Q2 2026 Grand Canyon Education Inc Earnings Call

July 30, 2026

Operator: Good day, welcome to the Grand Canyon Education Q2 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, press star one one again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker, Mr. Dan Bachus, Chief Financial Officer. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: After the speaker presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press *11 on your telephone.

Speaker #1: You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, press *11 again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded.

Speaker #1: I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker, Mr. Dan Bachus, Chief Financial Officer. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Joining me on today's call is our Chairman and CEO, Brian Mueller. Please note that many of our comments today will contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Dan E. Bachus: Joining me on today's call is our Chairman and CEO, Brian Mueller. Please note that many of our comments today will contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. These factors are discussed in our SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. We undertake no obligation to provide updates with regard to the forward-looking statements made during this call, and we recommend that all investors review these reports thoroughly before taking a financial position in GCE. With that, I'll turn the call over to Brian.

Dan Bachus: Joining me on today's call is our Chairman and CEO, Brian Mueller. Please note that many of our comments today will contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. These factors are discussed in our SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. We undertake no obligation to provide updates with regard to the forward-looking statements made during this call, and we recommend that all investors review these reports thoroughly before taking a financial position in GCE. With that, I'll turn the call over to Brian.

Speaker #2: Various factors could cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such statements. These factors are discussed in our SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K.

Speaker #2: We undertake no obligation to provide updates with regard to the forward-looking statements made during this call, and we recommend that all investors review these reports thoroughly before taking a financial position in GC.

Speaker #2: And with that, I'll turn the call over to Brian.

Speaker #3: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining Grand Canyon Education's second quarter 2026 conference call. There has been major disappointment from investors with regard to Grand Canyon Education's stock performance over the last 12 months.

Brian E. Mueller: Good afternoon, thank you for joining Grand Canyon Education's Q2 2026 conference call. There's been major disappointment from investors with regard to Grand Canyon Education stock performance over the last 12 months. This is true in spite of the fact that GCE's financial performance continues to be remarkably consistent as it has been for 18 years. I'm gonna start this call with the reason I believe this is happening. The following quote from a recent Wall Street Journal article summarizes what I believe. Major industry shakeups occur when structural shifts such as technological breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents and seize market leadership. In the current economic landscape, market leadership is transitioning at a record pace due to chaos, fatigue, and rapid AI adoption.

Brian Mueller: Good afternoon, thank you for joining Grand Canyon Education's Q2 2026 conference call. There's been major disappointment from investors with regard to Grand Canyon Education stock performance over the last 12 months. This is true in spite of the fact that GCE's financial performance continues to be remarkably consistent as it has been for 18 years. I'm gonna start this call with the reason I believe this is happening. The following quote from a recent Wall Street Journal article summarizes what I believe. Major industry shakeups occur when structural shifts such as technological breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents and seize market leadership. In the current economic landscape, market leadership is transitioning at a record pace due to chaos, fatigue, and rapid AI adoption.

Speaker #3: This is true, in spite of the fact that GCE's financial performance continues to be remarkably consistent, as it has been for 18 years. I'm going to start this call with the reason I believe this is happening.

Speaker #3: The following quote from a recent Wall Street Journal article summarizes what I believe: "Major industry shakeups occur when structural shifts, such as technological breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures, allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents." And sees market leadership.

Speaker #3: In the current economic landscape, market leadership is transitioning at a record pace due to chaos fatigue and rapid AI adoption. Legacy corporations are frequently losing ground to leaner, technology-native competitors.

Brian E. Mueller: Legacy corporations are frequently losing ground to leaner, technology-native competitors. I believe it is taking the investment community time to understand the new environment that emerges when major structural changes take place in what has been an industry that is very slow to change. This is true across industries like artificial intelligence, software, cybersecurity, energy, power, legal services, aerospace, defense, et cetera. It is especially true in higher education. Small private universities have been closing for decades, but closures are gonna happen at an increasing rate going forward. Last week, this momentum went to another level when WASC announced four prominent universities were put on warning status due to extreme financial instability. Grand Canyon Education and its largest partner, Grand Canyon University, as well as its 19 other partners, represent a good example of an organization that has responded to technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, and economic pressures.

Brian Mueller: Legacy corporations are frequently losing ground to leaner, technology-native competitors. I believe it is taking the investment community time to understand the new environment that emerges when major structural changes take place in what has been an industry that is very slow to change. This is true across industries like artificial intelligence, software, cybersecurity, energy, power, legal services, aerospace, defense, et cetera. It is especially true in higher education. Small private universities have been closing for decades, but closures are gonna happen at an increasing rate going forward. Last week, this momentum went to another level when WASC announced four prominent universities were put on warning status due to extreme financial instability. Grand Canyon Education and its largest partner, Grand Canyon University, as well as its 19 other partners, represent a good example of an organization that has responded to technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, and economic pressures.

Speaker #3: I believe it is taking the investment community time to understand the new environment that emerges when major structural changes take place in what has been an industry that is very slow to change.

Speaker #3: This is true across industries like artificial intelligence, software, cybersecurity, energy, power, legal services, aerospace, and defense. But it's especially true in higher education. Small private universities have been closing for decades, but closures are going to happen at an increasing rate going forward.

Speaker #3: Last week, this momentum went to another level when WASC announced four prominent universities were put on warning status due to extreme financial instability. Grand Canyon Education and its largest partner, Grand Canyon University, as well as its 19 other partners, represent a good example of an organization that has responded to technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, and economic pressures.

Speaker #3: It is an agile, fast-moving company that is displacing legacy incumbents. With all the headwinds in the higher ed landscape, and the very difficult second quarter comps, GCE delivered another great quarter that included a $0.14 earnings beat over consensus estimates.

Brian E. Mueller: It is an agile, fast-moving company that is displacing legacy incumbents. With all the headwinds in the higher ed landscape and the very difficult Q2 comps, GCE delivered another great quarter that included a $0.14 earnings beat over consensus estimates. As you will see, the changes we continue to make to respond to the opportunities that exist in this volatile environment are going to come to it at an increasing rate and make it difficult for many legacy incumbents to keep pace. Will allow us to continue to produce extremely positive results. Now I wanna review the three major platforms at Grand Canyon Education. Platform one, the online campus at Grand Canyon University. New online enrollments grew in the low single digits in Q2 against very tough comps, and total enrollment grew at just under 8%.

Brian Mueller: It is an agile, fast-moving company that is displacing legacy incumbents. With all the headwinds in the higher ed landscape and the very difficult Q2 comps, GCE delivered another great quarter that included a $0.14 earnings beat over consensus estimates. As you will see, the changes we continue to make to respond to the opportunities that exist in this volatile environment are going to come to it at an increasing rate and make it difficult for many legacy incumbents to keep pace. Will allow us to continue to produce extremely positive results. Now I wanna review the three major platforms at Grand Canyon Education. Platform one, the online campus at Grand Canyon University. New online enrollments grew in the low single digits in Q2 against very tough comps, and total enrollment grew at just under 8%.

Speaker #3: But as you will see, the changes we continue to make to respond to the opportunities that exist in this volatile environment are going to come at an increasing rate and make it difficult for many legacy incumbents to keep pace.

Speaker #3: But we'll continue, which will allow us to continue to produce extremely positive results. Now, I want to review the three major platforms at Grand Canyon Education.

Speaker #3: Platform one, the online campus at Grand Canyon University. New online enrollments grew in the low single digits in the second quarter, against very tough comps.

Speaker #3: And total enrollment grew at just and total enrollment grew at just under 8%. GCE's long-term goals are to grow new enrollments in the mid single digits and grow total enrollments at 6 to 7 percent on an annual basis.

Brian E. Mueller: GCU's long-term goals are to grow new enrollments in the mid-single digits and grow total enrollments like 6% to 7% on an annual basis. There's a lot that goes into this, but I want to focus on two things that differentiate our strategy and continue to produce consistent results. Number 1 is our outside development team that works directly with over 6,000 organizations across the country to develop their talent from inside. From school districts to hospitals, counseling centers, social work organizations, military bases, et cetera. Over 32% of GCU students are generated through this activity, and it continues to grow. Number 2, over 70% of online students, GCU's online students, are pursuing degrees in areas that where licensure is required. We believe that some students pursuing business or technology, for example, careers, will look for shorter, more direct paths to get started.

Brian Mueller: GCU's long-term goals are to grow new enrollments in the mid-single digits and grow total enrollments like 6% to 7% on an annual basis. There's a lot that goes into this, but I want to focus on two things that differentiate our strategy and continue to produce consistent results. Number 1 is our outside development team that works directly with over 6,000 organizations across the country to develop their talent from inside. From school districts to hospitals, counseling centers, social work organizations, military bases, et cetera. Over 32% of GCU students are generated through this activity, and it continues to grow. Number 2, over 70% of online students, GCU's online students, are pursuing degrees in areas that where licensure is required. We believe that some students pursuing business or technology, for example, careers, will look for shorter, more direct paths to get started.

Speaker #3: There's a lot that goes into this, but I want to focus on two things that differentiate our strategy and continue to produce consistent results.

Speaker #3: Number one is our outside development team that works directly with over 6,000 organizations across the country to develop their talent from inside. From school districts to hospitals, counseling centers, social work organizations, military bases, etc., over 32% of GCE students are generated through this activity, and it continues to grow.

Speaker #3: Number two, over 70% of GCE's online students are pursuing degrees in areas where licensure is required. We believe that some students pursuing business or technology, for example, will look for shorter, more direct paths to get started.

Speaker #3: This is continuing to impact enrollments at many institutions. GCE will offer certificate programs as well as degree options for those students. However, the bulk of degree growth on our online campus is happening in education, healthcare, counseling, social work, etc.—areas that require accredited degree programs that lead to licensure.

Brian E. Mueller: This is continuing to impact enrollments at many institutions. GCU will offer certificate programs as well as degree options for those students. However, the bulk of degree growth on our online campus is happening in education, healthcare, counseling, social work, et cetera, areas that require accredited degree programs that lead to licensure. These degree and licensure requirements are not going to change. There are huge shortages in those areas and very few options offered at a distance because of student teaching, observation hours, internships, clinicals, et cetera, that are required and difficult for universities to provide. We have developed a $300 million proprietary administrative system that allows us to serve those students at a distance. We have been moving in this direction for years and have developed a strong brand with employers and built tremendous momentum as a result. Platform 2, the traditional ground campus at Grand Canyon University.

