Grand Canyon Education Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Grand Canyon Education's CEO is Brian Mueller, appointed in Jul 2008, has a tenure of 17.83 years. total yearly compensation is $2.02M, comprised of 15.9% salary and 84.1% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 1.13% of the company’s shares, worth $48.22M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 13.8 years and 10 years respectively.
Key information
Brian Mueller
Chief executive officer
US$2.0m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 15.88% |
| CEO tenure | 17.8yrs |
| CEO ownership | 1.1% |
| Management average tenure | 13.8yrs |
| Board average tenure | 10yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On 2026 Margin Guidance And Buybacks
Analysts have maintained their $213.00 price target for Grand Canyon Education, citing only minor model adjustments to the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions, which leave their overall valuation view essentially unchanged. What's in the News Completed a share repurchase tranche between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, buying 605,730 shares, or 2.19% of shares, for $100.02 million under its existing buyback program (company disclosure).Grand Canyon Education: The 'A Student' That Got Punished For A C
Apr 15LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On 2026 Margin And EPS Guidance
Analysts have kept their price target for Grand Canyon Education steady at $213, citing largely unchanged assumptions for growth, profitability, and future P/E that support their existing valuation view. What's in the News Completed a share repurchase tranche from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, buying 605,730 shares for $100.02 million, or 2.19% of shares under the existing program (Key Developments).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On 2026 Margin And EPS Guidance
Analysts have maintained Grand Canyon Education's price target at $213, reflecting largely unchanged assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E expectations. What's in the News Completed share repurchases of 605,730 shares, or 2.19% of outstanding shares, between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, for $100.02 million under the existing buyback program (Key Developments).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On 2026 Service Revenue And EPS Guidance
Analysts have maintained their price target for Grand Canyon Education at $213, citing consistent views on fair value and only minor adjustments to the discount rate, long-term growth, margin, and P/E assumptions. What's in the News Issued 2026 full year guidance with expected Service revenue between US$1.17b and US$1.19b, Diluted EPS between US$9.55 and US$10.16, and an operating margin range of 27.5% to 28.8% (company guidance).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On Expanded Buybacks And 2026 EPS Guidance
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Grand Canyon Education by about $9.67 to $213, reflecting updates to their fair value work that now incorporate slightly adjusted assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. What's in the News Grand Canyon Education issued earnings guidance for all four quarters of 2026, including Service revenue and diluted EPS ranges, along with operating margin ranges for each period (Key Developments).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On Expanded Buybacks Despite Sector Fraud Short Pressure
Analysts kept their price target on Grand Canyon Education broadly in line with prior views at about $223. The update reflects only minor adjustments to their discount rate and future P/E assumptions, rather than a significant change in the underlying outlook.LOPE: Future Returns Will Depend On Expanded Buybacks Despite Sector Short Pressure
Analysts have kept their price target for Grand Canyon Education unchanged at US$222.67, citing stable assumptions around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E as the basis for maintaining their view. What's in the News Funds managed by Bleecker Street disclosed short positions in several education providers, including Grand Canyon Education, in a report focused on alleged enrollment fraud risks in parts of the sector (Periodical).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On Expanded Buybacks Despite Sector Short Pressure
Analysts have reiterated their price target for Grand Canyon Education at US$222.67 per share, with only small adjustments to inputs such as the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions supporting this unchanged view. What's in the News Funds managed by Bleecker Street disclosed short positions in Grand Canyon Education alongside several other education companies, citing sector wide concerns over alleged enrollment fraud at another operator, Perdoceo Education, in a published report (Periodical).LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On Buybacks Amid Sector Short Pressure
Analysts have inched their price target on Grand Canyon Education higher by a de minimis amount to approximately $223, citing essentially unchanged assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, and future valuation multiples. What's in the News Bleecker Street disclosed a short position in Grand Canyon Education, grouping the company with other education providers it accuses of benefiting from sector wide enrollment fraud.LOPE: Future Returns Will Rely On Robust Margin Expansion Despite Sector Shorts
Analysts have modestly lowered their price target on Grand Canyon Education from approximately $239 to about $223 per share, citing slightly softer revenue growth assumptions, a marginally higher discount rate, and a lower future P/E multiple, partly offset by improved profit margin expectations. What's in the News Bleecker Street disclosed short positions in several education companies, including Grand Canyon Education, citing sector wide concerns about enrollment fraud and quality of reported metrics (Periodical).Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) Shares Slammed 27% But Getting In Cheap Might Be Difficult Regardless
Nov 21
Investors Can Find Comfort In Grand Canyon Education's (NASDAQ:LOPE) Earnings Quality
Nov 13Share Buybacks And Steady Earnings Outlook Will Drive Sustained Market Confidence
Analysts have maintained their price target for Grand Canyon Education at $239.00, citing consistent outlooks on key financial metrics as well as steady growth expectations. What's in the News Grand Canyon Education completed a buyback tranche by repurchasing 259,271 shares, representing 0.92% of the company, for $47.38 million.Expanding Online And Hybrid Education Will Secure Future Market Momentum
Grand Canyon Education's analyst price target was raised from $227.33 to $239.00, as analysts cited updated financial estimates to support the modest increase. What's in the News The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Education Department, which will impact publicly traded companies including Grand Canyon Education (WSJ).Expanding Online And Hybrid Education Will Secure Future Market Momentum
The increase in Grand Canyon Education’s consensus price target is primarily driven by a modest rise in the forward P/E multiple, indicating higher expected earnings growth and valuation, resulting in a new fair value estimate of $227.33. What's in the News The Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Department of Education, a move expected to weaken the department and potentially impact publicly traded education service companies, including Grand Canyon Education (WSJ).Expanding Online And Hybrid Education Will Secure Future Market Momentum
The modest increase in Grand Canyon Education’s consensus price target reflects a slightly higher expected future P/E multiple, signaling improved earnings outlook and investor sentiment, with fair value now at $222.33. What's in the News The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs at the Education Department, which could weaken the department and impact publicly traded education companies including Grand Canyon Education (LOPE).Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected
Aug 31Shareholders Would Enjoy A Repeat Of Grand Canyon Education's (NASDAQ:LOPE) Recent Growth In Returns
Jul 18Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) Ticks All The Boxes When It Comes To Earnings Growth
Jul 03Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) P/E Ratio
May 21Is Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) Trading At A 27% Discount?
