Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 27, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	LOPE
Entity Registrant Name	GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001434588
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		48,115,342

Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 218,301	$ 191,279	$ 466,507	$ 418,237
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	95,030	84,599	197,604	179,253
Admissions advisory and related	31,085	28,866	63,057	58,410
Advertising	24,776	22,149	49,407	43,256
Marketing and promotional	2,264	2,108	4,724	4,350
General and administrative	10,058	8,809	19,999	19,529
Total costs and expenses	163,213	146,531	334,791	304,798
Operating income	55,088	44,748	131,716	113,439
Interest expense	(495)	(158)	(1,075)	(487)
Interest and other income	739	293	741	2,341
Income before income taxes	55,332	44,883	131,382	115,293
Income tax expense	15,485	17,257	35,623	44,002
Net income	$ 39,847	$ 27,626	$ 95,759	$ 71,291
Earnings per share:
Basic income per share	$ 0.85	$ 0.60	$ 2.04	$ 1.56
Diluted income per share	$ 0.83	$ 0.59	$ 1.99	$ 1.52
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	47,151	46,004	46,949	45,813
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	48,192	46,990	48,131	46,925

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 39,847	$ 27,626	$ 95,759	$ 71,291
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $10 and $59 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $232 and $83 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(17)	97	376	136
Unrealized losses on hedging derivatives, net of taxes of $42 and $53 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $45 and $201 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(69)	(87)	(74)	(325)
Comprehensive income	$ 39,761	$ 27,636	$ 96,061	$ 71,102

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, taxes	$ 10	$ 59	$ 232	$ 83
Unrealized losses on hedging derivatives, taxes	$ 42	$ 53	$ 45	$ 201

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 66,282	$ 45,976
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	79,440	84,931
Investments	89,414	62,596
Accounts receivable, net	10,933	9,999
Income tax receivable	4,546	4,686
Other current assets	22,156	21,880
Total current assets	272,771	230,068
Property and equipment, net	888,184	855,528
Prepaid royalties	2,911	3,059
Goodwill	2,941	2,941
Other assets	1,756	897
Total assets	1,168,563	1,092,493
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	22,489	24,824
Accrued compensation and benefits	19,913	19,697
Accrued liabilities	20,641	21,283
Income taxes payable	3,636	2,734
Student deposits	79,520	85,881
Deferred revenue	52,004	40,739
Current portion of notes payable	6,665	31,636
Total current liabilities	204,868	226,794
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,433	1,689
Deferred income taxes, noncurrent	26,778	23,708
Notes payable, less current portion	63,270	66,616
Total liabilities	296,349	318,807
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 52,168 and 51,509 shares issued and 48,053 and 47,559 shares outstanding at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	522	515
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,115 and 3,950 shares of common stock at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	(99,051)	(89,394)
Additional paid-in capital	224,735	212,559
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(608)	(910)
Retained earnings	746,616	650,916
Total stockholders' equity	872,214	773,686
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,168,563	$ 1,092,493

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,168,000	51,509,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	48,053,000	47,559,000
Treasury stock, shares	4,115,000	3,950,000