Brian Mueller: This is continuing to impact enrollments at many institutions. GCU will offer certificate programs as well as degree options for those students. However, the bulk of degree growth on our online campus is happening in education, healthcare, counseling, social work, et cetera, areas that require accredited degree programs that lead to licensure. These degree and licensure requirements are not going to change. There are huge shortages in those areas and very few options offered at a distance because of student teaching, observation hours, internships, clinicals, et cetera, that are required and difficult for universities to provide. We have developed a $300 million proprietary administrative system that allows us to serve those students at a distance. We have been moving in this direction for years and have developed a strong brand with employers and built tremendous momentum as a result. Platform 2, the traditional ground campus at Grand Canyon University.

Speaker #3: These degree and licensure requirements are not going to change. There are huge shortages in those areas in very few options offered at a distance because of student teaching, observation hours, internships, clinicals, etc., that are required and difficult for universities to provide.

Speaker #3: We have developed a $300 million proprietary administrative system that allows us to serve those students at a distance. We have been moving in this direction for years and have developed a strong brand with employers.

Speaker #3: And built tremendous momentum as a result. Platform two, the traditional ground campus at Grand Canyon University. GCE started with under 1,000 students, 18 years ago, and now has just under 25,000 students.

Brian E. Mueller: GCU started with under 1,000 students 18 years ago and now has just under 25,000 students. This is unprecedented growth. GCU now has more students living on campus in university-owned housing than any university in the country. The average incoming GPAs are over 3.5. GCU has invested over $2 billion in the campus and is currently ranked the 20th best campus in the country. GCU has 22 advisory boards and over 800 organizations in Arizona that are represented. GCU hasn't raised tuition in 17 years, and the average student takes out less debt than the average state university student. As universities continue to raise tuition and more universities close, our advantages will continue to grow. However, in addition to those advantages, GCU is adding three important new tracks that will increase student enrollment opportunities to grow the ground campus to 50,000 students.

Brian Mueller: GCU started with under 1,000 students 18 years ago and now has just under 25,000 students. This is unprecedented growth. GCU now has more students living on campus in university-owned housing than any university in the country. The average incoming GPAs are over 3.5. GCU has invested over $2 billion in the campus and is currently ranked the 20th best campus in the country. GCU has 22 advisory boards and over 800 organizations in Arizona that are represented. GCU hasn't raised tuition in 17 years, and the average student takes out less debt than the average state university student. As universities continue to raise tuition and more universities close, our advantages will continue to grow. However, in addition to those advantages, GCU is adding three important new tracks that will increase student enrollment opportunities to grow the ground campus to 50,000 students.

Speaker #3: This is unprecedented growth. GCE now has more students living on campus in university-owned housing than any university in the country. The average incoming GPAs are over 3.5.

Speaker #3: GCE has invested over $2 billion in the campus, and it is currently ranked the 20th best campus in the country. GCE has 22 advisory boards and over 800 organizations in Arizona that are represented.

Speaker #3: GCE hasn't raised tuition in 17 years, and the average student takes out less debt than the average state university student. As universities continue to raise tuition and more universities close, our advantages will continue to grow.

Speaker #3: However, in addition to those advantages, GCE is adding three important new tracks. That will increase student enrollment opportunities to grow the ground campus to 50,000 students.

Speaker #3: Number one, the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College. The Honors College will grow from 3,000 to 3,500 students this fall. The goal is to grow to 7,000 students by 2030.

Brian E. Mueller: Number one, the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College. The Honors College will grow from 3,000 to 3,500 students this fall. The goal is to grow to 7,000 students by 2030. The average incoming GPAs are over 4.1 weighted, and the students come from all 50 states. GCU is building a 55,000-square-foot, three-story building to house the college that will be a state-of-the-art facility. GCU is building an honors college council that will be a who's who of successful Arizonans and many other Americans who will provide guidance to the college and its students. This will be one of the largest honors colleges in the country. GCU currently has some of the best high school students turning down Ivy League scholarships in order to attend the Ingram Honors College.

Brian Mueller: Number one, the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College. The Honors College will grow from 3,000 to 3,500 students this fall. The goal is to grow to 7,000 students by 2030. The average incoming GPAs are over 4.1 weighted, and the students come from all 50 states. GCU is building a 55,000-square-foot, three-story building to house the college that will be a state-of-the-art facility. GCU is building an honors college council that will be a who's who of successful Arizonans and many other Americans who will provide guidance to the college and its students. This will be one of the largest honors colleges in the country. GCU currently has some of the best high school students turning down Ivy League scholarships in order to attend the Ingram Honors College.

Speaker #3: The average incoming GPAs are over 4.1 weighted, and the students come from all 50 states. GCE is building a 55,000-square-foot, three-story building to house the college that will be a state-of-the-art facility.

Speaker #3: GCE is building an Honors College Council. That will be a who's who of successful Arizonans and many other Americans who will provide guidance to the college and its students.

Speaker #3: This will be one of the largest honors colleges in the country. GCE currently has some of the best high school students turning down Ivy League scholarships to attend the Ingram Honors College.

Speaker #3: The fact that the college sits in one of the fastest growing cities and economies in the country, will provide the graduates with incredible employment opportunities.

Brian E. Mueller: The fact that the college sits in one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in the country will provide the graduates with incredible employment opportunities. Number two, GCU is opening an 11th college that will be called the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies. It is opening with two bachelor's programs and 11 one-year certificate programs to grow America's manufacturing and construction labor force. There are huge shortages in these areas, and the first goal is to add thousands of students in this college in the first full year of operation, which starts in September. This will add significantly to the revenue performance of both GCU and GCE going forward. GCU now has 13 fully built-out programs, two baccalaureate programs, and 11 certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, construction, and microchip technology.

Brian Mueller: The fact that the college sits in one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in the country will provide the graduates with incredible employment opportunities. Number two, GCU is opening an 11th college that will be called the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies. It is opening with two bachelor's programs and 11 one-year certificate programs to grow America's manufacturing and construction labor force. There are huge shortages in these areas, and the first goal is to add thousands of students in this college in the first full year of operation, which starts in September. This will add significantly to the revenue performance of both GCU and GCE going forward. GCU now has 13 fully built-out programs, two baccalaureate programs, and 11 certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, construction, and microchip technology.

Speaker #3: Number two, GCE is opening an 11th college that will be called the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies. It is opening with two bachelor's programs and 11 one-year certificate programs to grow America's manufacturing and construction labor force.

Speaker #3: There are huge shortages in these areas, and the first goal is to add thousands of students to this college in the first full year of operation, which starts in September.

Speaker #3: This will add significantly to the revenue performance of both GCE and GCU going forward. GCU now has 13 fully built-out programs: two baccalaureate programs and 11 certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, construction, and microchip technology.

Speaker #3: Currently, 20% of students studying in these areas live on campus. And some of the certificate students are going to stay and apply to GCE's engineering bachelor's program when they have completed the year.

Brian E. Mueller: Currently, 20% of students studying in these areas live on campus, and some of the certificate students are going to stay and apply to GCU's engineering bachelor's program when they have completed the year. These programs have high retention rates and are very profitable. Number three, GCU's 12th college is also starting in the upcoming year and will be a law school. GCU intends to make it one of the largest law schools in the country. There's a severe shortage of attorneys in Arizona and the greater Southwest. GCU is working closely with the Arizona Supreme Court. They have been very encouraging, and we plan to open in the fall of 2027. GCU has written a curriculum for the program and is in the process of hiring a dean.

Brian Mueller: Currently, 20% of students studying in these areas live on campus, and some of the certificate students are going to stay and apply to GCU's engineering bachelor's program when they have completed the year. These programs have high retention rates and are very profitable. Number three, GCU's 12th college is also starting in the upcoming year and will be a law school. GCU intends to make it one of the largest law schools in the country. There's a severe shortage of attorneys in Arizona and the greater Southwest. GCU is working closely with the Arizona Supreme Court. They have been very encouraging, and we plan to open in the fall of 2027. GCU has written a curriculum for the program and is in the process of hiring a dean.

Speaker #3: These programs have high retention rates and are very profitable. Number three, GCE’s 12th college, is also starting in the upcoming year and will be a law school.

Speaker #3: GCE intends to make it one of the largest law schools in the country. There is a severe shortage of attorneys in Arizona, and a greater southwest.

Speaker #3: GCE is working closely with the Arizona Supreme Court, they have been very encouraging, and plan and and we plan to open in the fall of 2027.

Speaker #3: GCE has written a curriculum for the program and is in the process of hiring a dean. GCE anticipates offering a 3+2 and a 3+3 program, which will boost our pre-law undergraduate enrollment numbers and supply admission-ready candidates for the law school.

Brian E. Mueller: GCU anticipates offering a three plus two and a three plus three program, which will boost our pre-law undergraduate enrollment numbers and supply admission-ready candidates for the law school. GCU students have been asking for this opportunity for years. GCU believes a majority of the students will live on campus. With the addition of these three new tracks, the path to 50,000 students on the ground campus is becoming clearer. Number 3, the hybrid campuses. Grand Canyon Education's hybrid campuses had an increase in enrollment year over year of 18.5% in Q2, excluding the closed sites and those that are in teach out, which exceeded our expectation. We have turned the corner with this platform and the future is very bright. We currently have 47 locations that are slightly above 60% capacity.

Brian Mueller: GCU anticipates offering a three plus two and a three plus three program, which will boost our pre-law undergraduate enrollment numbers and supply admission-ready candidates for the law school. GCU students have been asking for this opportunity for years. GCU believes a majority of the students will live on campus. With the addition of these three new tracks, the path to 50,000 students on the ground campus is becoming clearer. Number 3, the hybrid campuses. Grand Canyon Education's hybrid campuses had an increase in enrollment year over year of 18.5% in Q2, excluding the closed sites and those that are in teach out, which exceeded our expectation. We have turned the corner with this platform and the future is very bright. We currently have 47 locations that are slightly above 60% capacity.

