Is University of Phoenix controversial?

Most higher learning institutions are designed for young adults fresh out of high school. But this design overlooks the needs of nontraditional learners who typically need flexibility to earn a college degree. Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix has helped generations of learners earn professional degrees and certificates on their own terms. 

Traditional in-person institutions are still considered the norm, and since the University falls outside that expectation, some people are skeptical about its legitimacy. However, University of Phoenix is an accredited institution that awards career relevant degrees that prepare learners for the real world. With a proven 47-year track record, University of Phoenix is a trusted institution that, while unconventional, gives students a quality experience that equips them for the job market. 

Learn why University of Phoenix is not controversial and why it’s a go-to option for nontraditional learners who need flexible degree paths. 

Is University of Phoenix Controversial?

No, University of Phoenix is not controversial. University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It also offers degrees of higher learning and designs quality experiences for adults and non-traditional learners.

Accredited Institution

University of Phoenix has been regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1978. The HLC oversees accreditations for higher education in 19 states by assessing universities' financial performance, student experience, and other critical areas. 

The HLC accreditation process also requires University of Phoenix to conduct an internal review in addition to the HLC audit. The University conducts this complete internal review every three to ten years as a way to keep its programs as relevant as possible. 

In addition to accreditation by the HLC, select University of Phoenix programs hold programmatic accreditation from: 

• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP®)
• The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation

University of Phoenix is also a member of multiple organizations, including the American Council on Education®, Online Learning Consortium™, International Leadership Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Association of University Programs in Health Administration, the University Professional and Continuing Education Association®, and the Society for Human Resource Management®.

University of Phoenix Degrees 

University of Phoenix is a respected institution of learning that awards career relevant, recognized degrees. It was the original trailblazer in remote education, offering flexible correspondence courses as early as 1976 and online courses beginning in 1989.

Today, University of Phoenix is almost 100 percent online. With rigorous standards in place for all of its online classes, it created degree paths that can be just as challenging as traditional university courses. 

However, University of Phoenix caters to nontraditional students, giving them access to their classes at nontraditional times, such as nights and weekends. With multiple start dates throughout the year, students have the freedom to take as few or as many classes as they can.

University of Phoenix hires experienced practitioner faculty who are active professionals in the fields of study in which they teach, providing relevant, real-world information to prepare learners for the reality of having a job after they graduate. This hands-on, practical approach makes a University of Phoenix degree an asset in a changing market. 

University of Phoenix also has a skills-tagged curriculum. In fact, more than 85% of programs open for new enrollment are skills mapped. Its digital badging program has issued well over 12,000 badges in the last nine months for undergraduate, graduate, and professional development skills. 

Quality Student Experience

By designing an experience tailored to the adult learner, University of Phoenix created a welcoming space for first-generation college students, GED graduates, veterans, parents, and more. 

University of Phoenix’s remote-first setup gives students the most flexible experience. The University took great pains to create an online experience that feels more like a traditional classroom experience. For example, through the University’s collaboration with Blackboard, students can engage with other learners, raise their hands, and use a whiteboard to bounce ideas off of their classmates. The online experience is so effective that University of Phoenix held workshops during the pandemic to coach K-12 teachers on remote instruction. 

Breaking the Mold For Over 45 Years

University of Phoenix has created a unique culture and learning experience that’s served nontraditional learners for 47 years. The University broke the mold and forged a new path to earning a higher education. This may have made the University the target of skepticism, but decades later, it’s proven to offer recognized, quality degrees and a rigorous, but achievable, experience for all students. In a changing world, University of Phoenix’s flexible, practical approach equips learners with the knowledge they need to succeed.