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 773,686	$ 515	$ (89,394)	$ 212,559	$ (910)	$ 650,916
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		51,509	3,950
Comprehensive income	96,061				302	95,759
Restricted shares forfeited	0	$ 0	$ 0	0	0	0
Restricted shares forfeited, Shares			16
Share-based compensation	(3,428)	$ 2	$ (9,657)	6,227
Share-based compensation, Shares		192	149
Exercise of stock options	5,895	$ 5		5,890
Exercise of stock options, Shares		467
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2017	$ 872,214	$ 522	$ (99,051)	224,735	$ (608)	746,616
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2017		52,168	4,115
Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, net of taxes				$ 59		$ (59)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income	$ 95,759	$ 71,291
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation	6,229	5,831
Provision for bad debts	7,830	7,963
Depreciation and amortization	26,856	21,245
Deferred income taxes	3,372	2,478
Other	214	(1,682)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(8,764)	(8,745)
Prepaid expenses and other	(1,413)	1,221
Accounts payable	(1,708)	(2,386)
Accrued liabilities and employee related liabilities	(439)	11,481
Income taxes receivable/payable	1,042	835
Deferred rent	(222)	(535)
Deferred revenue	11,265	9,344
Student deposits	(6,361)	(5,877)
Net cash provided by operating activities	133,660	112,464
Cash flows used in investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(50,491)	(115,615)
Purchases of land, building and golf course improvements related to off-site development	(9,374)	(24,769)
Proceeds received from note receivable		501
Return of equity method investment		1,749
Purchases of investments	(52,181)	(23,525)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments	25,363	57,449
Net cash used in investing activities	(86,683)	(104,210)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:
Principal payments on notes payable and capital lease obligations	(3,400)	(3,831)
Debt issuance costs		(194)
Net borrowings from revolving line of credit	(25,000)	25,000
Repurchase of common shares including shares withheld in lieu of income taxes	(9,657)	(19,227)
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,895	6,972
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(32,162)	8,720
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	14,815	16,974
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	130,907	98,420
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	145,722	115,394
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	1,167	481
Cash paid for income taxes	31,718	40,176
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 7,118	19,798
Tax benefit of Spirit warrant intangible		127
Shortfall tax expense from share-based compensation		$ 257

Nature of Business	6 Months Ended
Nature of Business	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Business	1. Nature of Business Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “University”) is a comprehensive regionally accredited university that offers over 220 graduate and undergraduate degree programs, emphases and certificates across nine colleges both online and on ground at our over 270 acre campus in Phoenix, Arizona, at leased facilities and at facilities owned by third party employers. Our undergraduate programs are designed to be innovative and to meet the future needs of employers, while providing students with the needed critical thinking and effective communication skills developed through a Christian-oriented, liberal arts foundation. We offer master’s and doctoral degrees in contemporary fields that are designed to provide students with the capacity for transformational leadership in their chosen industry, emphasizing the immediate relevance of theory, application, and evaluation to promote personal and organizational change. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The University’s wholly-owned subsidiaries are primarily used to facilitate expansion of the University campus.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the University and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the University have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Such interim financial information is unaudited but reflects all adjustments that in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the University’s audited financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 from which the December 31, 2016 balance sheet information was derived.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

A significant portion of the University’s revenue is received from students who participate in government financial aid and assistance programs. Restricted cash and cash equivalents primarily represent amounts received from the federal and state governments under various student aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV. The University receives these funds subsequent to the completion of the authorization and disbursement process and holds them for the benefit of the student. The U.S. Department of Education (“Department of Education”) requires Title IV funds collected in advance of student billings to be restricted until the course begins. The University records all of these amounts as a current asset in restricted cash and cash equivalents. The majority of these funds remains as restricted for an average of 60 to 90 days from the date of receipt.

Investments

The University considers its investments in municipal securities as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, determined using Level 1 and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of quoted market prices and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Unrealized losses considered to be other-than-temporary are recognized currently in earnings. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest and dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities and re-measured at fair value at each reporting date. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

Derivative financial instruments enable the University to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The University does not engage in any derivative instrument trading activity. Credit risk associated with the University’s derivatives is limited to the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Exposure to counterparty credit risk is considered low because these agreements have been entered into with institutions with strong credit ratings, and they are expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements.

On February 27, 2013, the University entered into an interest rate corridor to manage its 30 Day LIBOR interest exposure related to its variable rate debt. The fair value of the interest rate corridor instrument as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $372 and $490, respectively, which is included in other assets. The fair value of the derivative instrument was determined using a hypothetical derivative transaction and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs. This derivative instrument was originally designated as a cash flow hedge of variable rate debt obligations. The adjustment of $119 and $526 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for the effective portion of the losses on the derivatives is included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

The interest rate corridor instrument reduces variable interest rate risk starting March 1, 2013 through December 20, 2019 with a notional amount of $70,000 as of June 30, 2017. The corridor instrument’s terms permits the University to hedge its interest rate risk at several thresholds; the University pays variable interest monthly based on the 30 Day LIBOR rates until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, the University pays 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, the University pays actual 30 Day LIBOR less 1.5%.