Speaker #3: GCE students have been asking for this opportunity for years. GCE believes a majority of the students will live on campus. With the addition of these three new tracks, the path to 50,000 students on the ground campus is becoming clearer.

Speaker #3: Number three, the hybrid campuses. Grand Canyon Education’s hybrid campuses had an increase in enrollment year over year of 18.5% in the second quarter, excluding the closed sites and those that are in teach-out.

Speaker #3: Which exceeded our expectations. We have turned the corner with this platform, and the future is very bright. We currently have 47 locations that are slightly above 60% capacity.

Speaker #3: The goal is to have 80 locations with about 300 nursing students per location, and an additional 300 students in other healthcare-related programs. We opened a new site in the six months ending June 30th, 2026, and closed one site so the total number of sites remains at 47.

Brian E. Mueller: The goal is to have 80 locations with about 300 nursing students per location, and an additional 300 students in other healthcare-related programs. We opened a new site in H1 ending 30 June 2026, and closed one site, so the total number of sites remains at 47. We plan to open one new site in the fall of 2026, and three to five new sites in 2027. Additional program offerings are being added, including a graduate nursing program with specializations at Northeastern University, which started this past fall. A hybrid occupational therapy bridge to master's program to the already successful St. Catherine's Occupational Therapy Assistant hybrid program beginning in the fall of 2026. An online health science degree with Utica University, and GCU launched a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistance program, and a speech language pathology program in 2025 at its Phoenix West Valley location.

Brian Mueller: The goal is to have 80 locations with about 300 nursing students per location, and an additional 300 students in other healthcare-related programs. We opened a new site in H1 ending 30 June 2026, and closed one site, so the total number of sites remains at 47. We plan to open one new site in the fall of 2026, and three to five new sites in 2027. Additional program offerings are being added, including a graduate nursing program with specializations at Northeastern University, which started this past fall. A hybrid occupational therapy bridge to master's program to the already successful St. Catherine's Occupational Therapy Assistant hybrid program beginning in the fall of 2026. An online health science degree with Utica University, and GCU launched a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistance program, and a speech language pathology program in 2025 at its Phoenix West Valley location.

Speaker #3: We plan to open one new site in the fall of 2026, and three to five new sites in 2027. Additional program offerings are being added.

Speaker #3: Including a graduate nursing program with specializations at Northeastern University, which started this past fall, and a hybrid occupational therapy bridge-to-master's program to the already successful St.

Speaker #3: Catherine’s Occupational Therapy Assistant hybrid program is beginning in the fall of 2026. An online Health Science degree with Utica University and GCE launched a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistance program, and a Speech-Language Pathology program in 2025 at its Phoenix West Valley location.

Speaker #3: GCE is also adding a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Sciences program in the fall of 2026. We currently have almost 6,000 students attending our hybrid campuses.

Brian E. Mueller: GCU is also adding a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Sciences program in the fall of 2026. We currently have almost 6,000 students attending our hybrid campuses. The revenue per student of these students is more than three times that of an online student. When we have 80 locations built out with approximately 600 students per location, the capacity will be just under 50,000 students. The prerequisite business that supports this growth continues to take off. The general education science courses that are designed to get students academically prepared for the ABSN program has enrolled over 25,000 students to date, and has tremendous room for additional growth. We believe the investment community is missing the major industry shakeup that occurs when structural shifts such as technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents and seize market leadership.

Brian Mueller: GCU is also adding a Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Sciences program in the fall of 2026. We currently have almost 6,000 students attending our hybrid campuses. The revenue per student of these students is more than three times that of an online student. When we have 80 locations built out with approximately 600 students per location, the capacity will be just under 50,000 students. The prerequisite business that supports this growth continues to take off. The general education science courses that are designed to get students academically prepared for the ABSN program has enrolled over 25,000 students to date, and has tremendous room for additional growth. We believe the investment community is missing the major industry shakeup that occurs when structural shifts such as technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents and seize market leadership.

Speaker #3: The revenue per student of these students is more than three times that of an online student. When we have 80 locations built out, with approximately 600 students per location, the capacity will be just under 50,000 students.

Speaker #3: The prerequisite business that supports this growth continues to take off. The general education science courses, which are designed to get students academically prepared for the ABSN program, have enrolled over 25,000 students to date and have tremendous room for additional growth.

Speaker #3: We believe the investment community is missing the major industry shakeup that occurs when structural shifts—such as technology breakthroughs, regulatory changes, or economic pressures—allow agile, fast-moving companies to displace legacy incumbents and seize market leadership.

Speaker #3: This is happening right now with Grand Canyon Education in the higher education industry. The online campus will continue to grow at 6 to 7 percentage points. The ground campus, which has been flat, is reignited with the future growth of the Honors College, the huge potential of the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies, and the start of what will be a very large law school.

Brian E. Mueller: This is happening right now with Grand Canyon Education in the higher education industry. The online campus will continue to grow at six to seven percentage points. The ground campus, which has been flat, is reignited with the future growth of the Honors College, the huge potential of the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies, and the start of what will be a very large law school. We expect the hybrid campus business to continue to grow in the teens or greater in the future. Service revenue was $264 million for Q2 2026, an increase of $16.5 million or 6.7%, as compared to $247.5 million for Q2 2025.

Brian Mueller: This is happening right now with Grand Canyon Education in the higher education industry. The online campus will continue to grow at six to seven percentage points. The ground campus, which has been flat, is reignited with the future growth of the Honors College, the huge potential of the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies, and the start of what will be a very large law school. We expect the hybrid campus business to continue to grow in the teens or greater in the future. Service revenue was $264 million for Q2 2026, an increase of $16.5 million or 6.7%, as compared to $247.5 million for Q2 2025.

Speaker #3: We expect the hybrid campus business to continue to grow in the teens or greater in the future. Service revenue was $264 million for the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 16.5 million or 6.7%, as compared to $247.5 million for the second quarter of 2025.

Speaker #3: The increase year over year in service revenue was primarily due to an increase in university partner enrollment of 7.6%, including an increase in GCE online enrollments of 7.8%.

Brian E. Mueller: The increase year-over-year in service revenue was primarily due to an increase in university partner enrollments of 7.6%, including an increase in GCU online enrollments of 7.8%, and university partner enrollments at the off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, excluding sites in teach out or close of 18.5%, partially offset by one less day of ground traditional revenue at GCU of $1 million in the quarter as a result of the shift of one day of revenue from the Q2 to the Q1 as compared to last year's spring start date.

Brian Mueller: The increase year-over-year in service revenue was primarily due to an increase in university partner enrollments of 7.6%, including an increase in GCU online enrollments of 7.8%, and university partner enrollments at the off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, excluding sites in teach out or close of 18.5%, partially offset by one less day of ground traditional revenue at GCU of $1 million in the quarter as a result of the shift of one day of revenue from the Q2 to the Q1 as compared to last year's spring start date.

Speaker #3: And university partner enrollments at the off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, excluding sites in teach-out or closed, of 18.5%. Partially offset by one less day of ground traditional revenue at GCE of 1 million, in the quarter, as a result of the shift of one day of revenue from the second quarter to the first quarter, as compared to last year's spring start date.

Speaker #3: And a slight decrease in revenue per student year over year, partially due to the contract modifications with some of our university partners, in which our revenue share percentage was reduced in exchange for us no longer reimbursing the partner for certain faculty costs which had the effect of reducing revenue per student, and a slight decline year over year in revenue per student for online students due to the continued mix shift to students that have a slightly lower net tuition rate.

Brian E. Mueller: A slight decrease in revenue per student year-over-year, partially due to the contract modifications with some of our university partners, in which our revenue share percentage was reduced in exchange for us no longer reimbursing the partner for certain faculty costs, which had the effect of reducing revenue per student, and a slight decline year-over-year in revenue per student for online students due to the continued mix shift to students that have a slightly lower net tuition rate, and a slight decline year-over-year in ground students, which generate a higher revenue per student than online students. Operating income and operating margin for the three months ended 30 June 2026 was $58.2 million and 22%, respectively, as compared to $51.8 million and 20.9%, respectively, for the same period in 2025. Net revenue is $45.9 million for the Q2 of 2026.

Brian Mueller: A slight decrease in revenue per student year-over-year, partially due to the contract modifications with some of our university partners, in which our revenue share percentage was reduced in exchange for us no longer reimbursing the partner for certain faculty costs, which had the effect of reducing revenue per student, and a slight decline year-over-year in revenue per student for online students due to the continued mix shift to students that have a slightly lower net tuition rate, and a slight decline year-over-year in ground students, which generate a higher revenue per student than online students. Operating income and operating margin for the three months ended 30 June 2026 was $58.2 million and 22%, respectively, as compared to $51.8 million and 20.9%, respectively, for the same period in 2025. Net revenue is $45.9 million for the Q2 of 2026.

Speaker #3: And a slight decline year over year in ground students, which generate a higher revenue per student than online students. Operating income and operating margin for the three months ended June 30th, 2026, was 58.2 million, and 22%, respectively, as compared to 51.8 million and 20.9%, respectively, for the same period in 2025.

Speaker #3: Net revenue was $45.9 million for the second quarter of 2026. GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended June 30, 2026, is $1.75.

Brian E. Mueller: GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 is $1.75. As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 is $1.81, which is $0.14 above consensus estimates. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Dan Bachus, our CFO, to give a little more color on 2026 Q2, talk about changes in the income statements and balance sheet and other items, as well as to discuss 2026 guidance.

Brian Mueller: GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 is $1.75. As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 is $1.81, which is $0.14 above consensus estimates. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Dan Bachus, our CFO, to give a little more color on 2026 Q2, talk about changes in the income statements and balance sheet and other items, as well as to discuss 2026 guidance.

Speaker #3: As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended June 30, 2026, is $1.81, which is $0.14 above consensus estimates. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Dan Bachus, our CFO, to give a little more color on the 2026 second quarter, talk about changes in the income statements and balance sheet, and other items, as well as to discuss 2026 guidance.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Brian. Included in our Form 8K filed with the SEC, we have included non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended June 30th, 2026, and 2025.

