Grand Canyon University's (GCU) application to return to its nonprofit roots was approved by the Higher Learning Commission on Monday.
This is the university’s second attempt, after a 2014 proposal was rejected by the accreditation organization. At the time the board cited concerns over the university's plans to outsource certain activities.
This proposal addresses those concerns, and GCU will sell some academic-related assets to a nonprofit managing entity.
“We appreciate the Higher Learning Commission’s due diligence in thoroughly examining our proposal,” said GCU President Brian Mueller in a press release.
When the University was founded by Southern Baptists in 1949, it joined a growing movement of nonprofit christian colleges. After years of financial woes and low enrollment, a California-based company bought the school in 2004. That move made GCU the first for-profit christian college in America.
“This is consistent with GCU’s history and puts us on a level playing field with other traditional universities with regard to tax status and, among other things, the ability to accept philanthropic contributions, pursue research grant opportunities, and participate in NCAA governance,” he said.
