View source for University of Phoenix

{{Short description|American for-profit university}}
{{Distinguish|Phoenix College}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox university
| name = University of Phoenix
| image = University_of_Phoenix,_Seal_of_the_School,_2024.webp
| image_size = 168px
| motto = Career Services for Life<ref name=2023reportpr/>
| established = {{Start date and age|1976}}
| type = [[Private university|Private]] [[For-profit higher education in the United States|for-profit university]]
| president = Chris Lynne 
| city = [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]]
| state = [[Arizona]]
| country = U.S.
| campus = [[Distance education|Online]], 1 physical campus<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/campus-locations.html|title=Visit University of Phoenix - Phoenix Main Campus}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|Phoenix.edu}}
| total_staff = 4,578 (2022)<ref name="2022report">{{cite web |title=2022 Academic Annual Report |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/about/doc/academic-annual-report/2022-aar.pdf}}</ref>
| academic_staff = 2,727 (2022)<ref name="2022report"/>
| enrollment = 101,150 (2023)<ref name=2023report>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/reported-data/484613?year=2023&surveyNumber=15 |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=28 February 2025}}</ref>
| undergrad = 80,637 (2023)<ref name=2023report/>
| postgrad = 13,500 (2023)<ref name=2023reportpr>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix Publishes Annual Academic Report for FY2023 Highlighting Noteworthy Achievements and Innovations |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240905110259/en/University-of-Phoenix-Publishes-Annual-Academic-Report-for-FY2023-Highlighting-Noteworthy-Achievements-and-Innovations |format=Press release |date=5 September 2023}}</ref>
| doctoral = 2,300 (2023)<ref name=2023reportpr/>
| founders = [[John Sperling]]<br>[[John D. Murphy]]
| parent = Phoenix Education Partners<ref name=PEP/>
| accreditation = [[Higher Learning Commission|HLC]]
| module = {{Infobox company
| embed = yes
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NYSE|PXED}}
| logo = University of Phoenix logo.png
| logo_size = 270px
| hq_location_city = [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]
| hq_location_country = United States}}
}}

<!-- DO NOT remove the article "The" here per English grammar rules. -->
The '''University of Phoenix''' ('''UoPX''') is a [[Private university|private]] [[For-profit higher education in the United States|for-profit university]] headquartered in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].{{Efn|As of 2022, all campuses but the headquarters in Phoenix are no longer accepting new students.|name=}} Founded in 1976, the university confers certificates and degrees at the [[Academic certificate|certificate]], [[Associate's degree|associate]], [[bachelor's]], [[master's]], and [[doctorate|doctoral]] degree levels. It is institutionally accredited by the [[Higher Learning Commission]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/02/26/university-phoenix-faces-possible-probation-accreditor|title=University of Phoenix faces possible probation by accreditor|website=Insidehighered.com|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref> and has an [[open admissions|open enrollment]] admissions policy for many undergraduate programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/admission_requirements.html|title=Admissions Requirements – University of Phoenix|publisher=University of Phoenix|access-date= November 4, 2011}}</ref> The school is owned by Phoenix Education Partners.<ref name=PEP/>

==History==
===Foundation and rapid growth (1970s–2000s)===
The University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 by [[John Sperling]] and John D. Murphy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2014/08/24/john-sperling-dies-university-of-phoenix/14531983/ |publisher=abcentral |title=John Sperling, University of Phoenix founder, dead at 93 |author=Ronald J. Hansen, Matthew Casey |date=August 26, 2014 |access-date=February 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/phoenix/story-of-university-of-phoenix.html The Story of the University of Phoenix] American Public Media. Retrieved 4 August 2020.</ref> In 1980, it expanded to [[San Jose, California]], and launched its online program in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telephonyonline.com/mag/telecom_desktop_degrees_university |website=Telephony Online |title=Desktop degrees, University of Phoenix takes education on-line |date=May 26, 1997 |access-date=September 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229081836/http://telephonyonline.com/mag/telecom_desktop_degrees_university |archive-date=December 29, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Much of UoPX's revenue came from employers who were subsidizing the higher education of their managers. Academic labor underwent a process of [[unbundling]], in which "various components of the traditional faculty role (e.g., curriculum design) are divided among different entities, while others (e.g., research) are eliminated altogether".<ref>{{cite web |last=Kinser |first=Kevin |title=Faculty at Private For-Profit Universities: The University of Phoenix as a New Model? |url=https://www.prophe.org/cache/0633066_p13_14_Kinser.pdf |website=International Higher Education |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>