Dan E. Bachus: Thanks, Brian. Included in our Form 8-K filed with the SEC, we have included non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 and 2025. We believe the non-GAAP financial information allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the company's performance over time. As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 and 2025 is $1.81 and $1.53, respectively. In addition, included in our Form 10-Q filed today is the announcement that on 29 July 2026, we entered into an amended and restated master services agreement with GCU. The terms of the amended MSA are generally consistent with the letter of intent that was previously announced.

Dan Bachus: Thanks, Brian. Included in our Form 8-K filed with the SEC, we have included non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 and 2025. We believe the non-GAAP financial information allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the company's performance over time. As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended 30 June 2026 and 2025 is $1.81 and $1.53, respectively. In addition, included in our Form 10-Q filed today is the announcement that on 29 July 2026, we entered into an amended and restated master services agreement with GCU. The terms of the amended MSA are generally consistent with the letter of intent that was previously announced.

Speaker #1: We believe the non-GAAP financial information allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the company's performance over time. As adjusted, non-GAAP diluted income per share for the three months ended June 30th, 2026, and 2025, is $1.81 and $1.53, respectively.

Speaker #1: In addition, included in our Form 10Q filed today is the announcement that on July 29th, 2026, we entered into an amended and restated master services agreement with GCE.

Speaker #1: The terms of the amended MSA are generally consistent with the letter of intent that was previously announced. The amended MSA is effective as of July 1, 2026, has an initial term of 15 years—running through June 30, 2041—and, unless notice of non-renewal is given at least 18 months in advance of the end of the initial term, or any renewal term, will automatically renew for up to three additional five-year renewal terms.

Dan E. Bachus: The amended MSA is effective as of 1 July 2026, has an initial term of 15 years running through 30 June 2041, and unless notice of non-renewal is given at least 18 months in advance of the end of the initial term or any renewal term, will automatically renew up to three additional five-year renewal terms. The amended MSA eliminates GCU's ability to terminate for convenience, while also eliminating any related early termination fees owed by GCU prior to the end of the term. Restructures the service fees such that going forward, service fees are calculated as 60% of tuition and academic-related fees only. Ancillary fees and other revenue are for the sole benefit of GCU, and a reimbursement payment that the university had been making to GCU in respect of certain academic-related costs is eliminated.

Dan Bachus: The amended MSA is effective as of 1 July 2026, has an initial term of 15 years running through 30 June 2041, and unless notice of non-renewal is given at least 18 months in advance of the end of the initial term or any renewal term, will automatically renew up to three additional five-year renewal terms. The amended MSA eliminates GCU's ability to terminate for convenience, while also eliminating any related early termination fees owed by GCU prior to the end of the term. Restructures the service fees such that going forward, service fees are calculated as 60% of tuition and academic-related fees only. Ancillary fees and other revenue are for the sole benefit of GCU, and a reimbursement payment that the university had been making to GCU in respect of certain academic-related costs is eliminated.

Speaker #1: The amended MSA eliminates GCE's ability to terminate for convenience, while also eliminating any related early termination fees owed by GCE prior to the end of the term.

Speaker #1: Restructures the service fees such that going forward, service fees are calculated as 60% of tuition and academic-related fees only, and salary fees and other revenue are for the sole benefit of GCE, and a reimbursement payment that the university had been making to GCE in respect of certain academic-related costs is eliminated.

Speaker #1: And last, in lieu of the prior non-renewal fee, that was due if GCE did not renew the MSA at the end of the term, the company would continue to provide services to and receive service fees from GCE for an 18-month period following termination.

Dan E. Bachus: Last, in lieu of the prior non-renewal fee that was due if GCU did not renew the MSA at the end of the term, the company would continue to provide services to and receive service fees from GCU for an 18-month period following termination. As previously disclosed, the company estimates that under the amended MSA, its service revenue will be reduced by approximately $20 million annually, but that its operating income will decline by an immaterial amount that should not exceed $1 million per quarter due to the elimination of the academic reimbursement payment. Service revenue was higher than our expectations in Q2 2026, primarily due to higher-than-expected hybrid and traditional campus summer school enrollments. Online enrollments approximated our expectations. In addition, approximately $1 million of revenue that we had planned to be recognized in Q3 2026 was recognized in Q2.

Dan Bachus: Last, in lieu of the prior non-renewal fee that was due if GCU did not renew the MSA at the end of the term, the company would continue to provide services to and receive service fees from GCU for an 18-month period following termination. As previously disclosed, the company estimates that under the amended MSA, its service revenue will be reduced by approximately $20 million annually, but that its operating income will decline by an immaterial amount that should not exceed $1 million per quarter due to the elimination of the academic reimbursement payment. Service revenue was higher than our expectations in Q2 2026, primarily due to higher-than-expected hybrid and traditional campus summer school enrollments. Online enrollments approximated our expectations. In addition, approximately $1 million of revenue that we had planned to be recognized in Q3 2026 was recognized in Q2.

Speaker #1: As previously disclosed, the company estimates that under the amended MSA, its service revenue will be reduced by approximately $20 million annually, but that its operating income will decline by an immaterial amount that should not exceed $1 million per quarter due to the elimination of the academic reimbursement payment.

Speaker #1: Service revenue is higher than our expectations in the second quarter of 2026, primarily due to higher-than-expected hybrid and traditional campus summer school enrollments. Online enrollments approximated our expectations.

Speaker #1: In addition, approximately $1 million of revenue that we had planned to be recognized in the third quarter of 2026 was recognized in the second quarter.

Speaker #1: The second-quarter operating margin was positively impacted on a year-over-year basis by the higher revenue, the contract modifications, and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by additional spend for 2026 partner initiatives.

Dan E. Bachus: The Q2 operating margin was positively impacted on a year-over-year basis by the higher revenue, the contract modifications, and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by additional spend for 2026 partner initiatives. Our effective tax rate for Q2 2026 was 24.7%, compared to 24.5% in Q2 2025, and our guidance of 24.9%. The effective tax rate increased over the prior year, primarily due to state income taxes. We did make contributions in lieu of state income taxes this month that will increase general and administrative expenses in Q3 while reducing income tax expense in an equal amount, three-quarters of which will be in Q3 and one-quarter in Q4. Turning to the balance sheet and cash flows, total unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments as of 30 June 2026, were $274.5 million.

Dan Bachus: The Q2 operating margin was positively impacted on a year-over-year basis by the higher revenue, the contract modifications, and lower general and administrative expenses, partially offset by additional spend for 2026 partner initiatives. Our effective tax rate for Q2 2026 was 24.7%, compared to 24.5% in Q2 2025, and our guidance of 24.9%. The effective tax rate increased over the prior year, primarily due to state income taxes. We did make contributions in lieu of state income taxes this month that will increase general and administrative expenses in Q3 while reducing income tax expense in an equal amount, three-quarters of which will be in Q3 and one-quarter in Q4. Turning to the balance sheet and cash flows, total unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments as of 30 June 2026, were $274.5 million.

Speaker #1: Our effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2026 was 24.7%, compared to 24.5% in the second quarter of 2025, and our guidance of 24.9%.

Speaker #1: The effective tax rate increased over the prior year, primarily due to state income taxes. We did make contributions in lieu of state income taxes this month that will increase general and administrative expenses in the third quarter, while reducing income tax expense in an equal amount—three quarters of which will be in the third quarter and one quarter in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #1: Turning to the balance sheet and cash flows, total unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2026, were $274.5 million. GCE capex in the second quarter of 2026, including capex for new off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, was approximately $10.7 million, or 4.1% of service revenue.

Dan E. Bachus: GCE CapEx in Q2 2026, including CapEx for new off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, was approximately $10.7 million, or 4.1% of service revenue. We anticipate CapEx for 2026 will be between $30 million and $35 million. We repurchased 471,489 shares of our common stock in Q2 2026 at a cost of approximately $75.3 million, and another 169,106 shares were repurchased since 30 June 2026. We have $124.1 million remaining available as of today under our share repurchase authorization. The board and the company intend to continue using its cash flow from operations to repurchase its shares. We are also currently working with our primary banking partner on a line of credit that we hope will be in place by the middle of August that will allow us to continue buying back stock at current or higher levels.

Dan Bachus: GCE CapEx in Q2 2026, including CapEx for new off-campus classroom and laboratory sites, was approximately $10.7 million, or 4.1% of service revenue. We anticipate CapEx for 2026 will be between $30 million and $35 million. We repurchased 471,489 shares of our common stock in Q2 2026 at a cost of approximately $75.3 million, and another 169,106 shares were repurchased since 30 June 2026. We have $124.1 million remaining available as of today under our share repurchase authorization. The board and the company intend to continue using its cash flow from operations to repurchase its shares. We are also currently working with our primary banking partner on a line of credit that we hope will be in place by the middle of August that will allow us to continue buying back stock at current or higher levels.

Speaker #1: We anticipate CapEx for 2026 will be between $30 million and $35 million. We repurchased 471,489 shares of our common stock in the second quarter of 2026 at a cost of approximately $75.3 million.

Speaker #1: And another $169,106 shares were repurchased since June 30th, 2026. We have $124.1 million remaining available as of today under our share repurchase authorization. The board and the company intend to continue using its cash flow from operations to repurchase its shares.

Speaker #1: We are also currently working with our primary banking partner on a line of credit that we hope will be in place by the middle of August, which will allow us to continue buying back stock at current or higher levels.

Speaker #1: Given that the size of the line has not yet been finalized, the interest expense and the impact of any accelerated stock purchases are not included in the guidance below.

Dan E. Bachus: Given that the size of the line has not yet been finalized, the interest expense and the impact of any accelerated stock purchases are not included in the guidance below. We will file an 8-K with further details when it is finalized. Last, I'd like to provide color on the guidance we have provided in our 8-K filed today. As a reminder, the guidance that we have provided in the outlook section of our 8-K filed today is GAAP net income and diluted income per share, with the components to adjust GAAP amounts to non-GAAP as adjusted net income and non-GAAP as adjusted diluted income per share. We have updated full-year 2026 guidance to include the Q2 revenue and earnings fees.

