Here’s a comprehensive overview of the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona—covering its history, structure, programs, campus details, accreditation, and recent developments:
Founded in 1976 by John Sperling to serve working adults seeking flexible higher education paths University of Phoenix+7University of Phoenix+7Reddit+7University of Phoenix+4Encyclopedia Britannica+4University of Phoenix+4.
It’s the largest private for-profit university in the U.S., transitioning away from its peak 600,000+ enrollment in 2010 to roughly 101,150 students in 2023 .
Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1978, with reaffirmation through 2033 University of Phoenix+2University of Phoenix+2Shiksha+2.
Owned by Apollo Global Management and Vistria Group, with a planned affiliation to become a nonprofit under the University of Idaho (pending legal updates) AP News+3Axios+3Wikipedia+3.
As of 2023: ~80,600 undergrads, ~13,500 master’s students, ~2,300 doctoral students Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11CollegeData+11.
Typical student is a nontraditional, working adult (median age ~38), with 78% employed while studying University of Phoenix+1Leverage Edu+1.
Military-affiliated students make up a significant portion; UOP is known for military support and discounted tuition Axios+11Leverage Edu+11University of Phoenix+11.
Offers over 100 degree programs across associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificates covering business, tech, healthcare, education, and criminal justice Leverage Edu+4Career Profiles+4University of Phoenix+4.
Learning is delivered online via competency-based and traditional models, plus hybrid/hands‑on at its physical Phoenix campus WIRED.
Curriculum designed with 5–6 week course blocks, and includes online resources: e-library, PhoenixConnect community platform, tutoring, career services University of Phoenix+3University of Phoenix+3Leverage Edu+3.
Located at 4035 S Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85040 University of Phoenix+1University of Phoenix+1.
Campus hours: Monday–Thursday 10 AM–10 PM; Friday 9 AM–1 PM University of Phoenix.
On-site amenities: Student Resource Center, computer labs, tutoring, veteran services, counseling Shiksha+12University of Phoenix+12Educause+12.
Primarily adjunct faculty (~97%), on a contingent basis; student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 110:1 at the Phoenix campus Wikipedia+1Career Profiles+1.
Adjuncts typically paid per course; centralized curriculum ensures consistency but limits tenure opportunities Wikipedia.
In-state tuition ~US $8,800/year; out-of-state similar .
Average net price (after grants/loans): around $13,612 annually Data USA.
About two-thirds of undergraduates receive grants; flexible options for employer tuition assistance, military aid, transfer credits, and scholarships .
Graduation rates among traditional metrics are low (reported 15–28%), but the university highlights different completion metrics for nontraditional students Reddit.
Employers often prioritize demonstrated skills and experience over prestige; opinions on value vary. Many report being hired without issues, while others caution about debt and credential recognition Reddit.
Undergoing strategic shift to nonprofit status via acquisition by University of Idaho for $550 million—pending legal and governance milestones AP News+2Axios+2Axios+2.
Item | Details |
---|---|
Location | 4035 S Riverpoint Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
Founded | 1976 |
Ownership | Apollo Global Management & Vistria Group |
Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (regional) |
Enrollment (2023) | ~101,150 (80,600 UG, 13,500 PG, 2,300 doctoral) |
Age & Demographic | Median age 38; 78% employed; military-affiliated |
Programs Offered | 100+ degrees across associate–doctoral levels in business, tech, health |
Online & On-Campus | Hybrid, fully online, Phoenix campus weekly classes |
Tuition (annual) | Approx. $8,800 tuition; net cost $13,612 |
Faculty | Primarily adjunct; student–faculty 110:1 |
Reputation Notes | Flexible adult learning; mixed employer perceptions |
Future Plans | Transition to nonprofit affiliation with University of Idaho |
Sure! Here’s a detailed list of universities in Phoenix, Arizona—with key info about each school and their official websites:
Overview: ASU is a major public research university and one of the largest universities in the U.S. The Downtown Phoenix campus focuses on health, journalism, law, public service, and social sciences.
Programs: Nursing, health care, journalism, law, business, social work, and sustainability programs.
Student Population: Part of ASU’s overall enrollment of over 100,000 students (across all campuses).
Campus Features: Urban campus with close ties to Phoenix business and healthcare communities; multiple research centers and labs.
Official Website: asu.edu/downtown
Main ASU site: asu.edu
Overview: Largest private for-profit university focusing on adult learners, offering primarily online and hybrid degree programs. The Phoenix campus provides some on-site resources.
Programs: Business, education, health care, information technology, criminal justice, and nursing degrees at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Student Demographic: Primarily working adults and military-affiliated students.
Campus Location: 4035 S Riverpoint Parkway, Phoenix, AZ.
Official Website: phoenix.edu
Overview: Private, Christian university located in Phoenix, known for rapid growth and strong online program offerings.
Programs: Business, education, nursing, theology, psychology, engineering, and more. Offers associate to doctoral degrees.
Student Population: Approximately 20,000 students (including online).
Campus Features: Modern campus with athletics, arts, and student activities.
Official Website: gcu.edu
Overview: While the main campus is in Glendale (just outside Phoenix), it serves the metro area with graduate programs primarily in health sciences.
Programs: Medicine (Osteopathic), pharmacy, dental medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, and health sciences.
Official Website: midwestern.edu
Overview: Private, nonprofit university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees with flexible schedules, catering to working adults.
Programs: Business, education, criminal justice, health care, and more.
Delivery: Primarily online and hybrid programs, with some on-campus classes.
Official Website: ottawa.edu/phoenix
Overview: Part of Arizona State University, focused on arts education including design, theatre, music, and art.
Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in fine arts, design, digital culture, dance, and theatre.
Official Website: herbergerinstitute.asu.edu
Overview: Community college serving Phoenix with associate degrees and certificate programs. Gateway to transfer to four-year universities.
Programs: General education, nursing, business, technology, arts, and sciences.
Official Website: phoenixcollege.edu
Overview: Private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with flexible schedules.
Programs: Business, ministry, education, counseling, and psychology.
Official Website: azchristian.edu
University | Type | Focus Areas | Website |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona State University (Downtown) | Public Research | Health, Law, Journalism, Business | asu.edu/downtown |
University of Phoenix | Private For-profit | Adult Education, Business, Nursing | phoenix.edu |
Grand Canyon University | Private Christian | Business, Nursing, Education | gcu.edu |
Midwestern University (Glendale) | Private Graduate | Health Sciences (Medicine, Pharmacy) | midwestern.edu |
Ottawa University (Phoenix) | Private Nonprofit | Business, Education, Criminal Justice | ottawa.edu/phoenix |
Herberger Institute (ASU) | Public Arts School | Arts, Design, Theatre | herbergerinstitute.asu.edu |
Phoenix College | Public Community College | Transfer, Business, Nursing, Tech | phoenixcollege.edu |
Arizona Christian University | Private Christian | Business, Ministry, Counseling | azchristian.edu |