MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho will request approval from its Board of Regents on Thursday to terminate discussions with the University of Phoenix.
If approved, U of I will pay a termination fee of $17.24 million. This amount includes credit for $5 million already paid for an extension agreement signed in June 2024. This fee will cover U of I’s expenses incurred during the negotiations.
U of I first explored affiliation with UOPX in spring 2023, aiming to expand its reach to adult learners and leverage UOPX’s technology and online support systems. However, legal challenges and concerns from the Idaho Legislature extended discussions beyond the initial agreement deadline.
U of I President Scott Green commented on the decision, saying, “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.”
Despite ending talks, U of I remains focused on its mission, boasting eight consecutive semesters of enrollment growth and being ranked the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West for five years. The university has also reached a $500 million fundraising goal and joined the top 4% of colleges as a Carnegie R1 research institution.