Dan Bachus: Given that the size of the line has not yet been finalized, the interest expense and the impact of any accelerated stock purchases are not included in the guidance below. We will file an 8-K with further details when it is finalized. Last, I'd like to provide color on the guidance we have provided in our 8-K filed today. As a reminder, the guidance that we have provided in the outlook section of our 8-K filed today is GAAP net income and diluted income per share, with the components to adjust GAAP amounts to non-GAAP as adjusted net income and non-GAAP as adjusted diluted income per share. We have updated full-year 2026 guidance to include the Q2 revenue and earnings fees.

Speaker #1: We will file an 8K with further details when it is finalized. Last, I'd like to provide color on the guidance we have provided in our 8K filed today.

Speaker #1: As a reminder, the guidance that we have provided in the outlook section of our 8-K filed today is GAAP net income and diluted income per share, with a component to adjust GAAP amounts to non-GAAP as adjusted net income and non-GAAP as adjusted diluted income per share.

Speaker #1: We have updated folio 2026 guidance to include the second quarter revenue and earnings beats. We have made adjustments to second half revenue and operating income guidance previously provided, to reflect the impact of the amended MSA and the approximately $1 million in revenue that was recognized in Q2 that had been forecasted to be recognized in the third quarter of 2026.

Dan E. Bachus: We have made adjustments to H2 revenue and operating income guidance previously provided to reflect the impact of the amended MSA and the approximately $1 million in revenue that was recognized in Q2 that had been forecasted to be recognized in the Q3 of 2026. We have also narrowed the range in both the Q3 and Q4 to reflect current trends. We have also reflected the $5 million in contributions made in lieu of state income taxes that will be paid in the Q3 in higher G&A expenses and lower income tax expense and decreased interest income and decreased the weighted average share count as we have purchased and plan to continue to repurchase more stock than was originally forecasted.

Dan Bachus: We have made adjustments to H2 revenue and operating income guidance previously provided to reflect the impact of the amended MSA and the approximately $1 million in revenue that was recognized in Q2 that had been forecasted to be recognized in the Q3 of 2026. We have also narrowed the range in both the Q3 and Q4 to reflect current trends. We have also reflected the $5 million in contributions made in lieu of state income taxes that will be paid in the Q3 in higher G&A expenses and lower income tax expense and decreased interest income and decreased the weighted average share count as we have purchased and plan to continue to repurchase more stock than was originally forecasted.

Speaker #1: We have also narrowed the range in both the third and fourth quarters to reflect current trends. We have reflected the $5 million in contributions made in lieu of state income taxes that will be paid in the third quarter in higher G&A expenses and lower income tax expense, and decrease in interest income, and decrease the weighted average share cost as we have purchased and plan to continue to repurchase more stock than was originally forecasted.

Speaker #1: I realize that all of these changes need to be pushed through your model, but these results should be adjusted EPS that is $0.03 above consensus estimates in the second half of 2026, when the impact of the $1 million in revenue that was recognized in the second quarter instead of the third is considered, and $0.14 above consensus estimates for the full year 2026.

Dan E. Bachus: I realize that all of these changes need to be pushed through your model, The result should be adjusted EPS that is $0.03 above consensus estimates in the H2 of 2026 when the impact of the $1 million in revenue that was recognized in the Q2 instead of the Q3 is considered, and $0.14 above consensus estimates for the full-year 2026. On a more detailed basis, including current trends, revenue is expected to decrease by $4 million and $6 million in the Q3 and Q4 of 2026, respectively, due to the amended and restated MSA, while instructional cost and services will be reduced by $3 million and $5 million in the Q3 and Q4 of 2026, respectively, as we will no longer be making a certain academic reimbursement to GCU.

Dan Bachus: I realize that all of these changes need to be pushed through your model, The result should be adjusted EPS that is $0.03 above consensus estimates in the H2 of 2026 when the impact of the $1 million in revenue that was recognized in the Q2 instead of the Q3 is considered, and $0.14 above consensus estimates for the full-year 2026. On a more detailed basis, including current trends, revenue is expected to decrease by $4 million and $6 million in the Q3 and Q4 of 2026, respectively, due to the amended and restated MSA, while instructional cost and services will be reduced by $3 million and $5 million in the Q3 and Q4 of 2026, respectively, as we will no longer be making a certain academic reimbursement to GCU.

Speaker #1: On a more detailed basis, including current trends, revenue is expected to decrease by $4.006 billion in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, respectively, due to the amended and restated MSA, while instructional costs and services will be reduced by $3.005 billion in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, respectively.

Speaker #1: As we will no longer be making a certain academic reimbursement to GCE. $1 million of revenue was accelerated from the third quarter of 2026 in the second quarter, and recognized in the financials we reported today.

Dan E. Bachus: $1 million of revenue was accelerated from the Q3 of 2026 to the Q2 and recognized in the financials we reported today. The year-over-year changes in the start and end dates of the semesters for GCU's ground traditional campus will move $8.3 million in revenue from the Q3 to the Q4 in comparison to last year. The change between the Q3 and Q4 is more significant this year than in past years, as GCU's fall semester for its ground traditional campus begins and ends 6 days later this year than last year. We continue to anticipate that new online enrollments will be up year-over-year in the mid to high single digits during the H2 of 2026.

Dan Bachus: $1 million of revenue was accelerated from the Q3 of 2026 to the Q2 and recognized in the financials we reported today. The year-over-year changes in the start and end dates of the semesters for GCU's ground traditional campus will move $8.3 million in revenue from the Q3 to the Q4 in comparison to last year. The change between the Q3 and Q4 is more significant this year than in past years, as GCU's fall semester for its ground traditional campus begins and ends 6 days later this year than last year. We continue to anticipate that new online enrollments will be up year-over-year in the mid to high single digits during the H2 of 2026.

Speaker #1: The year-over-year changes in the start and end dates of the semesters for GCE's ground traditional campus will move $8.3 million in revenue from the third quarter to the fourth quarter in comparison to last year.

Speaker #1: The change between the third and fourth quarter is more significant this year than in past years, as GCE's fall semester for its ground traditional campus begins and ends six days later this year than last year.

Speaker #1: We continue to anticipate that new online enrollments will be up year over year in the mid- to high-single digits during the second half of 2026.

Speaker #1: The second quarter 2026 new start growth rate was expected given that in the prior year new starts were up in the mid-teens and the second quarter is not a traditional back-to-school time.

Dan E. Bachus: The Q2 2026 new start growth rate was expected, given that in the prior year, new starts were up in the mid-teens, and the Q2 is not a traditional back-to-school time. Total online enrollment growth continues to be pressured by increasing graduations and a continued decline in reentries, students returning to school after a break due to the high retention rates. We continue to anticipate online revenue per student will be slightly down year-over-year due to mix shift to programs that have slightly lower net tuition rates. The revenue range continues to assume that GCU's ground enrollment will be approximately 25,000 in the fall. The reported ground number continues to include GCU Hybrid, which continues to grow, and professional studies students, which we expect to be slightly down on a year-over-year basis.

Dan Bachus: The Q2 2026 new start growth rate was expected, given that in the prior year, new starts were up in the mid-teens, and the Q2 is not a traditional back-to-school time. Total online enrollment growth continues to be pressured by increasing graduations and a continued decline in reentries, students returning to school after a break due to the high retention rates. We continue to anticipate online revenue per student will be slightly down year-over-year due to mix shift to programs that have slightly lower net tuition rates. The revenue range continues to assume that GCU's ground enrollment will be approximately 25,000 in the fall. The reported ground number continues to include GCU Hybrid, which continues to grow, and professional studies students, which we expect to be slightly down on a year-over-year basis.

Speaker #1: Total online enrollment growth continues to be pressured by increasing graduations and a continued decline in re-entries—students returning to school after a break—due to the high retention rates.

Speaker #1: We continue to anticipate online revenue per student will be slightly down year over year due to a mix shift to programs that have slightly lower net tuition rates.

Speaker #1: The revenue range continues to assume that GCE's ground enrollment will be approximately 25,000 in the fall. The reported ground number continues to include GCE hybrid, which continues to grow, and professional study students, which we expect to be slightly down on a year-over-year basis.

Speaker #1: Total ground enrollment continues to be impacted by the lower Fall 2024 new starts and the growing number of graduates year over year, as a significant number of ground traditional students continue to graduate in less than four years.

Dan E. Bachus: Total ground enrollment continues to be impacted by the lower fall 2024 new start and the growing number of graduates year-over-year, as a significant number of ground traditional students continue to graduate in less than 4 years. We continue to expect total enrollment growth rate for the hybrid pillar to remain in the teens during H2 2026. As has been discussed previously, the hybrid growth rate is currently being impacted by the fact that we now have 14 locations that are at or near capacity, and thus we have little to no growth year-over-year in total enrollments at those locations.

Dan Bachus: Total ground enrollment continues to be impacted by the lower fall 2024 new start and the growing number of graduates year-over-year, as a significant number of ground traditional students continue to graduate in less than 4 years. We continue to expect total enrollment growth rate for the hybrid pillar to remain in the teens during H2 2026. As has been discussed previously, the hybrid growth rate is currently being impacted by the fact that we now have 14 locations that are at or near capacity, and thus we have little to no growth year-over-year in total enrollments at those locations.

Speaker #1: We continue to expect total enrollment growth rate for the hybrid pillar to remain in the teens during the second half of 2026, as has been previously as has been discussed previously, the hybrid growth rate is currently being impacted by the fact that we now.

Speaker #1: There are 14 locations that are at or near capacity, and thus we have little to no growth year over year in total enrollments at those locations.

Speaker #1: And from a new enrollment perspective, 22 locations will not have year over year growth in new enrollments on a year over year basis in the fall, as although eight locations are not at state authorized capacity, we started the maximum number of students allowed during fall 2025.