May 08What Is Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) Share Price Doing?
Apr 24The Trend Of High Returns At Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) Has Us Very Interested
Apr 09Grand Canyon Education: Downgrading To 'Hold' Post Q4 Earnings (Technical Analysis)
Mar 06An Intrinsic Calculation For Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) Suggests It's 33% Undervalued
Jan 31Under The Bonnet, Grand Canyon Education's (NASDAQ:LOPE) Returns Look Impressive
Dec 23Grand Canyon Education: Continue To Milk The Rally For All It's Worth (Technical Analysis)
Dec 13Subdued Growth No Barrier To Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) With Shares Advancing 29%
Nov 09Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 81% Above Its Share Price
Oct 23Grand Canyon: Enrollment Growth In Online And Hybrid To Drive Shares Higher
Sep 16There's Reason For Concern Over Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) Price
Sep 14
Expanding Hybrid Education And Online Programs Fuels Revenue And Innovates Learning Paths
Emphasis on online and hybrid models, with expansions in healthcare programs, is designed to attract more students and diversify enrollment.Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 57% Above Its Share Price
Jul 05Investor Optimism Abounds Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) But Growth Is Lacking
May 30We Like Grand Canyon Education's (NASDAQ:LOPE) Returns And Here's How They're Trending
Apr 20Are Investors Undervaluing Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) By 40%?
Mar 10Some Confidence Is Lacking In Grand Canyon Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:LOPE) P/E
Feb 17Returns on Capital Paint A Bright Future For Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE)
Jan 03An Intrinsic Calculation For Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOPE) Suggests It's 35% Undervalued
Nov 22We Think Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) Might Have The DNA Of A Multi-Bagger
Oct 03CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$220m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$2m | US$321k | US$216m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$211m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$237m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$230m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$2m | US$321k | US$226m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$225m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$219m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$213m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$2m | US$321k | US$205m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$195m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$190m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$186m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$2m | US$321k | US$185m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$199m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$216m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$240m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$2m | US$321k | US$260m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$262m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$266m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$264m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$2m | US$321k | US$257m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$247m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$253m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$257m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$2m | US$321k | US$259m |
Compensation vs Market: Brian's total compensation ($USD2.02M) is below average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD7.20M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Brian's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Brian Mueller (71 yo)
17.8yrs
Tenure
US$2,020,867
Compensation
Mr. Brian E. Mueller has been the Chief Executive Officer of Grand Canyon Education, Inc. since July 1, 2008 and also served as its President since 2012. Mr. Mueller serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Off...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman & CEO | 17.8yrs | US$2.02m | 1.13% $ 48.2m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | 17.8yrs | US$1.48m | 0.42% $ 18.2m | |
| Chief Operating Officer | 13.8yrs | US$1.48m | 0.40% $ 17.3m | |
| Chief Information Officer | less than a year | US$952.51k | 0.089% $ 3.8m | |
| Senior VP | 6.8yrs | no data | 0.051% $ 2.2m | |
| General Counsel | no data | no data | 0.014% $ 609.3k |
13.8yrs
Average Tenure
59.5yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: LOPE's management team is seasoned and experienced (13.8 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman & CEO | 17.2yrs | US$2.02m | 1.13% $ 48.2m | |
| Independent Director | 17.5yrs | US$155.00k | 0.054% $ 2.3m | |
| Independent Director | 2.1yrs | US$140.00k | 0.0042% $ 180.0k | |
| Lead Independent Director | 13.2yrs | US$173.33k | 0.022% $ 922.9k | |
| Independent Director | 6.8yrs | US$150.00k | 0.012% $ 510.7k | |
| Independent Director | 6.8yrs | US$150.00k | 0.012% $ 502.6k |
10.0yrs
Average Tenure
63yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: LOPE's board of directors are considered experienced (10 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/04 06:45 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/04 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Grand Canyon Education, Inc. is covered by 18 analysts. 2 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Steven Pawlak | Baird |
| Jeffrey Meuler | Baird |
| Alexander Paris | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |