# Employer survey An **online survey conducted by The Harris Poll** examined how managers evaluate University of Phoenix graduates compared with graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. Results show strong ratings across workplace readiness, job performance, leadership potential and overall employer satisfaction.    **LaToya D.**| BSM, 2023 ## Employer survey highlights ### 98% Satisfied overall 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report being satisfied overall with the employee at their organization.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 94% Above-average performers 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate University of Phoenix graduates as excellent or above-average performers.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 90% Prepared to perform 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates describe them as extremely or very prepared to perform their responsibilities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 85% Job readiness 85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they were job-ready when they started their role.[[1]](#footnoteOne) Source: The Harris Poll online survey conducted on behalf of University of Phoenix, June 4–25, 2026, among U.S. managers supervising at least one University of Phoenix graduate (N=204) and managers supervising graduates from benchmark colleges and universities (N=204).   ## Employer validation at a glance  The employer survey shows positive feedback across multiple measures of graduate success. Managers overseeing University of Phoenix graduates report high satisfaction with their employees and strong ratings for job readiness, workplace skills and potential for advancement.   ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_copy_888437532/columns/responsivegrid1/image.coreimg.png/1788474465240/tablet-stack-of-books.png) ## How employers perceive University of Phoenix graduates See how University of Phoenix graduates are rated across workplace readiness, leadership potential and job-related skills. | Comparison | UOPX | Benchmark | Summary  | |---|---|---|---| | Positive perception Positive perception | Positive perception 98%  | Positive perception 88%  | Positive perception 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report a positive perception of them, compared with 88% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [1] | | Overall satisfaction Overall satisfaction | Overall satisfaction 98% | Overall satisfaction 90% | Overall satisfaction 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report being satisfied overall with the employee at their organization, compared with 90% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [1] | | Above-average performance Above-average performance | Above-average performance 94% | Above-average performance 79% | Above-average performance 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate them as excellent or above-average performers, compared with 79% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [1] | | Preparedness Preparedness | Preparedness 90% | Preparedness 74% | Preparedness 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates describe them as extremely or very prepared to perform their responsibilities, compared with 74% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [1] | #### Positive perception 98% UOPX (88% Benchmark) SUMMARY 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report a positive perception of them, compared with 88% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Overall satisfaction 98% UOPX (90% Benchmark) SUMMARY 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report being satisfied overall with the employee at their organization, compared with 90% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Above-average performance 94% UOPX (79% Benchmark) SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate them as excellent or above-average performers, compared with 79% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Preparedness 90% UOPX (74% Benchmark) SUMMARY 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates describe them as extremely or very prepared to perform their responsibilities, compared with 74% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ## How employers rate the performance of UOPX graduates  See how University of Phoenix graduates are rated across workplace readiness, leadership potential and job-related skills.  1. Workplace readiness 2. Leadership potential 3. Job-related skills Workplace readiness ### Workplace readiness ### 95% Adaptability  95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education helped them adapt to workplace expectations.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 85% Understand real-world expectations 85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they understand real-world workplace expectations.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 74% Exceed expectations 74% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say graduates exceed or far exceed expectations for their position.[[1]](#footnoteOne) Leadership potential ### Leadership potential ### 95% Advancement potential 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they have very or somewhat high potential for advancement or promotion. [[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 96% Recommended for responsibility 96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they would recommend them for greater responsibility. [[1]](#footnoteOne) Job-related skills Job-related skills ### 95% ### Learn new skills 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they are able to learn new skills on the job.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 86% ### Demonstrate practical skills 86% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they demonstrated strong practical, job-related skills.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 95% ### Prepared employees 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education prepared them with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their job.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ## University of Phoenix credibility with employers  Employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report positive perceptions of the University. They say UOPX understands employer needs and aligns its programs with workforce demands.  ### 97% Likelihood to hire in the future 97% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they are likely to hire someone with a University of Phoenix degree in the future.