Dan E. Bachus: From a new enrollment perspective, 22 locations will not have year-over-year growth in new enrollments on a year-over-year basis in the fall, as although 8 locations are not at state-authorized capacity, we started the maximum number of students allowed during fall 2025. The higher-than-expected new starts in spring 2026 will also have an impact on new start growth rates at a few locations in the fall due to capacity constraints. Total enrollment should continue to meet or exceed our expectations. We remain hopeful that some of these locations will get local regulatory approval to grow in the future, as they currently have wait lists, and we still have a lot of opportunities at the other locations. On the expense side, we continue to make investments to support our university partners' growth, but continue to anticipate margin expansion in 2026.

Dan Bachus: From a new enrollment perspective, 22 locations will not have year-over-year growth in new enrollments on a year-over-year basis in the fall, as although 8 locations are not at state-authorized capacity, we started the maximum number of students allowed during fall 2025. The higher-than-expected new starts in spring 2026 will also have an impact on new start growth rates at a few locations in the fall due to capacity constraints. Total enrollment should continue to meet or exceed our expectations. We remain hopeful that some of these locations will get local regulatory approval to grow in the future, as they currently have wait lists, and we still have a lot of opportunities at the other locations. On the expense side, we continue to make investments to support our university partners' growth, but continue to anticipate margin expansion in 2026.

Speaker #1: The higher than expected new starts in spring 2026 will also have an impact on new start growth rates at a few locations in the fall due to capacity constraints.

Speaker #1: But total enrollment should continue to meet or exceed our expectations. We remain hopeful that some of these locations will get local regulatory approval to grow in the future as they currently have waitlists and we still have a lot of opportunities at the other locations.

Speaker #1: On the expense side, we continue to make investments to support our university partners' growth, but continue to anticipate margin expansion in 2026. As has been previously discussed, the online programs primarily that lead to licensure in which GCE was growing at an accelerated rate and their cost is more to service than the traditional online programs are at or are at lower net tuition rates, which is putting some pressure on margins.

Dan E. Bachus: As has been previously discussed, the online programs, primarily that lead to licensure in which GCU is growing at an accelerated rate, either cost us more to service than the traditional online programs or are at lower net tuition rates, which is putting some pressure on margins. We also continue to absorb significant increases in technology services and benefit costs. We have some pressure on margins in Q3 as the GCU traditional campus start and end dates move back this year, but that reverses in Q4. As it relates to the hybrid pillar, we will incur additional costs for the new hybrid locations that have opened in the last year or will open in late 2026, early 2027, but we are experiencing increased site-level profitability due to the increasing enrollments.

Dan Bachus: As has been previously discussed, the online programs, primarily that lead to licensure in which GCU is growing at an accelerated rate, either cost us more to service than the traditional online programs or are at lower net tuition rates, which is putting some pressure on margins. We also continue to absorb significant increases in technology services and benefit costs. We have some pressure on margins in Q3 as the GCU traditional campus start and end dates move back this year, but that reverses in Q4. As it relates to the hybrid pillar, we will incur additional costs for the new hybrid locations that have opened in the last year or will open in late 2026, early 2027, but we are experiencing increased site-level profitability due to the increasing enrollments.

Speaker #1: We also continue to absorb significant increases in technology services and benefit costs. We have some pressure on margins in the third quarter as the GCE traditional campus start and end dates move back this year but that reverses in the fourth quarter.

Speaker #1: As it relates to the hybrid pillar, we will incur additional costs for the new hybrid locations that have opened in the last year or will open in late 2026, early 2027. However, we are experiencing increased site-level profitability due to the increasing enrollments.

Speaker #1: Projected general and administrative expenses have increased our guidance in the third quarter of 2026 by the contributions in lieu of state income taxes of $5 million. Approximately 75% of this is recognized as a reduction in income tax expense in the third quarter of 2026, with the remaining recognized as a reduction in income tax in the fourth quarter.

Dan E. Bachus: Projected general and administrative expenses have increased our guidance in Q3 2026 by the contributions in lieu of state income taxes of $5 million. Approximately 75% of this is recognized as a reduction in income tax expense in Q3 2026, with the remaining recognized as a reduction in income tax in Q4. This is consistent with the prior year. We are estimating the interest income will decline year over year in 2026 due to the decline in cash balances due to more aggressive stock buybacks and a declining interest rate environment. The effective tax rates for the remaining 2 quarters of 2026 have been reduced due to the contributions in lieu of state income taxes to 20.8% and 23.2% in Q3 and Q4, respectively, with a full-year tax rate of 23.2%.

Dan Bachus: Projected general and administrative expenses have increased our guidance in Q3 2026 by the contributions in lieu of state income taxes of $5 million. Approximately 75% of this is recognized as a reduction in income tax expense in Q3 2026, with the remaining recognized as a reduction in income tax in Q4. This is consistent with the prior year. We are estimating the interest income will decline year over year in 2026 due to the decline in cash balances due to more aggressive stock buybacks and a declining interest rate environment. The effective tax rates for the remaining 2 quarters of 2026 have been reduced due to the contributions in lieu of state income taxes to 20.8% and 23.2% in Q3 and Q4, respectively, with a full-year tax rate of 23.2%.

Speaker #1: This is consistent with the prior year. We are estimating that interest income will decline year over year in 2026 due to the declining cash balances from more aggressive stock buybacks and a declining interest rate environment.

Speaker #1: The effective tax rates for the remaining two quarters of 2026 have been reduced due to the contributions in lieu of state income taxes, to 20.8% and 23.2% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, with a full year tax rate of 23.2%.

Speaker #1: Had the contributions not been made, we estimate our effective tax rate would have been 24.7% and 24.4% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Dan E. Bachus: Had the contributions not been made, we estimate our effective tax rate would have been 24.7% and 24.4% in Q3 and Q4, respectively. These effective tax rates continue to be impacted by higher state income taxes as we continue to add new sites in states outside of Arizona, which have higher state tax rates and other factors, including the decrease year over year in the excess tax benefit due to a decline in our stock price. Our weighted average shares guidance takes into account the significant amount of stock we have or plan to purchase. We anticipate continuing to use our excess cash to repurchase shares, as the board believes the stock is materially undervalued based on the metrics it uses to evaluate this, including the ratio of enterprise value to adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow yield in comparison to the other S&P 500 companies.

Dan Bachus: Had the contributions not been made, we estimate our effective tax rate would have been 24.7% and 24.4% in Q3 and Q4, respectively. These effective tax rates continue to be impacted by higher state income taxes as we continue to add new sites in states outside of Arizona, which have higher state tax rates and other factors, including the decrease year over year in the excess tax benefit due to a decline in our stock price. Our weighted average shares guidance takes into account the significant amount of stock we have or plan to purchase. We anticipate continuing to use our excess cash to repurchase shares, as the board believes the stock is materially undervalued based on the metrics it uses to evaluate this, including the ratio of enterprise value to adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow yield in comparison to the other S&P 500 companies.

Speaker #1: These effective tax rates continue to be impacted by higher state income taxes as we continue to add new sites and states outside of Arizona, which have higher state tax rates, and other factors, including the decrease year over year and the excess tax benefit due to the decline in our stock price.

Speaker #1: Our weighted average shares guidance takes into account the significant amount of stock we have or plan to purchase. We anticipate continuing to use our excess cash to repurchase shares, as the board believes the stock is materially undervalued based on the metrics it uses to evaluate this, including the ratio of enterprise value to adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow yield, in comparison to the other S&P 500 companies.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call over to the moderators so that we can answer questions.

Dan E. Bachus: I will now turn the call over to the moderator so that we can answer questions.

Dan Bachus: I will now turn the call over to the moderator so that we can answer questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press *11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, press *11 again.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, press star one one again. One moment while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question will come from the line of Jasper Bibb with Truist Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker #2: One moment while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question will come from the line of Jasper Bibb with Truist Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: Hey, good afternoon, guys. Yeah, really nice online enrollment figures today. Obviously, one of the big topics around this space has been the potential impact of consumer adoption of Gen AI on customer acquisition and enrollment.

Jasper Bibb: Hey, good afternoon, guys. Really nice online enrollment figures today. Obviously, one of the big topics around the space has been the potential impact of consumer adoption of Gen AI on customer acquisition and enrollment. Just curious, hoping maybe you could share what your experience has been with inquiry volumes, this AI theme, and how you're reacting to the broader consumer shift there. Thanks. Yeah, we have listened to other calls. We've heard that too. The way we're getting over 30% of our starts, and I think it's going to grow to 40% of our starts, has nothing to do with generating leads. It has to do with meeting needs of organizations throughout the country. It's just such a high-quality way to

Speaker #3: Just kind of curious—hoping maybe you could share what your experience has been with inquiry volumes, this kind of AI theme, and how you're reacting to the broader consumer shift there.

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Speaker #4: Yeah, we have listened to other calls, and so we've heard that too. The way we're getting over 30% of our starts—and I think it's going to grow to 40% of our starts—has nothing to do with generating leads.

Brian Mueller: Yeah, we have listened to other calls. We've heard that too. The way we're getting over 30% of our starts, and I think it's going to grow to 40% of our starts, has nothing to do with generating leads. It has to do with meeting needs of organizations throughout the country. It's just such a high-quality way to

Speaker #4: It has to do with meeting the needs of organizations throughout the country. It's just such a high-quality way for a university to serve the needs of the economy.

Brian E. Mueller: for a university to serve the needs of the economy. We are shielded from some of the growth that causes the decline in the efficiency of marketing spend. We're impacted the same way others are from the standpoint of web leads being down. We're not as impacted because we don't have to get our growth from increased lead amounts like other people do. AI is absolutely the future. Positioning ourselves so that the best stories come out when people go to AI to check on Grand Canyon University is going to be the future of the whole market. We are working very hard to position the best things about GCU especially, but other partners as well, so that they'll come up when people look for us.

Brian Mueller: for a university to serve the needs of the economy. We are shielded from some of the growth that causes the decline in the efficiency of marketing spend. We're impacted the same way others are from the standpoint of web leads being down. We're not as impacted because we don't have to get our growth from increased lead amounts like other people do. AI is absolutely the future. Positioning ourselves so that the best stories come out when people go to AI to check on Grand Canyon University is going to be the future of the whole market. We are working very hard to position the best things about GCU especially, but other partners as well, so that they'll come up when people look for us.