As of June 30, 2017, no derivative ineffectiveness was identified. Any ineffectiveness in the University’s derivative instrument designated as a hedge is reported in interest expense in the income statement. At June 30, 2017, the University does not expect to reclassify gains or losses on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next 12 months.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits, and accrued liabilities expenses approximate their fair value based on the liquidity or the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value as it is based on variable rate index. The carrying value of capital lease obligations approximate fair value based upon market interest rates available to the University for debt of similar risk and maturities. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

The fair value of investments, primarily municipal securities, were determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets. The unit of account used for valuation is the individual underlying security. The municipal securities are comprised of city and county bonds related to schools, water and sewer, utilities, transportation, healthcare and housing.

Revenue Recognition

Net revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the University online, on ground at its over 270 acre campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and at facilities it leases or those of employers, as well as from related educational resources that the University provides to its students, such as access to online materials. Tuition revenue and most fees from related educational resources are recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction, net of scholarships provided by the University. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the University’s revenue was reduced by approximately $91,703 and $85,308, respectively, as a result of scholarships that the University offered to students. The University maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the University’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when only a portion, or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the University continues to recognize the tuition that was not refunded pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. However, for students that have taken out financial aid to pay their tuition and for which a return of such money to the Department of Education under Title IV is required as a result of his or her withdrawal, the University recognizes revenue after a student withdraws only at the time of cash collection. Sales tax collected from students is excluded from net revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as an accrued liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The University also charges online students an upfront learning management fee, which is deferred and recognized over the average expected term of a student. Costs that are direct and incremental to new online students are also deferred and recognized ratably over the average expected term of a student. Deferred revenue and student deposits in any period represent the excess of tuition, fees, and other student payments received as compared to amounts recognized as revenue on the income statement and are reflected as current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The University’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The University records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the student’s cost of tuition and related fees. The University determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. The University applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. The University writes off accounts receivable balances at the earlier of the time the balances were deemed uncollectible, or one year after the revenue is generated. The University accelerates the write off of inactive student accounts such that the accounts are written off by day 150. The University reflects accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated income statement.

Long-Lived Assets (other than goodwill)

The University evaluates the recoverability of our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Instructional Costs and Services

Instructional costs and services consist primarily of costs related to the administration and delivery of the University’s educational programs. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for full-time and adjunct faculty and administrative personnel, information technology costs, bad debt expense, curriculum and new program development costs (which are expensed as incurred) and costs associated with other support groups that provide services directly to the students. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of educational services, primarily at the University’s Phoenix, Arizona campus.

Admissions Advisory and Related

Admissions advisory and related expenses include salaries and benefits for admissions advisory personnel as well as an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent and occupancy costs attributable to the admissions advisory personnel.

Advertising

Advertising expenses include brand advertising, marketing leads and other branding activities. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Marketing and Promotional

Marketing and promotional expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for marketing personnel, and other promotional expenses. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to marketing and promotional activities. Marketing and promotional costs are expensed as incurred.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation of employees engaged in corporate management, finance, human resources, compliance, and other corporate functions. General and administrative expenses also include an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the departments providing general and administrative functions.

Commitments and Contingencies

The University accrues for contingent obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. When the University becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss is estimable, the University records a liability for the estimated loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the potential loss is not estimable, the University will disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be material. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include tax, legal, and other regulatory matters, which are subject to change as events evolve, and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process. The University expenses legal fees as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

The University operates as a single educational delivery operation using a core infrastructure that serves the curriculum and educational delivery needs of both its ground and online students regardless of geography. The University’s Chief Executive Officer manages the University’s operations as a whole and no expense or operating income information is generated or evaluated on any component level.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2017

In March 2016, the FASB issued “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or options are exercised. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, allows us to withhold more of an employee’s vesting shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on our consolidated cash flows statement.

The University adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2017 which required us to reflect any adjustments as of January 1, 2017. Upon adoption, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based awards or options are now reflected in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas previously they were recognized in equity. The University elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. The net cumulative effect of this change increased additional paid-in capital and decreased retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 by $59, net of tax. The University did not have any previously unrecognized excess tax effects that had not been recorded as a reduction to tax liability.

The University adopted the provisions of the standard impacting the cash flow presentation retrospectively, and accordingly, to conform to the current period presentation, we reclassified $5,484 of excess tax benefits which had been included as a financing activity to an operating activity for the six months ended June 30, 2016 in our consolidated statement of cash flows. The presentation requirement for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity.

Adoption of the provision of the new standard related to income taxes was adopted prospectively and resulted in a reduction to our provision for income taxes of $13,752 for the six months ended June 30, 2017, due to the recognition of excess tax benefits from restricted stock awards that vested or stock options that were exercised in 2017. Our restricted stock awards vest in March each year so the excess tax benefits and deficiencies is greatest in the first quarter each year. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of our income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based compensation awards are dependent on our stock price at the date the restricted awards vest, our stock price on the date an option is exercised, and the quantity of options exercised.

In August 2016, the FASB issued a new standard that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The University elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 on a retrospective basis. There was no reclassification impact of the adoption on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, as our historical statements have been presented in accordance with this new guidance.

In November 2016, the FASB issued a new standard that requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with the amount of cash and cash equivalents that are reconciled on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The University elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 on a retrospective basis, and accordingly, to conform to the current period presentation, we reclassified our restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included in the total of cash and cash equivalents presented at the bottom of our consolidated statement of cash flows for both the beginning and ending periods for our six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016. As a result, the amount of the change in our net cash provided by operating activities no longer includes the impact of the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents for either period.

The following table summarizes the effects related to the adoption of both accounting standards (share-based compensation and restricted cash and cash equivalents) for the six months ended June 30, 2016:

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:


	June 30, 2016
	As reported			As adjusted
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	114,024		$	112,464
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(106,710	)	$	(104,210	)
Net cash provided by financing activities	$	14,204		$	8,720
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	21,518		$	16,974
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	$	23,036		$	98,420
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	44,544		$	115,394

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued “Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended.” The standard is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgements and changes in judgements and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year delay in the effective date. The University will adopt this new standard January 1, 2018 using either of two acceptable adoption methods: (i) retrospective adoption to each prior reporting period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined within the standard; or (ii) adoption with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosure as defined within the standard. Management is in the diagnostic phase of assessing the financial and business impacts of implementing, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, including identifying revenue sources within the University and developing a preliminary assessment. The majority of our revenues are related to tuition due from our students. Tuition revenues are recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction which the University believes is consistent with the revenue recognition method required by the new standard. Thus, we anticipate the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations. The University is continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our other revenues and fees in our consolidated financial statements and the method of adoption to be used. Management expects that there may be some changes as a result of implementing the new standard.

In January 2016, the FASB issued “Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most prominent among the amendments is the requirement for changes in the fair value of equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be recognized through net income rather than other comprehensive income (“OCI”). This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued “Leases.” The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with lease terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition approach. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The University has begun evaluating the impact that the future adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and we believe the adoption will slightly increase our assets and liabilities, and will increase our financial statement disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, and we are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

The University has determined that no other recent accounting pronouncements apply to its operations or could otherwise have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

3. Investments

The following is a summary of investments as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The University considers all investments as available for sale.


