MOSCOW, ID — The University of Idaho (U of I) announced plans to request approval from its Board of Regents to formally end negotiations to acquire the University of Phoenix (UOPX), citing cost concerns and shifting priorities.

At a special board meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 5, U of I leadership will ask the regents to approve a termination agreement that would cease all further discussions related to the potential acquisition. If approved, the university will pay a $17.24 million termination fee, which includes a $5 million credit already paid during an extension agreement reached in June 2024.

U of I initially began exploring a potential affiliation with UOPX in spring 2023, aiming to broaden its reach to adult learners and benefit from UOPX’s online infrastructure and industry partnerships. However, the plan faced legal and political scrutiny, including challenges from the Idaho attorney general regarding open meetings law and questions from state legislators about process and authority.

While the 2024 extension agreement granted U of I more time to pursue the deal and provided $5 million to offset expenses, it also allowed UOPX to begin exploring other options. U of I President Scott Green acknowledged the value UOPX brings to higher education but indicated that continued negotiations are no longer feasible.

“Although we continue to see great value in University of Phoenix, it has become cost prohibitive, and potentially distracting to our other work, to continue conversations,” Green said.

Despite ending the talks, U of I emphasized its ongoing progress and commitment to serving Idaho’s educational and workforce needs. The institution noted eight consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, five years as the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West, and its elevation to Carnegie R1 research status—placing it among the top 4% of universities nationwide.

The university also recently reached a $500 million fundraising milestone, the largest nonprofit campaign in Idaho’s history.