Speaker #4: And so we are shielded from some of the growth that causes the decline in the efficiency of marketing spend. We're impacted the same way others are from the standpoint of web leads being down.

Speaker #4: But we're not as impacted because we don't have to get our growth from increased lead amounts like other people do. AI is absolutely the future.

Speaker #4: And positioning ourselves so that the best stories come out when people go to AI to check on Grand Canyon University is going to be—it’s going to be the future of this whole market.

Speaker #4: And we are working very hard to position the best things about GCU, especially, but other partners as well, so that they'll come up when people look for us.

Speaker #4: The honors college, the opening of the law school, the tremendous contribution to what it has to be a rebuilding of the labor force in construction, industrial technologies, our relationship, our growing relationship with TSMC, which is the largest chip manufacturer in the world that sits 20 minutes from here, and we're doing we're opening incredible partnerships with that company with Amcor and so everybody's impacted to some extent by the shift away from searches to AI, we're not as impacted by it.

Brian E. Mueller: The Honors College, the opening of the law school, the tremendous contribution to what it has to be a rebuilding of the labor force in Construction, Industrial Technologies, our growing relationship with TSMC, which is the largest chip manufacturer in the world that sits 20 minutes from here. We're opening incredible partnerships with that company, with Amcor. Everybody's impacted to some extent by the shift away from searches to AI. We're not as impacted by it. We expect our growth rates that we talked about today not to be impacted by any of that. I think it'll only get better for us as we go forward. Can't under-emphasize the other structural change that's taken place.

Brian Mueller: The Honors College, the opening of the law school, the tremendous contribution to what it has to be a rebuilding of the labor force in Construction, Industrial Technologies, our growing relationship with TSMC, which is the largest chip manufacturer in the world that sits 20 minutes from here. We're opening incredible partnerships with that company, with Amcor. Everybody's impacted to some extent by the shift away from searches to AI. We're not as impacted by it. We expect our growth rates that we talked about today not to be impacted by any of that. I think it'll only get better for us as we go forward. Can't under-emphasize the other structural change that's taken place.

Speaker #4: And we expect our growth rates that we talked about today not to be impacted by any of that. And I think it'll only get better for us as we go forward.

Speaker #4: Can't underemphasize the other structural change that's taken place. And thank you for picking up coverage for us, but for four or five years, we were just fighting the negative PR that came from the attack on that was placed on us by the Biden administration.

Brian E. Mueller: Thank you for picking up coverage for us. For four or five years, we were just fighting the negative PR that came from the attack that was placed on us by the Biden administration. That's all done. That's all gone. People aren't even talking about that. People are talking about our Honors College. They're talking about our new law school. They're talking about those kinds of things, which has changed everything for us. That's kind of a long-winded answer to your question. We're just not as impacted by those changes, like people who are more dependent on those things are.

Brian Mueller: Thank you for picking up coverage for us. For four or five years, we were just fighting the negative PR that came from the attack that was placed on us by the Biden administration. That's all done. That's all gone. People aren't even talking about that. People are talking about our Honors College. They're talking about our new law school. They're talking about those kinds of things, which has changed everything for us. That's kind of a long-winded answer to your question. We're just not as impacted by those changes, like people who are more dependent on those things are.

Speaker #4: That's all done. That's all gone. People aren't even talking about that. People aren't talking about our honors college. They're talking about our new law school.

Speaker #4: They're talking about those kinds of things, which has changed everything for us. So that's kind of a long-winded answer to your question, but we're just not as impacted by those changes like people who are more dependent on those things are.

Speaker #3: Right, no, that makes sense. And thank you for all the detail there. That sounds like a lot of exciting things going on. Maybe just one last one for me.

Jasper Bibb: Right. No, that makes sense. Thank you for all the detail there. It sounds like a lot of exciting things going on. Maybe just a last one for me. On the new student loan rules that took effect on 1 July, I know it's early, you've probably only had a couple weeks of experience with this. Could you just walk us through maybe how you're managing that transition? There's some new processes, new borrowing caps for different programs. Just any detail on how that's going so far would be great.

Speaker #3: On the new student loan rules that took effect on July 1st, I know it's early, you probably only had a couple of weeks of experience with this, but could you just walk us through maybe how you're managing that transition?

Speaker #3: There's some new processes, new borrowing caps for different programs. Just any detail on how that's going so far would be great.

Speaker #4: Well, I assume you're talking about the master's degree program limitations on loans.

Brian E. Mueller: I assume you're talking about the master's degree program limitations on loans?

Brian Mueller: I assume you're talking about the master's degree program limitations on loans?

Speaker #3: Yeah, and I think there are just some different operational processes in how that has to be handled on your end.

Jasper Bibb: Yeah. I think there's some just different operational processes of how that has to be handled on your end and things like that.

Speaker #4: Well, yeah, I'll talk about that one because I think that's the big one. We've been encouraging the Department of Ed to do that for years.

Brian E. Mueller: Yeah, I'll talk about that one because I think that's the big one. We've been encouraging the Department of Ed to do that for years. When the rules around loan amounts for master's degree students, graduate-level students, were put in place, it was when most graduate students were students who graduated from a baccalaureate program and then entered a master's degree program and spent two years doing that. Sometimes they would be married with kids, and they needed living expense money. That's all changed in the last 30 years. 90% plus of students that are now in graduate programs are doing it online, and they're mid-career professionals, and they have salaries, and they have benefits, and they don't need that living expense money. Since they could get it, they would take it. When loans didn't have to be paid back, they didn't get paid back.

Brian Mueller: Yeah, I'll talk about that one because I think that's the big one. We've been encouraging the Department of Ed to do that for years. When the rules around loan amounts for master's degree students, graduate-level students, were put in place, it was when most graduate students were students who graduated from a baccalaureate program and then entered a master's degree program and spent two years doing that. Sometimes they would be married with kids, and they needed living expense money. That's all changed in the last 30 years. 90% plus of students that are now in graduate programs are doing it online, and they're mid-career professionals, and they have salaries, and they have benefits, and they don't need that living expense money. Since they could get it, they would take it. When loans didn't have to be paid back, they didn't get paid back.

Speaker #4: When the rules around loan amounts for master’s degree students—graduate-level students—were put in place, it was when most graduate students were students who graduated from a baccalaureate program, and then entered a master’s degree program and spent two years doing that.

Speaker #4: And sometimes they would be married with kids and they needed living expense money. That's all changed in the last 30 years. 90% plus of students that are now in graduate programs are doing it online.

Speaker #4: And they're mid-career professionals. And they have salaries and they have benefits. And they don't need that living expense money. But since they could get it, they would take it.

Speaker #4: And then when loans didn't have to be paid back, they didn't get paid back. And we told the Department of Ed for years adjustment should be made to reflect who graduate students are today versus who they used to be.

Brian E. Mueller: We told the Department of Ed for years, adjustments should be made to reflect who graduate students are today versus who they used to be. We have a thing called Responsible Borrowing, and we would show students, if you're going to borrow money to do your program, and you borrow the amount to cover the direct cost, this would be your payment. If you borrow the full amount, including living expense money, this will be your payment. We were actually criticized for doing that by the previous administration because we were trying to keep people from overborrowing. That was just bound to lead to loan defaults. That major change that's taken place, we are fully behind, and it's not impacted any of our programs.

Brian Mueller: We told the Department of Ed for years, adjustments should be made to reflect who graduate students are today versus who they used to be. We have a thing called Responsible Borrowing, and we would show students, if you're going to borrow money to do your program, and you borrow the amount to cover the direct cost, this would be your payment. If you borrow the full amount, including living expense money, this will be your payment. We were actually criticized for doing that by the previous administration because we were trying to keep people from overborrowing. That was just bound to lead to loan defaults. That major change that's taken place, we are fully behind, and it's not impacted any of our programs.

Speaker #4: We had a thing called responsible borrowing. We have a thing called responsible borrowing. And we would show students, if you're going to borrow money to do your program and you borrow the amount to cover the direct costs, this would be your payments.

Speaker #4: And then if you borrow the full amount, including living expense money, this will be your payments. And we were actually criticized for doing that by the previous administration because we weren't being we were trying to preclude to keep people from over borrowing.

Speaker #4: And that was just—it was just bound to lead to loan defaults. And so that major change that's taken place, we are fully behind, and it's not impacted any of our programs.

Speaker #4: Our tuitions are way under what the amount the students can borrow. And so we're not impacted by it at all. In fact, we think it's a really good thing.

Brian E. Mueller: Our tuitions are way under what the amount students can borrow, we're not impacted by it at all. In fact, we think it's a really good thing.

Brian Mueller: Our tuitions are way under what the amount students can borrow, we're not impacted by it at all. In fact, we think it's a really good thing.

Speaker #3: Got it. Thank you for taking the questions.

Jasper Bibb: Got it. Thank you for taking the question.

Speaker #4: Yep. Thank you.

Brian E. Mueller: Yep. Thank you.

Brian Mueller: Yep. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. One moment for our next question. That will come from the line of Jeff Silber with BMO Capital Markets. Your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. One moment for our next question, that will come from the line of Jeff Silber with BMO Capital Markets. Your line is open.

Speaker #5: Hey, thank you so much. This is Ryan Osford, Jeff. I was just curious if you think your competitors are intentionally shifting their degree mix to more licensure programs in the wake of the perceived AI risk on some of those certain degrees.

[Analyst] (BMO Capital Markets): Hey, thank you so much. This is Ryan on for Jeff. I was just curious if you think your competitors are intentionally shifting their degree mix to more licensure programs in the wake of the perceived AI risk on some of those certain degrees. Do you think we could see a larger tuition differential between different majors and programs in coming years? Thank you.

Ryan Griffin: Hey, thank you so much. This is Ryan on for Jeff. I was just curious if you think your competitors are intentionally shifting their degree mix to more licensure programs in the wake of the perceived AI risk on some of those certain degrees. Do you think we could see a larger tuition differential between different majors and programs in coming years? Thank you.

Speaker #5: And do you think we could see a larger tuition differential between different majors and programs in the coming years? Thank you.

Speaker #3: No, good question. To the first question, it's just the opposite. I won't name names, but there are a number of what were pretty strong players in the counseling area.

