University of Idaho wants to end discussion about purchasing the University of Phoenix

MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho plans to ask its Board of Regents to end talks with the University of Phoenix.

The requested agreement includes ending the discussion of purchasing the university and pay a termination fee of $17.24 million, which would fully reimburse U of I for the out-of-pocket costs that it incurred while working toward the purchase.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: University of Idaho now affiliated with University of Phoenix

U of I first began talks about affiliating with the University of Phoenix in spring of 2023. U of I hoped to expand its reach to adult learners and online student support systems under this deal.

The university said legal challenges around open meetings laws from the state Attorney General as well as legislative concerns about process and authority pushed the conversations with University of Phoenix past the first agreement deadline.

An extension, which was granted in June of 2024, gave both universities another year to work toward a close that would have led to the purchase of the University of Phoenix and its conversion to a not-for-profit university. It also gave U of I $5 million at the time of signing and opened the doors to allow the University of Phoenix to explore other options.

“Although we continue to see great value in University of Phoenix, it has become cost prohibitive, and potentially distracting to our other work, to continue conversations,” U of I President Scott Green said. “We respect the University of Phoenix and wish them all the best. We appreciate their commitment to these conversations, and we learned many things we may be able to incorporate into our work.”