University of Phoenix: Overview and Key Details

University of Phoenix

Founding and Mission

• The University of Phoenix (UOPX) is a private, for-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 1976 by John Sperling and John D. Murphy.
• It was established to make higher education accessible to working adults, offering flexible programs that fit around work and family commitments.

Academic Offerings and Structure

• UOPX confers certificates and degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with over 100 programs aligned to more than 300 career paths.
• The university pioneered online education, launching its first online course in 1989, and is now primarily focused on online learning, though it maintains a physical campus in Phoenix.
• It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with continuous accreditation for over 45 years.

Admissions and Student Body

• UOPX has an open-enrollment policy for most undergraduate programs, requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent.
• As of Fall 2023, total enrollment was approximately 101,150 students, with a majority enrolled in undergraduate programs.
• The average age of new students is 38, and about 78% are employed while attending classes1.
• The university is transfer-friendly, accepting credits from over 5,000 other institutions and evaluating prior work and life experience for potential credit.

Learning Model and Support

• Courses are designed for flexibility, typically lasting 5–6 weeks and allowing students to focus on one at a time.
• UOPX emphasizes career-relevant skills, with faculty who have significant professional experience (averaging 29+ years).
• Comprehensive student support services include writing, math, financial literacy, and life coaching resources.

Historical Growth and Challenges

• The university experienced rapid growth in the late 1990s and 2000s, with enrollment peaking at nearly 470,000 students in 2010.
• UOPX’s business model and marketing practices attracted scrutiny, leading to lawsuits and regulatory investigations. In 2019, it settled with the FTC, paying a $50 million fine and cancelling $140 million in student debts.
• Enrollment has since declined, and the university has consolidated its physical presence to a single campus in Phoenix.

Ownership and Reputation

• The university is owned by Apollo Global Management and Vistria Group (formerly Apollo Education Group).
• UOPX is recognized as a pioneer in online education for working adults but has faced criticism for low graduation rates and high student loan default rates among for-profit institutions.

Campus and Facilities

• The Phoenix campus offers a modern library and a range of student support centers, including the Center for Writing Excellence and the Financial Literacy & Wellness Center4.
• The university is known for its large-scale online infrastructure and support for remote learners.

UoP is truly a self-paced institution that also provides you with everything you need to succeed. It also provides a fantastic work/life balance while you attend to your classes.
— Student testimonial

Summary Table

The University of Phoenix remains a significant player in adult and online education, known for its flexible programs and focus on career advancement, despite a history of regulatory challenges and shifting enrollment trends.

Related – Southern New Hampshire University