Brian E. Mueller: No, good question. To the first question, it's just the opposite. I won't name names, but there are a number of what were pretty strong players in the counseling area, and there's a huge shortage of counselors in America, that because of CACREP accreditation requirements, dropped their programs. They just didn't have the technology and the resources to provide services to students at a distance that allowed them to successfully complete clinical hours and observation hours and internship hours and all those things. It's just the opposite. We see more people dropping out of those programs than are getting into them. We think, going forward, we will be the major player in providing teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, other healthcare fields, accounting, where you've got to sit for the CPA.

Brian Mueller: No, good question. To the first question, it's just the opposite. I won't name names, but there are a number of what were pretty strong players in the counseling area, and there's a huge shortage of counselors in America, that because of CACREP accreditation requirements, dropped their programs. They just didn't have the technology and the resources to provide services to students at a distance that allowed them to successfully complete clinical hours and observation hours and internship hours and all those things. It's just the opposite. We see more people dropping out of those programs than are getting into them. We think, going forward, we will be the major player in providing teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, other healthcare fields, accounting, where you've got to sit for the CPA.

Speaker #3: And there's a huge shortage of counselors in America. That because of KCREP accreditation requirements dropped their programs. They just didn't have the technology and the resources to provide services to students at a distance that allowed them to completely to successfully complete clinical hours and observation hours and internship hours and all those things.

Speaker #3: And so it's just the opposite. We see more people dropping out of those programs that are getting into them. And so we think going forward, we will be the major player in providing teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses, other healthcare fields accounting where you've got to sit for the CPA.

Speaker #3: We openly embrace, and we're excited about, the law school from that standpoint because of board pass rates. We intend to inject the same kind of student support services and the academic support services that we do with programs in education, where there are content tests that are necessary, and nursing, where the NCLEX examination is necessary. We look forward to producing extremely high first-time board pass rates.

Brian E. Mueller: We openly embrace, we're excited about the law school from that standpoint because of board pass rates. We intend to inject the same kind of student support services around, and the academic support services that we do with programs in education where there are content tests that are necessary, nursing where the NCLEX examination is necessary. We look forward to producing extremely high first-time board pass rates. Those things are challenges to us. It's more difficult, the difficulty of it, once you've made the investment in it, separates you from the rest of the pack, the people who just aren't willing to do those things. The answer to your first question is no, we don't expect to see that. In fact, we're seeing the opposite.

Brian Mueller: We openly embrace, we're excited about the law school from that standpoint because of board pass rates. We intend to inject the same kind of student support services around, and the academic support services that we do with programs in education where there are content tests that are necessary, nursing where the NCLEX examination is necessary. We look forward to producing extremely high first-time board pass rates. Those things are challenges to us. It's more difficult, the difficulty of it, once you've made the investment in it, separates you from the rest of the pack, the people who just aren't willing to do those things. The answer to your first question is no, we don't expect to see that. In fact, we're seeing the opposite.

Speaker #3: Those things are challenges to us. It's more difficult, but the difficulty of it, once you've made the investment in it, separates you from the rest of the pack.

Speaker #3: The people who just aren't willing to do those things. And so the answer to your first question is, no, we don't expect to see that.

Speaker #3: In fact, we're seeing the opposite. The second question—yeah, I think we'll see some of that. I think the thing that we're going to see more than anything is what's been true for four or five years.

Dan E. Bachus: Differentiated tuition rates by program

Dan Bachus: Differentiated tuition rates by program

Brian E. Mueller: Yeah. I think we'll see some of that. I think the thing that we're going to see more than anything is what's been true for four or five years, which is the way to grow margins in this business is to decrease the cost to acquire a student. The stronger the brand that you have, the less amount of money it costs to acquire a student, and the more you can freeze tuition, which we've done on our ground campus for 18 years, and pretty much most online programs for over a decade. I don't see a tremendous need to differentiate more than we already are, other than the ABSN program is a premium price program.

Brian Mueller: Yeah. I think we'll see some of that. I think the thing that we're going to see more than anything is what's been true for four or five years, which is the way to grow margins in this business is to decrease the cost to acquire a student. The stronger the brand that you have, the less amount of money it costs to acquire a student, and the more you can freeze tuition, which we've done on our ground campus for 18 years, and pretty much most online programs for over a decade. I don't see a tremendous need to differentiate more than we already are, other than the ABSN program is a premium price program.

Speaker #3: The way to grow margins in this business is to decrease the cost to acquire a student. And the stronger the brand that you have, the less money it costs to acquire a student.

Speaker #3: And the more you can freeze tuition, which we've done on our ground campus for 18 years and pretty much most online programs for over a decade.

Speaker #3: So, I don't see a tremendous need to differentiate more than we already are, other than the ABSN program is a premium-price program. It's very expensive to operate, but the value that it offers to students in terms of the salaries that they make and the jobs that they can get more than make up for that premium price.

Brian E. Mueller: It's very expensive to operate, but the value that it offers to students in terms of the salaries that they make and the jobs that they can get more than make up for that premium price. The law school will be a premium price program as compared to others, but the payout is the same thing. We're excited about that from the standpoint of the number of students we think we can have. The revenues per student is going to be very high, and the margins are going to be significant as long as we can produce the results. The other thing that's going to happen is that we think that we can really increase our ground enrollment in our pre-law program, because students will be able to stay right here, and hopefully do the whole thing in five years.

Brian Mueller: It's very expensive to operate, but the value that it offers to students in terms of the salaries that they make and the jobs that they can get more than make up for that premium price. The law school will be a premium price program as compared to others, but the payout is the same thing. We're excited about that from the standpoint of the number of students we think we can have. The revenues per student is going to be very high, and the margins are going to be significant as long as we can produce the results. The other thing that's going to happen is that we think that we can really increase our ground enrollment in our pre-law program, because students will be able to stay right here, and hopefully do the whole thing in five years.

Speaker #3: And the law school will be a premium price program as compared to others but the payout is the same thing. And so we're excited about that from the standpoint of the number of students we think we can have, the revenues for students is going to be very high, the margins are going to be significant as long as we can produce the results.

Speaker #3: The other thing that's going to happen is that we think that we can really increase our ground enrollment in our pre-law program. Because students will be able to stay right here and hopefully do the whole thing in five years.

Speaker #3: So no, we don’t, I don’t think, other than the ABSN program—maybe programs like Occupational Therapy, Law—certainly there’ll be some differentiation there. But other than that, not more than there is today.

Brian E. Mueller: No, other than the ABSN program, maybe programs like occupational therapy, law, certainly, there'll be some differentiation there. Other than that, not more than there is today.

Brian Mueller: No, other than the ABSN program, maybe programs like occupational therapy, law, certainly, there'll be some differentiation there. Other than that, not more than there is today.

Speaker #6: And just to add to that, GCU has always had differentiated tuition rates. If you look at, for example, bachelor's programs, not all bachelor's programs are the same rate.

Dan E. Bachus: Just to add on that, GCU's always had differentiated tuition rates. If you look at, for example, bachelor's programs, not all bachelor's programs are the same rate, and same at the master's level. I think GCU's been doing that for as long as I can remember. If others are doing that, probably makes sense.

Dan Bachus: Just to add on that, GCU's always had differentiated tuition rates. If you look at, for example, bachelor's programs, not all bachelor's programs are the same rate, and same at the master's level. I think GCU's been doing that for as long as I can remember. If others are doing that, probably makes sense.

Speaker #6: And same at the master's level. So I think GCU has been doing that for as long as I can remember. And so if others are doing that, probably makes sense.

Speaker #5: I appreciate it. And then just on the hybrid programs, heard the commentary on the long-term growth. I was just curious if you can update us on where those programs stand from a profitability standpoint today.

[Analyst] (BMO Capital Markets): I appreciate it. Just on the hybrid programs, heard the commentary on the long-term growth. Was just curious if you can update us on where those programs stand from a profitability standpoint today, and then where do you think the margins could go as you really scale that up?

Ryan Griffin: I appreciate it. Just on the hybrid programs, heard the commentary on the long-term growth. Was just curious if you can update us on where those programs stand from a profitability standpoint today, and then where do you think the margins could go as you really scale that up?

Speaker #5: And then where do you think the margins could go as you really scale that up?

Speaker #6: Yeah, they're profitable this year. They'll be profitable. How much? I would say we don't really measure it on a standalone basis, but it'll be profitable. Those programs will be profitable.

Dan E. Bachus: Yeah. They're profitable. This year, they'll be profitable. How much? I would say, we don't really measure it on a standalone basis, but it'll be profitable. Those programs will be profitable. Where they could go, again, we don't allocate costs or whatever, but I think on a site basis, if you just look at all those locations on a site basis, I think it could be 20-plus% margins on a site basis perspective.

Dan Bachus: Yeah. They're profitable. This year, they'll be profitable. How much? I would say, we don't really measure it on a standalone basis, but it'll be profitable. Those programs will be profitable. Where they could go, again, we don't allocate costs or whatever, but I think on a site basis, if you just look at all those locations on a site basis, I think it could be 20-plus% margins on a site basis perspective.

Speaker #6: And where they could go? I mean, again, we don't allocate costs and whatever, but I think on a site basis, if you just look at all those locations on a site basis, I think it could be 20-plus percent margins on a site basis perspective.

Speaker #5: Great. Thanks so much.

[Analyst] (BMO Capital Markets): Great. Thanks so much.

Ryan Griffin: Great. Thanks so much.

Speaker #6: Thank you. We reached the end of our second quarter conference call. We appreciate your time and interest in Grand Canyon Education. If you still have questions, please contact myself, Dan Bachus.

Dan E. Bachus: Thank you. We've reached the end of our Q2 conference call. We appreciate your time and interest in Grand Canyon Education. If you still have questions, please contact myself, Dan Bachus. Thank you for your time.

Dan Bachus: Thank you. We've reached the end of our Q2 conference call. We appreciate your time and interest in Grand Canyon Education. If you still have questions, please contact myself, Dan Bachus. Thank you for your time.

Speaker #6: Thank you for your time.

Operator: This concludes today's program. Thank you all for participating. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 Grand Canyon Education Inc Earnings Call

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