About Us
50 years of leading with an innovative spirit
For half a century, we’ve helped lead the way in higher education for working adults and, later, in online learning.
About Us
50 years of leading with an innovative spirit
For half a century, we’ve helped lead the way in higher education for working adults and, later, in online learning.
About University of Phoenix
Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix became one of the few early online universities designed for working learners. Here, you can focus on one 5-to-6-week course at a time, making it easier to balance work, family and school — all on a schedule that fits your life.
We provide:
- An online college with a built-for-real-life model — offering flexible online classes with affordable tuition rates
- Educational quality and rigor, backed by 45+ years of institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), with certain programs also holding programmatic accreditation from specialized accrediting bodies
- Career-relevant skills earned in weeks, not years you don’t have
- Faculty who practice what they teach and are leaders in their fields
- Academic counselors, rated 5 stars by 86% of students, offering 1-on-1 support by phone, chat or email 14 hours a day, 5 days a week[1]
- Transfer-friendly approach, accepting credits from 5,000+ universities and considering life and work experience for credit.
- Student satisfaction, with 85% of students reporting being satisfied or very satisfied, above the national benchmark of 73% satisfaction[2]
Our education model allows you to learn when and where you want, one course at a time. Not two. Not four. One. And there’s no pressure to double or triple up on classes to save on tuition. Because you already juggle enough.
The Rise of
a Phoenix
A lot can change in half a century. As UOPX celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we look back at the events and milestones that gave the University its wings.
In the 1970s, higher education wasn't built for working adults. Class schedules were rigid. Adult learners often needed six to 10 years just to earn a bachelor's degree. Against this backdrop (and against some odds), University of Phoenix founder John Sperling had a revolutionary idea: What if he created a University for working adults in which interactive, small-group instruction could replace impersonal lectures — all during hours that actually worked for students?
Here's a 50-year timeline of how his dream took flight.
"If imitation is the best form of flattery, Sperling should be pleased. Today, most educational institutions offer programs tailored to adult higher education."
- Future Magazine, Spring 2006
2025
The University continues to prioritize career readiness through skills-aligned undergraduate and master’s degree programs as well as digital badges that allow students to showcase their learning.
2024
In October 2024, the University completes the planned and approved teach-out and closure of all ground campuses with the exception of the Phoenix, Arizona Campus location. This enables UOPX to serve working adults in their preferred online format.
2023
Following an institution-wide shift to skills-aligned learning that started several years earlier, 100% of the University's associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs open for new enrollment are aligned to career-relevant workplace skills.
2021
To keep a pulse on career perceptions, the inaugural Career Optimism Index® study is released under the umbrella of the new University of Phoenix Career Institute®. Employer perceptions have since been added to this annual study, providing a comprehensive look at the disconnects, insights and solutions for American workers.
2020
UOPX introduces competency-based education: classes where students can leverage their professional experience to focus on learning new skills after demonstrating their knowledge of others. This offers an expedited pathway to education for self-motivated and highly disciplined students with extensive work experience.
2020
UOPX introduces its Career Services for Life® commitment, designed to support students from day one until day done. Active students and graduates gain lifetime access to career coaching, tools and resources to help them pursue their goals.
2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic changes education almost overnight, University of Phoenix helps lead the way. Positioned with deep knowledge of how to deliver education online, the University supports several thousand local campus students in the shift to online school in a matter of days. Additionally, University leaders lead free, virtual learning courses and webinars for teachers in K–12 and higher education.
2018
University of Phoenix graduates its 1 millionth alum.
2011
The University establishes the importance of credit mobility, applying more than 12 million transfer credits over a five-year period.
2010
The University hits its expansion and enrollment peak, featuring online and on-campus classes in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
1998
University of Phoenix launches its doctoral program with the Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership. Today, the University offers five doctoral programs.
1996
University of Phoenix instructors have an average of 29.4 years of professional experience. This means current faculty began their careers around 1996 — bringing decades of experience and leadership to today’s UOPX classrooms.
1989
The University is an early adopter of online education and begins with a pilot of an online class. UOPX will go on to become a pioneer of distance learning technology — and create a more flexible path for adult learners to pursue a college degree.
1983
Enrollment in the growing University soars to more than 2,600 students.
1978
Since 1978, University of Phoenix has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). In 2022–2023, the University’s accreditation was continued for another 10-year period.
1977
The first class is held with eight students in a small classroom.
1976
John Sperling establishes University of Phoenix to provide educational opportunities for working adults. It follows his efforts in California, where he had been faculty at San Jose State University and researched adult education and professional development.
Fast facts
78,900
average total degreed enrollment [3]
45+
years continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
62.3%
current students who are employed
100+
programs aligned with 300+ careers
38
average age of new students
29+
years of our faculty’s professional experience, on average
85%
recent grads who believe UOPX prepared them for their career. [4]
1+ Million
alumni and counting
TrustScore: 4.3 out of 5
Great place to learn
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.
- RYAN ROBBINS
The school cares about each student...
The school cares about each student individually and goes above and beyond to help you reach your goals.
- ANGELA JEFFERSON
Real Life Applications
I’m truly able to apply what I’m learning to my everyday life and professional life. My instructors are present and care about the students succeeding.
- KIMBERLY PRICE-GARCIA
Worth the Investment in Yourself
I was skeptical in the beginning when researching schools for my MBA, but I am so glad I went with UOP! I have enjoyed my time furthering my education with UOP. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, assignments are paced to allow you to be successful.
- Woolwine Tiffany
You're never too "old" to return...
This school was perfect for me! I have been enrolled for the past six years, completing my BS in Human Services, and am now nine weeks shy from completing my Masters in Psychology. And I just turned 60!
- ALLISON PARTRIDGE
- Great place to learn
- The school cares about each student...
- Real Life Applications
- Worth the Investment in Yourself
- You're never too "old" to return...
Keep exploring
Contact us
Reach us by email, phone or mail if you have questions about admission, academics, financial options, joining the faculty or other University of Phoenix matters.
University of Phoenix
4035 South Riverpoint Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85040
[1] Student End of Course Survey, September, 2024 - August 2025 (207,242 respondents)
[2] National benchmarks are based on responses from 89,642 online students at 150 colleges and universities who participated in the Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) between 2022 and 2025. University of Phoenix data is based on responses from 2,532 University students who participated in the PSOL in 2025.
[3] This statistic is for FY24, as seen in University of Phoenix 2024 Academic Annual Report.
[4] June-July 2025 UOPX Biennial Alumni Survey of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral alumni who reported graduating in 2024 or 2025 (1,542 respondents, 5% response rate).