	As of June 30, 2017
	Adjusted Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	89,501	$	40	$	(127	)	$	89,414


	As of December 31, 2016
	Adjusted Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	62,769	$	12	$	(185	)	$	62,596

The cash flows of municipal securities are backed by the issuing municipality’s credit worthiness. All municipal securities are due in one year or less as of June 30, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities was $54, net of taxes.

Net Income Per Common Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Common Share

4. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities, consisting of stock options and restricted stock awards, for which the estimated fair value exceeds the exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased with the related proceeds, unless anti-dilutive. For employee equity awards, repurchased shares are also included for any unearned compensation adjusted for tax. The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		47,151		46,004		46,949		45,813
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		1,041		986		1,182		1,112

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		48,192		46,990		48,131		46,925

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude the incremental effect of unvested restricted stock and shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options in accordance with the treasury stock method. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, approximately 4 and 434, respectively, of the University’s stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. These options and restricted stock awards could be dilutive in the future.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Receivables [Abstract]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

5. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Expense		Deductions⁽¹⁾			Balance at End of Period
Six months ended June 30, 2017	$	5,918		7,830		(8,179	)	$	5,569
Six months ended June 30, 2016	$	5,137		7,963		(7,525	)	$	5,575

(1)	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Property and Equipment

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:


	June 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Land	$	139,782		$	127,769
Land improvements		24,684			23,158
Buildings		569,363			559,791
Buildings and leasehold improvements		110,702			105,168
Equipment under capital leases		5,937			5,943
Computer equipment		114,327			108,551
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		60,786			59,300
Internally developed software		33,029			30,407
Other		1,176			1,176
Construction in progress		37,964			19,112

		1,097,750			1,040,375
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(209,566	)		(184,847	)

Property and equipment, net	$	888,184		$	855,528

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jun. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	7. Commitments and Contingencies *Legal Matters* From time to time, the University is a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the University is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the University records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the University discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the University’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable. Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the University may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the University’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. *Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related* From time to time the University has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The University reserve is not material for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated.

Share-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

8. Share-Based Compensation

Incentive Plans

Prior to June 2017, the University made grants of restricted stock and stock options under its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). In January 2017, the Board of Directors of the University approved, and at the University’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 14, 2017, the University’s stockholders adopted, a 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). All future grants of equity incentives will be made from the 2017 Plan.

Restricted Stock

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the University granted 188 shares of common stock under the 2008 Plan with a service vesting condition to certain of its executives, officers, faculty and employees. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest in five annual installments of 20%, with this first installment vesting in March of the calendar year following the date of grant (the “first vesting date”) and on each of the four anniversaries of the first vesting date. Upon vesting, shares will be held in lieu of taxes equivalent to the minimum statutory tax withholding required to be paid when the restricted stock vests. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the University withheld 149 shares of common stock in lieu of taxes at a cost of $9,657 on the restricted stock vesting dates. In June 2017, following the annual stockholders meeting, the University granted 4 shares of common stock under the 2017 Plan to the non-employee members of the University’s board of directors. The restricted shares granted to these directors have voting rights and vest on the earlier of (a) the one year anniversary of the date of grant or (b) immediately prior to the following year’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

A summary of the activity related to restricted stock granted under the 2008 Plan and the 2017 Plan since December 31, 2016 is as follows:


	Total Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016		993		$	38.32
Granted		192		$	70.44
Vested		(371	)	$	32.38
Forfeited, canceled or expired		(16	)	$	41.28

Outstanding as of June 30, 2017		798		$	48.78

Stock Options

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, no options were granted. A summary of the activity since December 31, 2016 related to stock options granted under the 2008 Plan is as follows:


	Summary of Stock Options Outstanding
	Total Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($)(1)
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016		1,272		$	15.26
Granted		—		$	—
Exercised		(467	)	$	12.60
Forfeited, canceled or expired		—		$	—

Outstanding as of June 30, 2017		805		$	16.82		3.03	$	49,517

Exercisable as of June 30, 2017		805		$	16.82		3.03	$	49,517

(1)	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the University’s closing stock price on June 30, 2017 ($78.41) in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares underlying options outstanding or exercisable, as applicable.

