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Admissions

Your path to becoming a Phoenix starts here. Learn about our admission requirements, what to expect during the application process and how we’ll support you along the way.

Tre (Herbert) D. | BSIT, 2023

Applying is easier than you think

  • No application fee
  • No essay, SAT or GMAT required
  • No obligation to enroll
  • Save your progress and finish it any time
  • Complete the application in as little as 20 minutes
  • Eligible college transcripts requested for you, when possible
  • No application fee
  • No essay, SAT or GMAT required
  • No obligation to enroll
  • Save your progress and finish it any time
  • Complete the application in as little as 20 minutes
  • Eligible college transcripts requested for you, when possible

What to expect when you apply

Our online application makes it easy to get started — and an enrollment representative will be there to help support you along the way, if needed.

1. Create your account

Ser up your account with an email and password, and enter your personal information.

2. Answer guided questions

Confirm your program of choice, and tell us about your relevant education and experience.

3. Plan how you’ll pay

Get a personalized estimate of your costs and explore potential options for payment.

4. Review and submit

Review your information, sign and hit the submit button to complete your application. 

Tips for your application

You don’t need to have everything ready to start, but having the following information on hand can help you move through the application faster:

  • Your program of choice to move forward in the application
  • A list of previous college institutions to help us request your transcripts when possible
  • Your Social Security number if you're applying for financial aid or to help us request your transcripts
  • Your FAFSA or tax information if you're applying for financial aid
  • Your program of choice to move forward in the application
  • A list of previous college institutions to help us request your transcripts when possible
  • Your Social Security number if you're applying for financial aid or to help us request your transcripts
  • Your FAFSA or tax information if you're applying for financial aid

How to enroll at the University of Phoenix


Chapter 1: Enrolling is free with no application fee 0:000 seconds(bright music) - Enrolling at University of Phoenix is easy and 100% free. 0:077 secondsThese are six of the steps you'll need to complete before you can start class. 0:1111 secondsFirst, apply to University of Phoenix, it only takes about 20 minutes and there's no application fee, no obligation to enroll, 0:2020 secondsno SAT or GMAT requirement and typically no cost to request your prior transcripts, we'll do it for you. 0:2828 secondsYou'll also have a team of enrollment representatives or ERs to support you every step of the way. Chapter 2: Choose a program 0:3434 secondsStep two, choose a program, if you don't already have a program in mind, that's okay. 0:4040 secondsWe've created a program finder tool to help you consider your options, find the degree or certificate that fits your future goals on your own or with help from an ER. Chapter 3: Education and work history to find transfer credits 0:5252 secondsNext, fill out your education and work history, in this section, you'll tell us what schools you've attended and where you're working now. 1:001 minuteThis helps us determine if you have eligible transfer credits or can take advantage of tuition savings through your employer. 1:071 minute, 7 secondsThese are just some of the ways we can help you save time and money on your degree. Chapter 4: Request your transcripts 1:111 minute, 11 secondsNow it's time to request your transcripts, in most cases, we can obtain your prior college transcripts at no cost to you. 1:191 minute, 19 secondsMost college credits have no set expiration date, you may have some you don't even know about which could help you graduate faster. 1:271 minute, 27 secondsStep five is to complete your financial plan, this is where we'll estimate the total cost of your education and help you determine how to pay for it. Chapter 5: Financial aid and scholarships 1:351 minute, 35 secondsMany of our students take advantage of financial aid and scholarships. Chapter 6: Potential savings 1:401 minute, 40 seconds Together with your ER, you'll explore up to 10 different ways to save time or money on your degree, such as scholarships, employer tuition benefits, transfer credits and work and life experience. 1:531 minute, 53 secondsYour time is valuable and we want to help you make the most of it, the last step is to sign and submit your application. 2:002 minutesRemember, if you have questions at any point, our enrollment team is ready to help, even if you change your mind, there's no obligation to enroll. Chapter 7: Get started on your application 2:092 minutes, 9 secondsGet started on your application at phoenix.edu/apply. 2:132 minutes, 13 seconds(bright music)

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What UOPX graduates are saying

Our guided application makes it easy to get started — and your enrollment representative will be there to help along the way.

94%

Balance made possible

94% of recent graduates in a 2025 survey believe University of Phoenix provides the flexibility to balance family, work, school and life.[1]

92%

Would attend again

92% of recent graduates in a 2025 survey agreed if they had to do it all over again, they would attend University of Phoenix.[1]

Ready to become a Phoenix? Fill out our online application.

