University of Phoenix and University of Idaho End Acquisition Talks
MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Phoenix and the University of Idaho (U of I) have announced the termination of their proposed $685 million acquisition plan, ending a two-year negotiation marred by controversy. The University of Phoenix confirmed on Tuesday that discussions would not progress, a decision that surprised many in education and legislative circles who had been following the contentious dialogue.
Initially approved by the State Board of Education in May 2023, the acquisition drew scrutiny, leading to a lawsuit filed by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador questioning the secrecy surrounding the negotiations. Despite a June 10 deadline for finalizing the deal, it became apparent that the timeline would lapse without agreement.
University of Phoenix President Chris Lynne expressed gratitude for U of I President Scott Green and Idaho officials who supported the discussions. However, the deal faced substantial backlash from lawmakers, who ultimately blocked it in 2024 following heated debates and committee hearings about its implications for Idaho’s education landscape.
After the State Board granted a 12-month extension in June 2024 to rework the deal, legislative inactivity in the following months indicated the partnership was in jeopardy. As the 2025 session concluded with no discussions on the partnership, speculation arose that Phoenix might instead pursue public offerings or other buyers.
Despite the termination of the acquisition, U of I stands to recover millions from the University of Phoenix through stipulated breakup fees, further complicating the financial narrative surrounding the negotiations. The future remains uncertain for Phoenix as it aims to continue its mission of serving adult learners independently.
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