# Ways to save on a University of Phoenix degree

November 13, 2025 • 6 minutes
Written by[Laurie Davies](/blog/authors/laurie-davies.html)

Reviewed by Chris Conway, Director of Financial Education Initiatives and Repayment Management

Students may be able to lower the cost of a University of Phoenix degree through employer tuition benefits, transfer credits and alumni rates and scholarships. The ways to save are aligned with the University’s three types of potential students — working professionals, transfer students and alumni — who may each qualify for different savings opportunities that can lower total education costs.

## How can employer benefits lower the cost of a University of Phoenix degree?

Some employers may cover part or all of the cost of a University of Phoenix degree through tuition assistance or employer education benefits. The University offers a program called the University Alliance benefit, which offers a tuition discount to employees of an allied company. Some companies also offer tuition assistance through which they help pay for employees’ education.

Depending on employer-participation level, benefits can work in different ways. For example, students may get a sixth class free after paying for five classes. Additionally, a set number of resource fees may be waived. An employer may even participate in “direct bill,” meaning the University bills the employer directly rather than the student.

In 2024, the number of UOPX students who were able to continue their education at reduced or no cost based on the University’s agreement with employers increased by 23.7% from the previous year.

## How can transfer credits reduce the cost of a University of Phoenix degree?

University of Phoenix helps transfer students earn their degrees faster by accepting eligible transfer credits they have earned. This may reduce the number of courses students need to complete. In fact, as a transfer-friendly institution, University of Phoenix accepts eligible college credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions.

In 2025 alone, University of Phoenix accepted more than 1 million transfer credits for bachelor’s and associate degree programs. Bachelor’s degree students averaged 30 credits, resulting in a tuition savings of approximately $11,000 in their University of Phoenix program.

Transfer credits are common among UOPX students. In 2025, 59% of students had transfer credits.

Students who earn an associate degree at an eligible community college can take advantage of the[3+1 Transfer Pathway](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits/transfer-pathways.html), which applies up to 87 eligible credits toward eligible bachelor’s degree programs. At UOPX, the 3+1 Transfer Pathway also includes a $144 tuition reduction on every three-credit bachelor’s degree course.

New in 2025, prospective students can download and use the[TransferPath app](https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/can-college-apps-help-the-transfer-credit-process.html)to receive an unofficial, pre-evaluation estimate of how their credits may apply toward a University of Phoenix degree.

## University of Phoenix Transfer Credits by the Numbers

University of Phoenix's Transfer Credits by the Numbers in 2025 infographic highlights the impact of transfer credits on saving time and money. Additionally, it breaks down the average transfer credits by college, showcasing how students across various disciplines benefit from this opportunity.

[Download the University of Phoenix Transfer Credits infographic](/content/dam/edu/blog/doc/ntw-2025-infographic-v3.pdf)
### What other transfer options can help students save?

Transfer credits aren’t the only way that transfer students can save. The[Transfer Scholarship for bachelor’s degree students](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html)carries a maximum value of $3,000 and is for new students with at least 12 to 60 combined transfer credits.

Students with an associate degree from an accredited university or community college can also complete their bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix in as little as two years and for under $25,000.

## How can alumni save on a University of Phoenix degree?

University of Phoenix offers alumni-specific tuition rates and scholarship opportunities for eligible returning students. Reduced tuition rates are available to eligible alumni who want to return for another University of Phoenix degree.

For starters, alumni are eligible for these special tuition rates:

- A $1,050 alumni tuition rate per three-credit course (bachelor’s students)
- A $1,890 alumni tuition rate per three-credit course (master’s students)

UOPX alumni can also apply for the Forever a Phoenix®Bachelor’s or Master’s scholarship. Each scholarship has a maximum value of $2,000, applied over a set number of courses, provided students maintain eligibility. 

## What other ways can students save on a University of Phoenix degree?

A student without employer benefits, transfer credits or status as a UOPX alum — may still have several other savings opportunities on the journey toward a  degree.

For example, students may submit their eligible work and life experience through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). If approved, Prior Learning Assessment can award credit for eligible knowledge and experience, which may reduce the number of courses a student needs to take. Not only does the process often validate that aspiring students know more than they think they do, it also can yield tangible results. For example, credit may be earned for certifications and licenses, parenthood, personal training and interviewing skills.

Students can also reduce costs by taking lower-cost, self-paced online general education and elective courses through approved learning partners StraighterLine®, Sophia® Learning and Study.com®.

Finally, eligible new, qualifying students pursuing a University of Phoenix degree receive a scholarship worth up to either $1,000 or $3,000, applied over a set number of courses.

## How can prospective students explore savings for a University of Phoenix degree?

Students interested in a University of Phoenix degree can discuss their options with enrollment representatives to  see if they qualify for multiple savings opportunities, including:

- [Employer tuition benefits ](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html)
- [Alumni-specific savings and scholarships ](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/alumni-offer.html#scholarships)
- [Transfer credits,](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) including the 3+1 Transfer PathwayTransfer Scholarship for bachelor’s degree students
- [Prior Learning Assessment](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html)
- [New qualifying student scholarship worth up to either $1,000 or $3,000 ](https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html)

 

Additionally, some of UOPX’s most transfer-friendly programs include:

- [Bachelor of Science in Management ](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/business-management-bachelors-degree.html)
- [Bachelor of Science in Health Management ](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-healthcare-degrees/health-management-bachelors-degree.html)
- [Bachelor of Science in Information Technology ](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-information-technology-degrees/information-technology-bachelors-degree.html)
- [Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) ](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-nursing-bachelors-degree.html)

Prospective students ready to  find out which savings opportunities may apply to their situation for aUniversity of Phoenix degree, can[contact an enrollment representative ](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) for more information.

 

_StraighterLine is a registered trademark of StraighterLine, Inc._

_SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, Inc._

_Study.com is a registered trademark of Study.com LLC._

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### ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A journalist-turned-marketer, Laurie Davies has been writing since her high school advanced composition teacher told her she broke too many rules. She has worked with University of Phoenix since 2017, and currently splits her time between blogging and serving as lead writer on the University’s Academic Annual Report. Previously, she has written marketing content for MADD, Kaiser Permanente, Massage Envy, UPS, and other national brands. She lives in the Phoenix area with her husband and son, who is the best story she’s ever written. 

### ABOUT THE REVIEWER

As Director of Financial Education Initiatives and Repayment Management, Chris Conway works with departments across the University to provide resources that allow students to make more informed financial decisions. She is also an adjunct faculty member for the Everyday Finance and Economics course at the University, and she chairs the National Council of Higher Education Resources College Access and Success Committee. Conway is committed to helping college students make the right financial decisions that prevent future collection activity.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.   
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)