Share-based Compensation Expense

The table below outlines share-based compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 related to restricted stock and stock options granted:


	2017			2016
Instructional costs and services	$	3,921		$	3,544
Admissions advisory and related expenses		82			105
Marketing and promotional		77			60
General and administrative		2,149			2,122

Share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses		6,229			5,831
Tax effect of share-based compensation		(2,491	)		(2,332	)

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,738		$	3,499

Regulatory	6 Months Ended
Regulatory	Jun. 30, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Regulatory	9. Regulatory The University is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Department of Education, subject the University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. To participate in the Title IV programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of the state in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education and certified as eligible by the Department of Education. The Department of Education will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the Higher Education Act and the Department of Education’s extensive regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance to the Department of Education on an ongoing basis. The University’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) after a comprehensive review of the institution’s academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources during an on-site visit in November 2016. The accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC’s Institutional Actions council at its meeting on February 28, 2017 with no requirements for any monitoring or interim reports. The comprehensive review occurs every 10 years, along with a mid-term report in year four. As of June 30, 2017, management believes the University is in compliance with the applicable regulations in all material respects. Because the University operates in a highly regulated industry, it, like other industry participants, may be subject from time to time to investigations, claims of non-compliance, or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions, or common law causes of action. While there can be no assurance that regulatory agencies or third parties will not undertake investigations or make claims against the University, or that such claims, if made, will not have a material adverse effect on the University’s business, results of operations or financial condition, management believes the University is in compliance with applicable regulations in all material respects.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the University and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investments

Investments

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Long-Lived Assets (other than goodwill)

Long-Lived Assets (other than goodwill)

Instructional Costs and Services

Instructional Costs and Services

Admissions Advisory and Related

Admissions Advisory and Related

Advertising

Advertising

Advertising expenses include brand advertising, marketing leads and other branding activities. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Marketing and Promotional

Marketing and Promotional

General and Administrative

General and Administrative

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Segment Information

Segment Information

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2017

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2017

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:


	June 30, 2016
	As reported			As adjusted
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	114,024		$	112,464
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(106,710	)	$	(104,210	)
Net cash provided by financing activities	$	14,204		$	8,720
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	21,518		$	16,974
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	$	23,036		$	98,420
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	44,544		$	115,394

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The University has determined that no other recent accounting pronouncements apply to its operations or could otherwise have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:


	June 30, 2016
	As reported			As adjusted
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	114,024		$	112,464
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(106,710	)	$	(104,210	)
Net cash provided by financing activities	$	14,204		$	8,720
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	21,518		$	16,974
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	$	23,036		$	98,420
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	44,544		$	115,394

Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Summary of Investments

The following is a summary of investments as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The University considers all investments as available for sale.


	As of June 30, 2017
	Adjusted Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	89,501	$	40	$	(127	)	$	89,414


	As of December 31, 2016
	Adjusted Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Municipal securities	$	62,769	$	12	$	(185	)	$	62,596

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the cost basis and fair value, fair value and gross unrealized gain (loss), fair values by type of security, contractual maturity and classification, amortized cost basis, contracts to acquire securities to be accounted for as available-for-sale, debt maturities, transfers to trading, change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) net of tax, continuous unrealized loss position fair value, aggregate losses qualitative disclosures, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses or other disclosures related to available for sale securities.

