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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]
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]
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]
85%
Job readiness
85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they were job-ready when they started their role. [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).
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.
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 |
|---|---|
|
Positive perception
|
98%
|
|
Overall satisfaction
|
98%
|
|
Above-average performance
|
94%
|
|
Preparedness
|
90%
|
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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.
Workplace readiness
95%
Adaptability
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their education helped them adapt to workplace expectations. [1]
85%
Understand real-world expectations
85% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they understand real-world workplace expectations. [1]
74%
Exceed expectations
74% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say graduates exceed or far exceed expectations for their position. [1]
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]
96%
Recommended for responsibility
96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they would recommend them for greater responsibility. [1]
80%
Confident in leadership ability
80% of employers who oversee a University of Phoenix graduates say they are extremely or very confident in graduates’ ability to mentor, or lead others. [1]
Job-related skills
90%
Learn new skills
90% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they are able to learn new skills on the job. [1]
86%
Demonstrate practical skills
86% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say they demonstrated strong practical, job-related skills. [1]
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]
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]
94%
Positive perception
94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates say their experience has positively influenced their perception of the University. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
How employers rate UOPX graduates’ workplace skills
Employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rated them more favorably across communication, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism, critical thinking, time management and adaptability/learning agility than employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. For employers, learn how University of Phoenix Workforce Solutions can help address skills gaps and support workforce development.
- Professionalism
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Communication
- Technical or job-specific skills
- Critical thinking
- Time management
96%
Communication skills
96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their communication skills as excellent or good, compared with 86% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
95%
Critical thinking
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their critical thinking skills as excellent or good, compared with 82% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
93%
Time management
93% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their time management skills as excellent or good, compared with 81% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
95%
Teamwork and collaboration
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their teamwork and collaboration skills as excellent or good, compared with 88% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
95%
Professionalism
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their professionalism as excellent or good, compared with 89% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
91%
Adaptability/learning agility
91% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their adaptability/learning agility as excellent or good, compared with 82% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark 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 benchmark 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.
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Confident in leadership ability
80% UOPX
(70% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
80% of employers who oversee a University of Phoenix graduates say they are extremely or very confident in graduates’ ability to mentor, or lead others, compared with 70% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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]
Likelihood to hire in the future
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]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Top performers
89% UOPX
SUMMARY
89% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they are top performers. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Problem-solving abilities
96% UOPX
(87% Benchmark)
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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]
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]
Initiative and accountability
94% UOPX
SUMMARY
94% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates agree they show initiative and accountability. [1]
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]
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 benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
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]
Communication skills
96% UOPX
(86% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
96% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their communication skills as excellent or good, compared with 86% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Critical thinking
95% UOPX
(82% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their critical thinking skills as excellent or good, compared with 82% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Time management
93% UOPX
(81% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
93% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their time management skills as excellent or good, compared with 81% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Teamwork and collaboration
95% UOPX
(88% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their teamwork and collaboration skills as excellent or good, compared with 88% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Professionalism
95% UOPX
(89% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
95% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their professionalism as excellent or good, compared with 89% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Adaptability/learning agility
91% UOPX
(82% Benchmark)
SUMMARY
91% of employers who oversee University of Phoenix graduates rate their adaptability/learning agility as excellent or good, compared with 82% of employers who oversee graduates from benchmark colleges and universities. [1]
Questions prospective students are asking
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.
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.
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.
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 benchmark 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.
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.
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.
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[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 29, 2026