University of Phoenix 101: Everything you need to know

How is University of Phoenix different?

Let us count the ways:

Faculty

Program offerings

Military benefits

Career Services for Life®

Accreditation

Is application the same thing as enrollment?

Nope! The application process is essentially an information-gathering process to get into a given program, Gloor explains. You’re under no obligation to attend UOPX if you apply but doing so enables the enrollment team to start identifying ways it can save you — yep, you guessed it — time and money. Plus, the application process is free.

Ready for even less commitment? Then simply submit a request for information.

Will my credits transfer?

It depends, your previously attended school credits are as individualized as you are. Each student transcript, in other words, is different. So, UOPX offers pre-evaluations for prospective students where academic counselors review your unofficial transcript to see what credits may transfer, saving you (again) time and money.

Does University of Phoenix grant credit for work experience?

In the right instances, yes. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is one way prospective students can earn college credit. After applying to the University, a student can provide either a portfolio of work or essays on approved topics to be evaluated for potential credit.

For every three credits earned through PLA, students save nearly $1,200 in tuition and shave five weeks off their degree program. (Hello, time and money.) The best part? On average, 65% of UOPX undergraduates are eligible for PLA credits.

Another option is a competency-based (CB) degree. Ideal for students with professional experience and expertise, this offering ties credits to demonstrable skills. The more you know, the quicker you can progress to new skills and subjects, making your degree not only an expedited experience but one with real-world benefits: You focus on learning what you need to know for your career.

Are SAT or ACT scores required?

No. UOPX understands that adult learners may not have access to old scores and does not require taking these tests for admission.

How about GMAT or GRE scores?

No again. However, there are some baseline requirements for certain programs. You have to be an RN to enter the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for example. And to enroll in a graduate program, you do need to have a bachelor’s degree under your belt.

How much does a University of Phoenix education cost?

As with determining your transfer credits, assessing the cost of your program is a highly individualized process. And at UOPX, enrollment representatives will help prospective students find a way to save as much as possible. (UOPX alone offers 10 different ways to save time and/or money!)

UOPX is competitively priced compared to other universities. Here are some other ideas to lower your overall costs. Learn more through the University of Phoenix tuition comparison chart.

There are also misconceptions around who’s eligible for financial aid, Gloor says. For those students who do have demonstrable financial need, the Federal Pell Grant is an option. There are Scholarships that are available at UOPX as well as other scholarships available elsewhere. Additionally, some loans are available to students regardless of how high their  income may be, for example. 

At UOPX, scholarship opportunities are expanding. Beginning with a student’s first course, every qualifying new student will be awarded a scholarship, regardless of one’s financial situation or GPA. New and transfer students, in fact, can each apply for a scholarship worth up either $1,000 or  $3,000.

UOPX is committed to making education affordable for its students in other ways, too. UOPX offers fixed tuition, meaning students pay a flat rate from the moment they enroll to the day they graduate from their program.

Another way to save money? Employer benefits. UOPX has formed alliances with multiple organizations to offer affordable education and tuition assistance is sometimes available from certain companies. Additionally, alternative credit providers such as Study.com offer students the option to earn transferrable credits.

What’s the matriculation process like?

This is the process by which you become a student at UOPX. Your official transcripts from other colleges you may have attended are sent to the University and any degree applicable transferrable credits are applied toward your program. Once your transferrable credits are applied your financial aid will get adjusted accordingly once awarded.

While Gloor says most students enroll via the UOPX website they can also take advantage of a New Student Q&A Webinar, which is a complimentary orientation designed to answer any and all outstanding questions so students are prepared for the first day of class.

When can I start?

UOPX offers start dates designed to meet your schedule. Classes start on Tuesdays approximately every five to six weeks, so all the paperwork has to be shared and processed by the preceding Friday.

"Students are a bit surprised they can get everything done that quickly," Gloor observes.

How does University of Phoenix respond to the unique needs of underrepresented communities?

The University of Phoenix is proud to welcome students from all walks of life. Half of the student population identifies as African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Native American/Alaskan. And 66% of students are women.

As a result, UOPX has developed its curriculum and accessibility to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic student body. Additionally, it offers a robust Recognized Student Organization (RSO) program.

"The Recognized Student Organization program provides a sense of belonging and support for students as they balance academic, professional, familial and personal responsibilities," explains Jelisa Dallas, Program Manager for RSOs and Educational Equity at UOPX.

In layman’s terms, an RSO is a group of students with something specific in common. This might be a professional association, an academically focused interest group or a philanthropic group. Dallas plans to expand this offering to include ethnic affinity groups in the near future.

In addition to networking, these groups offer opportunities to develop a variety of skills like leadership, professional development, community engagement and financial literacy.

"The social capital — effective collaboration through shared culture to meet a common goal — offered through our organizations make for a well-rounded student equipped for new opportunities," Dallas explains.

Real advice from University of Phoenix students

No matter how much you research, and no matter how many questions you ask, sometimes there’s just no substitute for jumping in and learning along the way. Here, we share advice from those who have gone before (aka UOPX students).