+ References + Details

Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Summary of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		47,151		46,004		46,949		45,813
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		1,041		986		1,182		1,112

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		48,192		46,990		48,131		46,925

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Receivables [Abstract]

Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Expense		Deductions⁽¹⁾			Balance at End of Period
Six months ended June 30, 2017	$	5,918		7,830		(8,179	)	$	5,569
Six months ended June 30, 2016	$	5,137		7,963		(7,525	)	$	5,575

(1)	Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Property and Equipment (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Summary of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:


	June 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Land	$	139,782		$	127,769
Land improvements		24,684			23,158
Buildings		569,363			559,791
Buildings and leasehold improvements		110,702			105,168
Equipment under capital leases		5,937			5,943
Computer equipment		114,327			108,551
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		60,786			59,300
Internally developed software		33,029			30,407
Other		1,176			1,176
Construction in progress		37,964			19,112

		1,097,750			1,040,375
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(209,566	)		(184,847	)

Property and equipment, net	$	888,184		$	855,528

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Granted under Incentive Plans

A summary of the activity related to restricted stock granted under the 2008 Plan and the 2017 Plan since December 31, 2016 is as follows:


	Total Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016		993		$	38.32
Granted		192		$	70.44
Vested		(371	)	$	32.38
Forfeited, canceled or expired		(16	)	$	41.28

Outstanding as of June 30, 2017		798		$	48.78

Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under 2008 Plan

A summary of the activity since December 31, 2016 related to stock options granted under the 2008 Plan is as follows:


	Summary of Stock Options Outstanding
	Total Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($)(1)
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016		1,272		$	15.26
Granted		—		$	—
Exercised		(467	)	$	12.60
Forfeited, canceled or expired		—		$	—

Outstanding as of June 30, 2017		805		$	16.82		3.03	$	49,517

Exercisable as of June 30, 2017		805		$	16.82		3.03	$	49,517

(1)	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of the University’s closing stock price on June 30, 2017 ($78.41) in excess of the exercise price multiplied by the number of shares underlying options outstanding or exercisable, as applicable.

Share-Based Compensation Expense

The table below outlines share-based compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 related to restricted stock and stock options granted:


	2017			2016
Instructional costs and services	$	3,921		$	3,544
Admissions advisory and related expenses		82			105
Marketing and promotional		77			60
General and administrative		2,149			2,122

Share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses		6,229			5,831
Tax effect of share-based compensation		(2,491	)		(2,332	)

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3,738		$	3,499

Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
Nature of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2017 Degrees Colleges
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of area of the company's campus in Phoenix, Arizona	270 acre campus
Number of colleges in Phoenix, Arizona \| Colleges	9
Number of degree programs and certificates \| Degrees	220

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Average days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents			60 to 90 days
Period of LIBOR interest rate			30 days
Effective portion of loss on derivatives included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes	$ (17,000)	$ 97,000	$ 376,000	$ 136,000
Description of area of the company's campus in Phoenix, Arizona			270 acre campus
Reduction in revenue due to scholarships offered to students			$ 91,703,000	85,308,000
Period for write off of inactive student accounts			150 days
Excess tax benefits from financing activities				5,484,000
Reduction in provision for income taxes	13,752,000		$ 13,752,000
Interest Rate Corridor [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative instrument	70,000,000		$ 70,000,000
Description of interest rate risk hedge at several thresholds			The University pays variable interest monthly based on the 30 Day LIBOR rates until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, the University pays 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, the University pays actual 30 Day LIBOR less 1.5%.
Interest Rate Corridor [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of variable interest rates based on LIBOR			1.50%
Percentage of amount paid by University			1.50%
Percentage deducted from LIBOR for actual payment			1.50%
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Effective portion of loss on derivatives included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes			$ 119,000	$ 526,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, net of taxes	(59,000)		(59,000)		$ (59,000)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cumulative effect from the adoption of accounting pronouncements, net of taxes	59,000		59,000		$ 59,000
Other Assets [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair values of interest rate corridor instrument	$ 372,000		$ 372,000			$ 490,000
Minimum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents			60 days
Minimum [Member] \| Interest Rate Corridor [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of LIBOR	1.50%		1.50%
Maximum [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of days from the date of receipt in which funds remain as restricted cash and cash equivalents			90 days
Maximum [Member] \| Interest Rate Corridor [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of LIBOR	3.00%		3.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule Related to Adoption of Accounting Standards (Share-Based Compensation and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 133,660	$ 112,464
Net cash used in investing activities	(86,683)	(104,210)
Net cash provided by financing activities	(32,162)	8,720
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	14,815	16,974
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	130,907	98,420
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 145,722	115,394
As Reported [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		114,024
Net cash used in investing activities		(106,710)
Net cash provided by financing activities		14,204
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash		21,518
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		23,036
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period		$ 44,544