[1] June-July 2025 UOPX Biennial Alumni Survey of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral alumni who reported graduating in 2024 or 2025 (1,542 respondents, 5% response rate). 

Admission requirements

General requirements

To be eligible for admission to University of Phoenix, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • Not have been previously expelled from a higher education institution
  • Complete all required admission forms
  • Meet any additional degree-level, program-specific or other applicable requirements

Returning student or alum? Find out about your options.

Degree-level requirements

Education 
Completion of high school or acceptable equivalent verified through one of the following:

  • High School graduation from a state-approved high school, an accredited high school or high school that was a candidate for accreditation at the time of attendance

  • A foreign secondary institution completion credential 

  • Successful completion of a state-sanctioned high school equivalency test  

  • Completion of high school in compliance with state laws through a homeschool program

Program-specific requirements 
Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education 
Completion of high school or acceptable equivalent verified through one of the following:

  • High School graduation from a state-approved high school, an accredited high school or high school that was a candidate for accreditation at the time of attendance

  • A foreign secondary institution completion credential 

  • Successful completion of a state-sanctioned high school equivalency test  

  • Completion of high school in compliance with state laws through a homeschool program

Program-specific requirements 
Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education 
Bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an approved, college or university with institutional accreditation, or hold a comparable degree from a recognized institution outside the United States

Additional requirements

  • You have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree posted transcript. Please note that some Master of Science in Nursing programs require a GPA of 3.0.

Program-specific requirements 
Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Note: Program-specific requirements differ between our traditional master’s programs and competency-based programs. Learn more about our competency-based programs.

Education 
Graduate degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent graduate degree earned at a recognized institution outside the United States

Additional requirements

  • You have a minimum 3.0 GPA on graduate degree posted transcripts

  • You are currently employed or have a record of past employment or access to a work environment

  • You have a signed University hardware/software agreement

Program-specific requirements 
Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Education 
Varies by certificate

Note: At a minimum, completion of high school or acceptable equivalent verified through one of the following:

  • High School graduation from a state-approved high school, an accredited high school or high school that was a candidate for accreditation at the time of attendance

  • A foreign secondary institution completion credential  

  • Successful completion of a state-sanctioned high school equivalency test 

  • Completion of high school in compliance with state laws through a homeschool program

Program-specific requirements 
Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You also may need access to an organizational environment. This will help you to apply the concepts you learn in our college level courses and achieve curriculum objectives. To find out if your desired program has any such additional requirements, please reach out to an enrollment representative or consult our academic catalog.

Interested in individual courses? Explore our single course offerings.

International requirements

In addition to our main admission requirements, there are a few additional qualifications you may need as an international applicant.

 Visa requirements

Are you a non-U.S. citizen currently living in the U.S.? Good news! You can still enroll at the University of Phoenix if you have a valid, acceptable visa. You may provide copies of your visa as acceptable documentation, but please be sure they are eligible.

When filling out your admissions application, you must include the visa type, date of issue and your country of citizenship. It's important to verify that your visa is current because we cannot accept expired visas.

English proficiency tests 

If you completed high school in a non-English speaking country, you can fulfill the English proficiency admissions requirement by passing one of the following exams within two years of applying to the University.

English Proficiency Exam Passing Scores
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL exam)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL exam)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL exam)
9 (Essentials exam)
213 (Computer-based Test-cBT)
4.5 (Internet-based Test-iBT)
550 (Written-based test-wBT)
Test of English as an International Communication (TOEIC exam) [2]
Test of English as an International Communication (TOEIC exam) [2]
Test of English as an International Communication (TOEIC exam) [2]
750
International English Language Testing System (IELTS exam) [3]
International English Language Testing System (IELTS exam) [3]
International English Language Testing System (IELTS exam) [3]
6.5
Berlitz [4]
Berlitz [4]
Berlitz [4]
High B2
Cambridge English Assessment
You must pass one of the five acceptable exams offered. No time frame required.
Cambridge English Assessment
You must pass one of the five acceptable exams offered. No time frame required.
Cambridge English Assessment
You must pass one of the five acceptable exams offered. No time frame required.
170
Duolingo English Exam
Duolingo English Exam
Duolingo English Exam
100
Pearson Test of English Academic
Pearson Test of English Academic
Pearson Test of English Academic
59

 

English proficiency tests are not required in the following cases:

  • You have previous earned a U.S. high school diploma or GED prior to applying for admission to University of Phoenix.

