The U.S. Department of Education backed off a plan to recoup $72 million from the University of Arizona Global Campus for borrower-defense loan discharges tied to Ashford University misconduct allegations. Reporting indicates an ED official told UArizona President Suresh Garimella in December that it was not appropriate to pursue recoupment against the current owner. The decision ends a federal dispute that began after the department discharged $72 million for former Ashford students in 2023 following borrower defense claims, with additional larger discharges reported in later years. The case involved claims of misleading recruiting and poor graduation outcomes. UArizona said the decision provides clarity about standards under which UAGC operates and is integrating UAGC with Arizona Online rather than maintaining separate affiliated structures. The story also notes accreditation reaffirmation by WASC Senior College and University Commission. For higher-ed leaders handling legacy compliance risk from acquisitions and for-profit rollovers, the outcome illustrates how federal recoupment decisions can shift—and how institutions should track borrower-defense reviews and documentation for owned entities.