# What to know about attending University of Phoenix _This article was updated on April 7, 2026._ September 15, 2023 • 9 minutes Written by[Elizabeth Exline](/blog/authors/elizabeth-exline.html) Getting a degree is supposed to be the hard part, not deciding where to get it. But figuring out which university to attend can feel as monumental as taking an introductory statistics class. How much will it cost? What programs are available? When is the best time to start? With these and other questions in mind, this guide takes a deep dive into the University of Phoenix experience. ## What is University of Phoenix?  University of Phoenix is an institution designed to[meet the unique needs of adult students](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/the-history-of-university-of-phoenix-marks-50-years-of-innovation.html). While this may sound like an obvious idea today, it was virtually unheard of when the University opened in 1976. At that time, University of Phoenix’s founder saw how adult learners could spend six to 10 years earning a bachelor's degree, and he recognized an opportunity to do things differently. The idea was simple: Getting a degree would still require self-discipline and hard work, but the process behind it could and should become far more accessible. While this process has evolved over the decades, University of Phoenix continues to stand out as a pioneer of online learning.   ## What are online classes like at University of Phoenix? Online college is designed for students who are motivated, self-disciplined and work well independently. That doesn’t mean, however, that there's no opportunity for interaction. University of Phoenix students can look forward to collaborative opportunities with their peers and one-on-one connections with experienced faculty via discussion posts, group projects and office hours. Lessons are posted at set times, and deadlines for assignments are provided ahead of time. Students can then access lessons whenever it’s convenient for them in order to meet their assignment deadlines. This method has been so fine-tuned for effectiveness that 85% of students reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their online university experience, compared to 73% of students in the national benchmarked institutions, according to the[Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners](https://www.phoenix.edu/press-release/online-student-satisfaction.html) in 2025.  Helping University of Phoenix students acclimate along the way is a team of academic counselors committed to student success. Students receve one-on-one support from academic counselors who can also help them develop a personalized academic plan for certificate or degree completion. ## How is University of Phoenix different? Let us count the ways: ### Faculty According to the[2024 Academic Annual Report](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/about/doc/academic-annual-report/2024-aar.pdf), faculty members average 29.3 years of professional experience, some of them with C-suite credentials, which means students learn from industry leaders. Plus, these faculty bring a hands-on perspective that students can apply toward their work. No wonder nine out of 10 surveyed students between September 2023 and August 2024 recommend their instructors.   ### Program offerings Curriculum at University of Phoenix is rooted in real-life results with many degree programs offering a certain level of customization via certificates. Advisory councils comprised of leaders in fields like IT, healthcare and business meet periodically to review industry needs and trends, providing valuable insights that help the University keep its programs relevant. In fact, 91% of surveyed students expressed satisfaction that their program aligned with their career path, according to the 2025 Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners. With seven specialized, career-focused colleges, University of Phoenix offers more than 100 degree and certificate options. In addition to [associate](/online-associate-degrees.html), [bachelor’s](/online-bachelors-degrees.html), [master’s](/online-masters-degrees.html) and [doctoral](/online-doctoral-degrees.html) degrees, the University offers [40+ certificates](/online-certificates.html) in business, education, healthcare and more, plus[continuing education for teachers](/online-courses/continuing-teacher-education.html). The University also offers [professional development courses](https://www.phoenix.edu/professional-development/skills-center/) that are non-credit and self-led in fields such as digital marketing and healthcare for those looking to upskill. In response to shifting workforce trends, the University continues to innovate. It works with Lightcast, a labor market analysis company, to[identify career-relevant skills](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html)that are then embedded in its programs. On average, courses align one skill with one credit. After demonstrating their knowledge of a course's skills, students receive a digital badge they can use on their online profiles.  ### Always-on education University students enjoy several advantages that accompany the school’s approach to online learning. One of these is the [24/7/365 access](/student-resources/going-to-class.html) students have to course materials. Another is the sequential structuring of courses: Students take one course at a time with classes starting every five to six weeks. That translates to up to 20 opportunities a year to begin a bachelor’s degree and up to 18 to start a master’s. Yet another is[professional development courses](https://www.phoenix.edu/professional-development/skills-center/), which are self-led and non-credit and enable employees to quickly and effectively upskill. Such agility speaks to University of Phoenix's commitment to both its students and its industry alliances.   ### Military benefits University of Phoenix offers active-duty and veteran military members reduced tuition rates and, in some cases, resource-fee waivers. College credit is also available for [eligible military (and life) experience](/military.html). Since service members don’t make their sacrifices alone, the University offers military rates to family members of active-duty and veteran service members.  ### Career Services for Life® commitment  University of Phoenix is committed to student success, even after graduation. That’s why active students and graduates receive [lifetime access to career counseling](/career-services.html). What does that look like exactly? It means individuals have a team of advisors dedicated to helping them build personalized career plans they can stick with, from resumé reviews, to interview prep, to one-on-one career coaching. ### Accreditation [Accreditation](https://www.phoenix.edu/about/accreditation.html) is a guidepost on the path to determining whether an educational institution meets the standards of a high-quality education. Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. Select programs at the University also receive programmatic accreditation; an additional level of external peer evaluation and quality assurance that applies to specific programs.  ### How is University of Phoenix different? - Faculty - Average of 26 years of professional experience - Many have C-suite credentials - Instructors provide real-world perspectives. - Program offerings - UOPX curriculum is kept up-to-date & relevant. - Seven specialized, career-focused colleges. - More than 100 degrees & certificates available. - Always-on education - Students have 24/7/365 access to course materials. - Flexibility only online learning can provide. - Classes start every 5-6 weeks. - Military Benefits - Reduced tuition for active-duty & veteran military members. - Family members can also receive reduced rates. - College credit available for eligible military experience. -  Career Services for Life® commitment - UOPX is committed to student success, even post-graduation. - Students & graduates receive lifetime career counseling. - Team of advisors help build a personal career plan. - Accreditation - UOPX meets the standards of quality education. - Continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. - UOPX is also accredited for select programs. ### Honors programs and recognitions  Students at UOPX have a variety of options to celebrate their academic excellence. While a dedicated honors program is not available, students can graduate “with honors” or “with distinction” based on their program and overall GPA. The acknowledgment appears on their University diploma and official transcript. Those enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s program are eligible to graduate: - Cum laude: With a program GPA of 3.70 to 3.84 - Magna cum laude: With a program GPA of 3.85 to 3.94 - Summa cum laude: With a program GPA of 3.95 to 4.00 Those enrolled in a master’s degree program are eligible to graduate “with distinction” when they achieve a program GPA of 3.90 or higher. Honors societies, meanwhile, are also available to students in certain fields of studies. Entry requirements vary by organization.  ## Enrolling: What do real students want to know? The enrollment team fields a lot of questions from prospective students. Here are some of them. ### Is application the same thing as enrollment? Nope! The [application process](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) is essentially an information-gathering process to get into a given program, explains Chris Gloor, vice president of enrollment at University of Phoenix. Students are under no obligation to attend University of Phoenix if they apply but doing so enables the enrollment team to start identifying ways it can save them time and money. Plus, the application process is free. Prospective students can learn more by submitting a [request for information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information). ### Will my credits transfer to University of Phoenix? University of Phoenix is a[transfer-friendly institution](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) and accepts credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions. The University's enrollment representatives will request a student's transcripts at no extra cost (when possible) and provide pre-evaluations to seewhich credits may transfer. University of Phoenix also offers the[TransferPath app](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/can-college-apps-help-the-transfer-credit-process.html), which provides a personalized estimate of potential transfer credits. ### Does the University assist with laptop upgrades or other technology? No, but it does work with Revive IT to provide refurbished laptops at a discounted price. After a student registers for class, he or she is provided a code to receive $100 off a laptop through Revive IT. The laptop comes with Microsoft 365 already loaded, and the device meets all hardware and software requirements for UOPX courses. Since a computer is an education expense, students can even use federal financial aid to purchase one. ### Does University of Phoenix grant credit for work and life experience? [Prior Learning Assessment](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html) (PLA) is one way prospective students can earn college credit for qualifying experiences. 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. Individuals can earn up to 30 credits toward a bachelor's degree and 15 credits toward an associate degree through PLA. Another option is a [competency-based](/competency-based-degrees.html) (CB) degree. Ideal for students with professional experience and self-discipline, this offering prioritizes individual learning and awards credits based on competency assessments.  Competency-based degree programs are structured differently from traditional University of Phoenix degree programs. In a CB program, students take three to four courses concurrently over a 16-week period (as opposed to one at a time), and they progress according to the competency assessments they complete successfully. The more a student knows, the quicker he or she can progress to new skills and subjects. In this way, the University empowers students to learn what they need to know for their careers.  ### Are SAT or ACT scores required? No. UOPX understands that adult learners may not have access to old scores and does not require these scores for admission. ### How about GMAT or GRE scores? No again. However, there are some baseline requirements for certain programs. To enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for example, students must already hold an RN license. And to enroll in a graduate program, students do need to have a bachelor’s degree, among other requirements. ### How much does a UOPX education cost? Assessing the cost of one's degree program is a highly individualized process. Enrollment representatives will help prospective students find ways to[save as much as possible](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/what-to-consider-when-financing-college.html).  Of course, prospective students can explore a variety of pathways to tuition savings on their own, too. Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans are all options to research. For example, University of Phoenix offers scholarships worth up either $1,000 or $3,000 to every new qualifying student. Employer benefits are another way to save money. The University has formed alliances with hundreds of organizations to[offer affordable education and tuition assistance](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html). Additionally, alternative credit providers such as [Study.com](https://www.study.com/) offer students the option to earn transferrable credits. Ultimately, the University is committed to making education affordable for its students. That's why it offers fixed tuition, meaning students pay a flat rate from the moment they enroll to the day they graduate from their program. Students can learn more about the[cost of attendance](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html)at University of Phoenix.  ### What's the matriculation process like? This is the process by which an individual becomes a student at UOPX. A student's official transcripts from other colleges he or she may have attended are sent to the University and any degree applicable transferrable credits are applied toward his or her program. Once any transferrable credits are applied, the student's financial aid will get adjusted accordingly. 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. ### What is the enrollment process like? 1. Apply/RFI The first step is to fill out a free application. There’s no obligation to attend UOPX when you apply. You can also submit an RFI, or a request for information. 2. Enrollment An enrollment representative will review your information and walk you through the application process. He or she will help you explore the best options for you. 3. Credits/PLA UOPX offers pre-evaluations for each prospective student to see what credits can transfer to your chosen program, saving you both time and money. 4. Transcripts To become a student at UOPX, the University reviews your official school transcripts to apply relevant credits toward your program and award financial aid. 5. Financial Aid You’ll be notified on your student website when your federal financial aid award is processed. Disbursements typically occur the day a new payment period starts. 6. First Class Classes start on Tuesdays approximately every 5-6 weeks. UOPX’s student orientation can answer your questions and help prepare you for the first day of class. ### When can I start? University of Phoenix offers start dates designed to meet a working adult's 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 build community among students? The University of Phoenix is proud to welcome students from all walks of life. To encourage opportunities to connect and grow, it offers a robust [student organization](/student-resources/student-organizations.html) program. "The Recognized Student Organization (RSO) program provides a sense of belonging and support for students as they balance academic, professional, familial and personal responsibilities," explains Jelisa Dallas, the program manager for RSOs. 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.  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 makes for a well-rounded student equipped for new opportunities," Dallas explains. ### How do you accommodate accessibility needs? The University’s[Student Accommodations Office](https://www.phoenix.edu/student-resources/student-accommodations/ada-accommodations-team.html)works with individuals who have medical conditions, mental health challenges or learning disabilities that impact their education. The goal? To discuss options for removing barriers to their learning experience. Common accommodations are: - Extra time to complete assignments or exams - Sign language interpreters - Access to a quiet testing area - Note-taking assistance Students can also access multiple assistive technology resources, such as read-aloud functions for online texts, dictation options through Microsoft 365 and the[Life Resource Center](https://www.phoenix.edu/student-resources/life-resource-center.html)at UOPX. ## Real advice from University of Phoenix students In addition to researching programs, cost and resources, students may find it helpful to hear from those who have trod the same academic path before them. Here,[University of Phoenix students](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/student-success-at-university-of-phoenix.html)share what they've learned about how to make going to school a positive experience.  ### Real advice from real students “You need to be motivated and self-disciplined. You will not succeed without either!” — Cathy A-C, Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Business Fundamentals “Always remember the WHY. Keep the motivating factor at the forefront of every class and every assignment, because life is going to happen, and you’ll need to remember why you’re putting yourself through this.” — Cornelius Pope, Bachelor of Science in Business   “Research, understand and choose a career before you choose the degree program. Don’t get a degree and then wonder what to do with it.” — Pamela Whitt, Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training “Focus on learning. Learn from everything. From reading the content, to the different ways you learn to [get] organized. Learn from instructor feedback. They know more than you do! Learn from teammates — the messy ones, the organized ones, the followers, the leaders ... The moment you stop learning, it gets boring.” — Heather Howell-Blaze, Bachelor of Science in Business   “Stay on top of your grades, don’t let your grades stay on top of you. [Also,] do all of your discussion questions.” — Elaina S. Cain, Bachelor of Science in Health Administration At the end of the day, University of Phoenix remains true to its founding principle: Remove as many barriers as possible for lifelong learners eager to pursue their educational dreams. Learn more about attending University of Phoenix by[requesting additional information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information).  ### ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elizabeth Exline has been telling stories ever since she won a writing contest in third grade. She's covered design and architecture, travel, lifestyle content and a host of other topics for national, regional, local and brand publications. Additionally, she's worked in content development for Marriott International and manuscript development for a variety of authors. This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  [Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html) Read more articles like this: - [What Are Digital Badges?](/blog/what-are-digital-badges.html) — University Life | March 17, 2026 • 7 minute read - [Productivity Hacks From Around The World](/blog/productivity-hacks-from-around-the-world.html) — University Life | October 08, 2025 • 2 minute read - [A Deep Dive into University of Phoenix's Accreditation](/blog/a-deep-dive-into-university-of-phoenixs-accreditation.html) — University Life | July 15, 2024 • 5 minutes