  • You have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma in a country in which English is the official language.

  • You have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma at an institution where English is the medium of instruction.

  • You have successfully completed the equivalent of 30 transferable, academic semester credits at a recognized college or university in a country in which English is the official language.

  • You have successfully completed the equivalent of 30 transferable, academic semester credits at a recognized institution where English is the sole medium of instruction. This can be verified by a CRS in Office of Admissions and Records through the International Handbook of Universities or on official letterhead sent directly from the institution to the campus. 

  • You have successfully completed 30 transferable, academic semester credits at an approved, institutionally accredited college or university in the United States. 

You can also meet this requirement by successful completing the approved ESL series of courses at Canadian College of English Language (CCEL), International Language Schools of Canada (ILSC) or Kaplan.

You may connect with an enrollment representative to learn more about this requirement.

[2] TOEFL and TOEIC are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This website is not endorsed or approved by ETS.

[3] IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate on behalf of the chancellor, masters and scholars of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

[4] Berlitz is a registered trademark of Berlitz Investment Corp.

International transcripts 

For international students living in the U.S.

If you have transcripts from a recognized international college or university, you can have them evaluated for eligible transfer credits if one of the following statements is true:

  • You are a legal resident of the United States

  • You have been granted permanent residence

  • You have a valid Visa that does not prohibit educational studies

  • You have been granted temporary protected status along with approved Notice of Action issued by Citizen Immigration Services and verified through CIS Form G-845

  • You have been granted asylum along with the approved Notice of Action issued by Citizen Immigration Services
     

For international students living abroad

Request your transcripts from your recognized international college or university and have them evaluated for transfer credit to save time and money on your degree. Our evaluation services follow standards approved by the National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Credentials.
 

English translation for transcripts

If international transcripts are recorded in another language, a certified English translation is required. We accept translations from:

  • An issuing institution if the school itself provides an official translation which is "validated" by the Registrar or other school official.

  • A certified translator from an official translation service or a professional organization that provides certified translations as one of its services.[1]

  • A foreign language professor from an accredited institution. 

  • An embassy or consulate official.

If your transcript is in Spanish, University of Phoenix can also provide translation services. For more information about transcript evaluation, please contact an enrollment representative.

Ready for your next step?

Apply now to begin your admissions journey, or get a free preliminary transfer credit evaluation to learn how your prior eligible credits may help you finish faster and for less.

Alumni and returning students

Your journey as a Phoenix is unique, and we’re here to help you take the next step. Whether you’re continuing your education as an alum or you’re returning to the University after a break, find the option that best matches your situation below. 

University of Phoenix alumni

Apply to continue your education with another degree or certificate. For questions or support, call 800-546-8071.

Returning to the University after more than a year

Start a new application to return to your program. For questions or support, call 866-992-8146.

Questions other students are asking

We know the application process can be overwhelming, so we strive to simplify it for our applicants. To apply to University of Phoenix, you must complete our online application, meet our admission requirements and request your official transcripts from previous institutions. We may be able to request your transcripts on your behalf at no cost to you. We do not require essays, college entrance exams (SAT, ACT, GMAT or GRE) or an application fee. Apply now or connect with one of our enrollment representatives who are ready to guide you through the process.

Our admission requirements vary by degree level. Here are the criteria you must meet to be admitted to our undergraduate degree programs:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.

  • You have an acceptable official high school diploma, state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or foreign secondary school equivalent

  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution 

  • You must complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit any official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended that are required

Depending on your program and state of residence, you may need to meet additional admission and/or work experience requirements beyond what is shown above. You can reach out to an enrollment representative to get more information about program-specific details. Please note that international students may need to meet a few additional requirements. View our admission requirements to learn more. 

The transfer of credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution. University of Phoenix can perform a pre-evaluation using unofficial transcripts to give transfer students an idea of how previous college credits may apply to a selected program. 

Officially, you’ll need to complete the online admissions application, provide information about all schools attended and submit the transcript request form. When all forms and transcripts are received and evaluated, you’ll know exactly which transfer credits will apply.

Community college transfer students may be able to apply previously earned academic credit to higher levels of learning. You can speak with an enrollment representative about specific program requirements.

We also offer special opportunities to community college transfer students through our transfer pathway degree programs.

Credits from previous college experience will not affect your GPA as a transfer student at all. Your GPA will be determined by the credits earned during your study at University of Phoenix.