Investments - Summary of Investments (Detail) - Municipal Securities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	$ 89,501	$ 62,769
Gross Unrealized Gains	40	12
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(127)	(185)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 89,414	$ 62,596

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized net (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	$ 54
Municipal Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Maturity period of investments	One year or less

Net Income Per Common Share - Summary of Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	47,151	46,004	46,949	45,813
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	1,041	986	1,182	1,112
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	48,192	46,990	48,131	46,925

Net Income Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Stock Option And Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
University's stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings	4	434

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 5,918	$ 5,137
Charged to Expense	7,830	7,963
Deductions	(8,179)	(7,525)
Balance at End of Period	$ 5,569	$ 5,575

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,097,750	$ 1,040,375
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(209,566)	(184,847)
Property and equipment, net	888,184	855,528
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	139,782	127,769
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	24,684	23,158
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	569,363	559,791
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	110,702	105,168
Equipment under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	5,937	5,943
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	114,327	108,551
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	60,786	59,300
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	33,029	30,407
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	1,176	1,176
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 37,964	$ 19,112

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) Anniversaries shares
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted	0
Restricted Stock Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	192,000
Shares withheld for taxes	149,000
Common stock in lieu of taxes \| $	$ 9,657
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	188,000
Vesting period	5 years
Number of anniversaries of the vesting date following the date of grant \| Anniversaries	4
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting right percentage	20.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting right percentage	20.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting right percentage	20.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award Tranche Four [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting right percentage	20.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award Tranche Five [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting right percentage	20.00%
Restricted Stock Grants [Member] \| Non-employee [Member] \| 2017 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	4,000
Vesting period	1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted	0

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Restricted Stock Granted under Incentive Plans (Detail) - Restricted Stock Grants [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance \| shares	993
Total Shares, Granted \| shares	192
Total Shares, Vested \| shares	(371)
Total Shares, Forfeited, canceled or expired \| shares	(16)
Total Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance \| shares	798
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 38.32
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted \| $ / shares	70.44
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested \| $ / shares	32.38
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited, cancelled or expired \| $ / shares	41.28
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 48.78

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under 2008 Plan (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares shares
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Shares outstanding, Beginning balance	1,272,000
Total Shares, Granted	0
Total Shares, Exercised	(467,000)
Total Shares, Forfeited, canceled or expired	0
Total Shares outstanding, Ending balance	805,000
Total Shares, Exercisable	805,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total Shares, Granted	0
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Beginning balance \| $ / shares	$ 15.26
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Granted \| $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercised \| $ / shares	12.60
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Forfeited, canceled or expired \| $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Outstanding, Ending balance \| $ / shares	16.82
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share, Exercisable \| $ / shares	$ 16.82
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding	3 years 11 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable	3 years 11 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding \| $	$ 49,517
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable \| $	$ 49,517

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Options Granted under 2008 Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2017 $ / shares
2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of closing stock price	$ 78.41

Share-Based Compensation - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 6,229	$ 5,831
Tax effect of share-based compensation	(2,491)	(2,332)
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	3,738	3,499
Instructional Costs and Services [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3,921	3,544
Admissions Advisory and Related [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	82	105
Marketing and Promotional [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	77	60
General and Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,149	$ 2,122

Regulatory - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
Regulatory - Additional Information (Detail)	Jun. 30, 2017
Regulated Operations [Abstract]
Comprehensive review period	10 years
Mid-term report period	4 years