The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday it has filed a lawsuit against Grand Canyon University for deceptive advertising and illegal telemarketing.

The FTC filed the complaint in a federal court against Grand Canyon Education Inc, its CEO Brian Mueller and Grand Canyon University, according to a statement from the Commission.

The FTC accuses them of "deceiving prospective doctoral students about the cost and course requirements of its doctoral programs and about being a nonprofit, while also engaging in deceptive and abusive telemarketing practices."