call" lists.

2) I PERSONALLY saw and was even offered to pose as a GCU graduate WHEN I HAD NOT GRADUATED for the purposes of recruiting more students, the school was also offering the position to people who were not attending GCU. Another position offered included going onto webpages posing as a GCU representative and responding positively to any and all negative feeds regarding GCU.

The actions of GCU make me sick and I am glad that I was able to get out of the school with all of my class credits in tact HOWEVER there are several students still trapped. These are just a fraction of the horrible things I have dealt with concerning GCU however I don't feel that anything else is able to hold up in a legal fight. Please let me know if you believe that I have ANY grounds for a suit! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

PLEASE REMEMBER I WAS AN ON GROUND STUDENT!

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 5 comments
Hide full review
5 comments
Add a comment
T
T
tpowels01
Detroit, US
Dec 11, 2013 1:36 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I'm furious as they applied the same to me. they need to be investigated and sued for fraudulent practices!

D
D
dee2570
Coralville, US
Aug 28, 2013 4:39 am EDT

Grand Canyon University took extra money from my loans & grant every term for no apparent reason, and when I called to speak to the financial advisor he was no longer with the school. They have student that are currently attending the school teaching most of their online classes. If you ask me this school is a Rip-off.

L
L
Lawyer Grrrrl
US
Feb 26, 2013 11:08 pm EST

Students on the DNC list still have records at the university. It's "do not call" - not delete every record of this student. They are marked as "Do Not Call". All universities are monitored for violations of the Family Educaitonal Rights to Privacy (FERPA) act, so keeping students records is required by the accreditaiton agency and the Federal Department of Education - and FERPA violations are very expensive for a university - so I can assure you Grand Canyon U has marked them as DNCs. You wouldn't have a lawsuit. They require proof, for one thing. For another thing you were discussing jobs @ GCU (you said "position" and "another position". When you work for a company you may be paid to pose for promotional photos or to polish their social networking PR. That also isn't grounds for a lawsuit and its far from illegal. Even companies like Microsoft have social networking pros and bloggers, etc.
You complained about "mandatory classes". I have attended four state-run, non-profit colleges or universities all the way through PhD and every one of them has a required core of classes. This is far from grounds for a lawsuit.

Lawyer Grrrl

S
S
SAClark
Phoenix, US
Nov 20, 2011 12:45 pm EST

Yes I am going threw a similar situation. Contact David Swain Attorney and see if he can help, he was the student Lawyer for ASU. I am working with him right now to attempt to resolve some issues I have with their BSN program .

J
J
jtgcu2011
Jamestown, US
Oct 26, 2011 4:19 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Make sure to file your complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona):

http://www.bbb.org/phoenix/Business-Reviews/schools-academic-colleges-and-universities/grand-canyon-university-in-phoenix-az-34001345/complaints/

ComplaintsBoard
K
8:55 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Grand Canyon University [GCU] any solutions?

i don't know if im qualified in posting my problems with this school i really like this school. the only thing about it is that i failed two of the classes there and at first i was told that from my finance counselor that she would see if she could get a private loan done i didn't hear from her for a while and when she finally got in touch with me i was told that to continue with my classes that i would have to pay 3734.31. and i never got my disbursements. i did not attend this college for any reasons other than to further my education so i could provide my son who is five, a better life. if I'm wrong then I'm sorry. i don't have the money to pay the sum I am already struggling to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

k.wade

Read full review of Grand Canyon University [GCU] and 2 comments
Update by k.wade
Jun 21, 2011 5:44 pm EDT

no one has called me yet and really need a solution

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
J
J
jtgcu2011
Jamestown, US
Oct 26, 2011 4:25 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Make sure to file your complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona):

http://www.bbb.org/phoenix/Business-Reviews/schools-academic-colleges-and-universities/grand-canyon-university-in-phoenix-az-34001345/complaints/

GCUStudentResolutions
GCUStudentResolutions
Phoenix, US
Jun 15, 2011 11:45 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi K. Wade,
If you'll kindly reach out to the Student Resolution Team directly by emailing resolutionteam@gcu.edu or calling [protected] with the details of your issue and someone will reach out to you via phone or email within one business day.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to resolve your issue.

Grand Canyon University [GCU] Reviews 0

Looks like Grand Canyon University [GCU] has no reviews yet.
Write a review
Subscribe to receive notifications of all new customer feedback

If you represent Grand Canyon University [GCU], take charge of your business profile by claiming it and stay informed about any new reviews or complaints submitted.

👉 Claim your business

About Grand Canyon University [GCU]

Screenshot Grand Canyon University [GCU]
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian university based in Phoenix, Arizona. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across various disciplines including business, education, nursing, and liberal arts. GCU provides both on-campus and online academic options to accommodate diverse student needs.
How to file a complaint about Grand Canyon University [GCU]?

### Guide for Filing a Complaint Against Grand Canyon University [GCU] on ComplaintsBoard.com

1. Log in or Create an Account:
- If you have an account, log in to your ComplaintsBoard.com account. If not, create a new account on the platform.

2. Navigating to the Complaint Form:
- Locate and click on the 'File a Complaint' button on the ComplaintsBoard.com website. You can find this button at the top right corner of the website.

3. Writing the Title:
- Summarize the main issue with Grand Canyon University [GCU] in the 'Complaint Title' section.

4. Detailing the Experience:
- Provide detailed information about key areas of concern.
- Mention any relevant transactions with the company.
- Describe the nature of the issue.
- Include steps taken to resolve the issue and the company's response.
- Explain the personal impact of the issue.

5. Attaching Supporting Documents:
- Attach any additional supporting documents but avoid including sensitive personal data.

6. Filling Optional Fields:
- Use the 'Claimed Loss' field to state any financial losses.
- Utilize the 'Desired Outcome' field to specify the resolution you are seeking.

7. Review Before Submission:
- Review your complaint for clarity, accuracy, and completeness before submission.

8. Submission Process:
- Submit your complaint by clicking the 'Submit' button.

9. Post-Submission Actions:
- Regularly check for responses or updates related to your complaint on ComplaintsBoard.com.

Ensure each step is clearly defined to assist users effectively in filing a complaint against Grand Canyon University [GCU] on ComplaintsBoard.com. Remember to use simple language and provide comprehensive guidance throughout the process.

Overview of Grand Canyon University [GCU] complaint handling

Grand Canyon University [GCU] reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Mar 3, 2009. The latest review Financial aid at college of doctoral studies was posted on Aug 13, 2024. The latest complaint housing fee and advisors was resolved on Apr 13, 2017. Grand Canyon University [GCU] has an average consumer rating of 2 stars from 313 reviews. Grand Canyon University [GCU] has resolved 41 complaints.
Ratings on other review websites
Trustpilot
Trustpilot
3.2
4 review
Trust badge
Collect Your Trust Badge
Be recognized for outstanding customer service
  1. Grand Canyon University [GCU] Contacts

  2. Grand Canyon University [GCU] phone numbers
    +1 (855) 428-5673
    +1 (855) 428-5673
    Click up if you have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 428-5673 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 428-5673 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 428-5673 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 428-5673 phone number
    Customer Service
    +1 (877) 428-8447
    +1 (877) 428-8447
    Click up if you have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (877) 428-8447 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (877) 428-8447 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (877) 428-8447 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (877) 428-8447 phone number
    Technical Support
    +1 (602) 639-6244
    +1 (602) 639-6244
    Click up if you have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (602) 639-6244 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (602) 639-6244 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (602) 639-6244 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (602) 639-6244 phone number
    Student Life
    +1 (855) 472-8567
    +1 (855) 472-8567
    Click up if you have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 472-8567 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 472-8567 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 472-8567 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Grand Canyon University [GCU] by calling +1 (855) 472-8567 phone number
    More phone numbers
  3. Grand Canyon University [GCU] emails
  4. Grand Canyon University [GCU] address
    3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, 85017, United States
  5. Grand Canyon University [GCU] social media
  6. Jenny
    Checked and verified by Jenny This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Oct 27, 2024

Our Commitment

We stand for unbiased reviews

We make sure all complaints and reviews are from real people sharing genuine experiences.

We help resolving issues

We offer easy tools for businesses and reviewers to solve issues together. Learn how it works.

We advocate freedom of speech

We support and promote the right for reviewers to express their opinions and ideas freely without censorship or restrictions, as long as it's respectful and within our Terms and Conditions, of course ;)

We ensure transparent and fair ratings

Our rating system is open and honest, ensuring unbiased evaluations for all businesses on the platform. Learn more.

We care about your privacy

Personal details of reviewers are strictly confidential and hidden from everyone.

We are easy, free and open to everyone

Our website is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and absolutely free for everyone to use.