The U.S. Department of Education has designated Grand Canyon University (GCU) as a nonprofit institution, ending a multiyear dispute about the university’s status that began in 2019. The change clears the way for expanded student access to private scholarships, eligibility for certain federal relief funds and grant programs, and new partnership opportunities with school districts and donors. GCU separated from publicly traded Grand Canyon Education in 2018; federal scrutiny had centered on the commercial relationship between the two entities and the share of tuition retained by the service provider. University and company leaders say the federal recognition affirms GCU’s independent nonprofit standing even as service agreements between the parties remain significant.