US investigating University of Phoenix’s parent company

PHOENIX — University of Phoenix parent Apollo Education Group Inc. is being investigated by the U.S. government regarding unfair and deceptive advertising, marketing and sale of educational products or services.

The FTC issued a Civil Investigative Demand Tuesday, requiring Apollo to produce information on UOP’s marketing, recruiting, enrollment, financial aid and other business practices dating as far back as Jan. 1, 2011, to the present, according the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Two years ago, the Higher Learning Commission placed UOP on notice after concerns of governance and student assessment. The HLC removed the status earlier this month, which prompted the investigation.

This is yet another blow for Apollo, which has reported declines in revenue, net income and enrollment this year.

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