[[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 94% Positive perception 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their experience has positively influenced their perception of the University. [[1]](#footnoteOne) ### 92% Workforce aligned programs 92% of employers agree that the University aligns its programs with workforce demands, compared with 78% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_copy_14441_1661226946/container/columns_1713590629/responsivegrid0/image.coreimg.png/1788474778493/general-2.png) ## Skills employers value Among employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates, professionalism, teamwork and collaboration, communication, technical or job-specific skills, critical thinking and time management were the six skills most often rated extremely important for employees to have. - Professionalism - Teamwork and collaboration - Communication - Technical or job-specific skills - Critical thinking - Time management - Professionalism - Teamwork and collaboration - Communication - Technical or job-specific skills - Critical thinking - Time management [Explore skills-aligned learning](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) ## Methodology The 2026 Harris Poll Employer Satisfaction Survey was conducted online on behalf of University of Phoenix among 408 U.S. managers age 21 or older with at least one direct report. The survey included 204 managers supervising at least one University of Phoenix graduate and 204 managers supervising graduates from other colleges and universities. Conducted June 4-25, 2026, the survey compared employers' perceptions of University of Phoenix graduates with those of employers supervising graduates from other colleges and universities. Results were weighted to reflect the national distribution of U.S. employers by company size, based on Dun & Bradstreet data.  ## The Harris Poll employers survey results Explore the full set of findings on how employers evaluate University of Phoenix graduates. 1. Leadership & career growth 2. Perception & credibility 3. Satisfaction & performance 4. Workplace readiness & skills Leadership & career growth #### Recommended for greater responsibility 96% UOPX (87% Benchmark) SUMMARY 96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they would recommend them for greater responsibility, compared with 87% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Advancement or promotion potential 95% UOPX (86% Benchmark) SUMMARY 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they have very or somewhat high potential for advancement or promotion, compared with 86% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Expertise and training 99% UOPX (89% Benchmark) SUMMARY 99% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say colleagues or supervisors seek their input because of their expertise or training at least sometimes, compared with 89% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) Perception & credibility #### Positive perception of graduates 98% UOPX (88% Benchmark) SUMMARY 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report a positive perception of them, compared with 88% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Positive perception of the University  94% UOPX (83% Benchmark) SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their experience has positively influenced their perception of the University, compared with 83% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Understanding employer needs 94% UOPX (82% Benchmark) SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say the University understands employer needs, compared with 82% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Alignment with workforce demands 92% UOPX (78% Benchmark) SUMMARY 92% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree that the University aligns its programs with workforce demands, compared with 78% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Alliance with University of Phoenix 92% UOPX SUMMARY 92% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree that an alliance with University of Phoenix could add value to their organization. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Understanding employer needs 97% UOPX SUMMARY 97% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they are likely to hire someone with a University of Phoenix degree in the future.[[1]](#footnoteOne) Satisfaction & performance #### Overall satisfaction 98% UOPX (90% Benchmark) SUMMARY 98% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates report being satisfied overall with the employee at their organization, compared with 90% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Job performance 94% UOPX (79% Benchmark) SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate them as excellent or above-average performers, compared with 79% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Exceed expectations 74% UOPX (58% Benchmark) SUMMARY 74% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say graduates exceed or far exceed expectations for their position, compared with 58% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Top performers 89% UOPX SUMMARY 89% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they are top performers.[[1]](#footnoteOne)   Workplace readiness & skills #### Adapting to workplace expectations  95% UOPX (85% Benchmark) SUMMARY 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education helped them adapt to workplace expectations, compared with 85% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Knowledge and skills for job success 95% UOPX SUMMARY 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education prepared them with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their job. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Ability to ramp up quickly   91% UOPX (80% Benchmark) SUMMARY 91% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education enabled them to ramp up quickly in their roles, compared with 80% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Education prepared them for their career 80% UOPX SUMMARY 80% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education prepared them well for their career.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Prepared to perform job responsibilities  90% UOPX (74% Benchmark) SUMMARY 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates describe them as extremely or very prepared to perform their responsibilities, compared with 74% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Ability to learn new skills on the job 90% UOPX (80% Benchmark) SUMMARY 90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they are able to learn new skills on the job, compared with 80% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Practical, job-related skill   86% UOPX (76% Benchmark) SUMMARY 86% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they demonstrated strong practical, job-related skills, compared with 76% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Job readiness   85% UOPX (69% Benchmark) SUMMARY 85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they were job-ready when they started their role, compared with 69% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Understanding workplace expectations 85% UOPX (68% Benchmark) SUMMARY 85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they understand real-world workplace expectations, compared with 68% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Long-term career readiness   84% UOPX (68% Benchmark) SUMMARY 84% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they have long-term career readiness, compared with 68% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Job-specific knowledge  62% UOPX (48% Benchmark) SUMMARY 62% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they exceed or far exceed expectations in job-specific knowledge (including policies, procedures, and tools unique to the role), compared with 48% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Problem-solving abilities     96% UOPX (87% MBenchmark) SUMMARY 96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, compared with 87% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Communication with colleagues 95% UOPX SUMMARY 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they communicate effectively with colleagues at different levels. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Following through on commitments 95% UOPX SUMMARY 95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they can be relied on to follow through on commitments. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Initiative and accountability   94% UOPX SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they show initiative and accountability.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Team morale and collaboration  94% UOPX SUMMARY 94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they contribute positively to team morale and collaboration.[[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Qualities valued across the workforce 93% UOPX (85% Benchmark) SUMMARY 93% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they generally demonstrate qualities they would like to see more broadly across their workforce, compared with 85% of employers who oversee graduates from other colleges and universities. [[1]](#footnoteOne) #### Handling feedback 91% UOPX SUMMARY 91% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they handle feedback well and use it to improve their performance. [[1]](#footnoteOne) --- ## Questions prospective students are asking ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_faq_copy_c/container/columns_1271954810/responsivegrid0/image.coreimg.png/1690496710029/enrollment-1080x720.png) Expand AllCollapse All ### What does the survey reveal regarding the value of a University of Phoenix degree? The survey reflects the views of participating managers, not every employer. There were 204 participating managers who oversee at least one University of Phoenix graduate and 204 participating managers who oversee at least one graduate from a benchmark institution.  The results show how these employers view a graduate’s performance. The survey does not predict or guarantee whether a particular graduate will find desired employment. ### What does this employer research mean for someone considering University of Phoenix? The research provides employer perspectives on University of Phoenix graduates and the University. It shows how surveyed managers evaluate graduates’ workplace readiness, job performance, practical skills, adaptability and potential for advancement. Prospective students can consider these findings as one datapoint among many others, including but not limited to program fit, cost, flexibility, student support and educational goals. ### How should I use employer survey results when choosing a college? Employer survey results can be one source of information when comparing colleges. Consider who participated in the research, what the survey measured and whether the findings address your questions. You should also compare each college’s programs, curriculum, cost, format, flexibility, student support and connection to your educational goals. ### What are the limitations of this employer survey? The survey reflects the perspectives of 408 U.S. managers who participated in the research: 204 managers supervising at least one University of Phoenix graduate and 204 managers supervising graduates from other colleges and universities. It is not a survey of all employers, University of Phoenix graduates or individual employment outcomes. The results do not establish that a University of Phoenix education caused a specific workplace result or guarantee employment, advancement or promotion. ### What are the job placement rates for University of Phoenix graduates? The available employer survey findings do not report job placement rates for University of Phoenix graduates. The research surveyed managers who already oversee at least one University of Phoenix graduate, so it measures employer perceptions of those graduates rather than the percentage of graduates employed after completing a program. The finding that 97% of surveyed managers are likely to hire someone with a University of Phoenix degree in the future reflects future hiring intent, not a job placement rate. ### Do University of Phoenix graduates tend to get hired at large companies or smaller ones? The available survey findings do not establish whether University of Phoenix graduates are more likely to be hired by large companies or smaller ones. The survey included managers at companies of different sizes, and some findings compare employer ratings across small, medium-sized and enterprise companies. However, the research does not report the distribution of University of Phoenix graduates by company size or identify where graduates tend to be hired. ## Let’s chat about your educational goals Have questions about your options? Our enrollment representatives are here to help. They can answer questions about programs, tuition, admissions and more — and help you explore programs that fit your goals. [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)Schedule a call ![A smiling businessperson answers her mobile phone to talk with an enrollment representative.](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/request-info/value-exchanges/schedule-a-call-modal-prod/master/_jcr_content/root/container_copy_copy_/columns/responsivegrid0/container/container/image.coreimg.png/1776117867774/sac-modaldesktop418x596%402x.png) ![A smiling businessperson answers her mobile phone to talk with an enrollment representative.](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/request-info/value-exchanges/schedule-a-call-modal-prod/master/_jcr_content/root/container_copy_copy_/columns/responsivegrid0/container/container_copy/image.coreimg.png/1787678470840/sac-mobile390x164%402x.png) ## Explore more about University of Phoenix ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_130866485_/container/columns/responsivegrid0/container/image.coreimg.png/1787690424434/thumb-transfer-credits-216x216.png) ### Programs for you Explore online degree and certificate programs that align with your interests and academic goals. [Find your program](/online-degrees/find-your-program.html) ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_130866485_/container/columns/responsivegrid1/container_copy/image_copy.coreimg.png/1787690584343/icon-scholarships-top.png) ### Career support See how UOPX career services can support you as you plan, build and grow your career. [Visit career services](/career-services.html) ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_130866485_/container/columns/responsivegrid2/container_copy/image_copy.coreimg.png/1787690721132/thumb-professional-216x216.png) ### Career guides Get practical information about career paths, skills, education requirements and opportunities. [Browse career guides](/career-guides.html) ![](/about/employer-survey/_jcr_content/root/container/container_130866485_/container/columns/responsivegrid3/container_copy/image_copy.coreimg.png/1787690755866/thumb-work-life-experience-216x216.png) ### Credit for experience See how eligible work and life experience could help you save time and money on your degree. [Explore options](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html) [1] Source: The Harris Poll online survey conducted on behalf of University of Phoenix, June 4–25, 2026, among U.S. managers supervising at least one University of Phoenix graduate (N=204) and managers supervising graduates from benchmark colleges and universities (N=204).   Last updated: September 10, 2026 ```html ```