We offer a variety of options for students with prior life, work, or military experience. Learn more about our college credit options and how you can reduce the overall cost of your education and earn your degree faster.

If you’re returning to University of Phoenix after more than a year-long break, you’ll need to reapply for admission. If your break has been less than a year, you can connect with a re-entry representative at 800-546-8071 to discuss your steps to return.

In many situations, it is possible to return to your previous program and complete your degree. However, our degree programs have graduation deadlines, so returning to your previous program depends on when your deadline ends. Our goal is to make sure students are getting the most up-to-date content, so updating to the newest versions of your program may be necessary. Our representatives will be available every step of the way to help ensure you know what is needed to complete your program.

As a returning student, you will still have access to our Tuition Guarantee — meaning your original tuition rate offered at the start of your program will not change until you graduate when you re-enter your same program. You can also save money on your degree with The Phoenix® Scholarship, which is offered to all new and returning students. 

It depends on which program you choose. Updating your application for admissions will provide more details and help determine your options. We can also do a degree completion evaluation, which can provide better insight into how your credit applies.

The cost to complete your degree program will vary based on the amount of credits remaining in your degree program. There are several factors that may also impact the cost of your degree including taking advantage of alternate credit options like Prior Learning Assessment  (PLA) where you may be able to earn credit for life experience, professional certifications, licenses, or training or testing programs.

For more details and available resources, please reach out to an enrollment representative. 

College transfer credits may be impacted depending on the program you choose and if you were out of attendance for more than a year. Our representatives are available to help you find every way to earn the transfer credits you deserve.

If you were out of attendance for over a year, you will need to be re-admitted to the University. Once you are re-admitted to your program, your next step will be to determine how you plan on financing your degree. You can speak directly to a finance advisor for specifics on our financial plans. Depending on your degree, we currently offer up to 18 opportunities a year to start your class, how soon you start is up to you.

The status of your financial account can be found on the MyPhoenix student portal under Financial Plan. If you have any prior balances, they must be resolved prior to restarting class. We can look at what options you may have to clear any balances on file.

We have live agents to chat with you who are available Monday to Friday, 4:30 am to 9:45 pm AZ time, or if you’d like to email or call us, we are available at 1-888-346-8679 or StudentFinancialServices@phoenix.edu. 

Additional details on your program can be found on phoenix.edu under Find Your Program. Whether you want to stay in your current program, change your program, or find new options, we have you covered.

Our representatives are happy to help transfer additional credits earned through institutionally accredited institutions and provide guidance on where they can be applied to help you save time and money on your degree program. You can also use our Savings Explorer® tool to learn whether you are eligible for additional college credit to save time and money on your degree.

Yes. As an alum, you have access to exclusive savings that make continuing your education more affordable. Learn more about our special alumni tuition saving opportunities.

University of Phoenix accepts transfer coursework or credits from recognized post-secondary institutions from all over the world, in accordance with our transfer policies. Undergraduate students also have the possible option of earning college credit through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). With PLA, students can earn credits for professional trainings or certifications which may apply toward your general education or elective undergraduate degree requirements.

Yes, through national testing programs such as Berlitz™ and CLEP, you may be eligible to take a language-based examination for credit towards undergraduate degree requirements. These tests are available in a multitude of languages and depending on your test scores, may allow you to earn additional college credits that can be applied towards an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Contact an enrollment representative for additional information regarding this process.

No. Eligible non-U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent resident card holders pay the same price for tuition as students who are U.S. citizens.

That depends on the employer. In today’s changing educational environment, many more universities, even traditional campus-based universities are offering more and more classes online. In fact, many employers are helping their staff to attain degrees online.

University of Phoenix has forged alliances with hundreds of companies nationwide that help pay for their employees to take college courses with the University online. Students may consult their Human Resources department to see if your employer offers this type of benefit to employees. 

We recommend talking to representatives of the field you would like to go into for an idea of what types of education are accepted in your country or wherever you anticipate working.

 

This is your moment. We can help make it happen.

Starting something new can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. An enrollment representative is here to answer questions, explain admission requirements, help you make a financial plan and guide you through each step.

Explore ways to save as a Phoenix

Transfer credits

Earn your degree without starting from scratch. We'll request your transcripts for you, when possible.

Scholarships

Every new student will get the best scholarship or savings opportunity they qualify for.

Employer benefits

Your employer may help with the cost of your tuition. See if yours is on the list.

Credit for experience

Explore ways to save with our Savings Explorer® tool — get the credit you deserve.

Last published: August 26, 2026