In 1994, UoPX leaders made the parent company, [[Apollo Education Group|Apollo Group]], public. Its enrollment exceeded 100,000 students by 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/phoenix/story-of-university-of-phoenix.html |title=Hanford, Emily, ''The Story of the University of Phoenix'', September 6, 2012 |website=Publicradio.org |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eiif45gddj/john-sperling/ |title=John Sperling – In Photos: Gangsters, Games and Gold: Billionaire Drop-Offs 2013 |author=Caleb Melby |work=Forbes}}</ref> Senator [[Tom Harkin]], who chaired hearings on for-profit colleges, said, "I think what really turned this company is when they started going to [[Financial District, Manhattan|Wall Street]]."<ref name=Hanford07142016>{{cite web|url=http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/phoenix/case-against-for-profit-schools.html |publisher=American Public Media |title=The Case Against For-Profit Colleges and Universities |author=Emily Hanford |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref> The sentiment was echoed by Murphy in his book ''Mission Forsaken: The University of Phoenix Affair with Wall Street''. In 2004, Murphy thought that "the University of Phoenix abandoned its founding mission of solely serving working adult learners to admit virtually anyone with a high school diploma or GED." In terms of revenue, UoPX began to rely less on corporate assistance and more on government funding.<ref name=Murphy>{{cite book |last=Murphy |first=John |date=2013 |title=Mission Forsaken – The University of Phoenix Affair With Wall Street |url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/mission-forsaken-the-university-of-phoenix-affair-with-wall-street-1808103.htm |publisher=Proving Ground Education |isbn=978-0966968316 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817105821/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/mission-forsaken-the-university-of-phoenix-affair-with-wall-street-1808103.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2007, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that the school's graduation rate had plummeted and that educational quality had eroded.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dillion |first=Sam |title=Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 11, 2007 |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>

In 2000, the federal government fined the university $6 million for including study-group meetings as instructional hours. In 2002, the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]] relaxed requirements on instructional hours.<ref name=Dillon021107 /><ref name="6mil">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/14/us/university-s-owner-settles-federal-dispute-over-student-aid.html|title=University's Owner Settles Federal Dispute Over Student Aid|date=May 14, 2000 |work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 7, 2009}}</ref>

A 2003 lawsuit filed by two former university recruiters alleged that the school improperly obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid by paying its admission counselors based on the number of students they enrolled, a violation of the [[Higher Education Act of 1965|Higher Education Act]].<ref name=Dillon021107 /> The university's parent company settled by paying the government $67.5 million, plus $11 million in legal fees, without admitting any wrongdoing.<ref name="talks">{{cite web|url=http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/10/04/20091004biz-universityofphoenix1004.html|title=University of Phoenix case may get closure|last=Gilbertson|first=Dawn |date=October 4, 2009|publisher=[[Arizona Republic]]|access-date= October 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=For-Profit Educator to Pay $67.5 Million Settlement|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=December 15, 2009|page=B4}}</ref>

In 2004, the Department of Education alleged that UoPX violated [[Higher Education Act of 1965|Higher Education Act]] provisions that prohibit financial incentives to admission representatives, and pressured its recruiters to enroll students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kroplaw.com/pdf/DOE.report.on.UOP.pdf |title=US DOE Program Review Report |website=Kroplaw.com |access-date= March 21, 2014}}</ref> UoPX disputed the findings but paid a $9.8 million fine as part of a settlement where it admitted no wrongdoing and was not required to return any financial aid funds.<ref name="finaid" /><ref name="apollo14">[http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special42/articles/0914apollo14.html "Student-recruitment Tactics at University of Phoenix Blasted by Feds Univ. of Phoenix Audit Leads to $9.8 mil Fine"]'' [[The Arizona Republic]]'', September 14, 2004, by Dawn Gilbertson</ref><ref name="daily19">[http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/09/13/daily18.html "University of Phoenix Receives Record Fine"] ''[[Austin Business Journal]]'', September 14, 2004</ref> The university also paid $3.5 million to the [[United States Department of Labor|Department of Labor]] to settle a violation of [[overtime]] compensation regarding hours worked by UoPX's recruiters.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/07/19/daily75.html "University of Phoenix, Dept. of Labor Reach Overtime Agreement"] ''[[Phoenix Business Journal]]'', July 23, 2004</ref><ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2004/06/14/daily41.html "Apollo to pay Department of Labor $2M-$3M to Settle Case"] ''[[Austin Business Journal]]'', July 17, 2004.</ref> UoPX settled a false claims suit for $78.5 million in 2009 over its recruiter-pay practices.<ref name="falseclaims">{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/12/14/20091214biz-apollo1215.html|title=Apollo Group Settles Suit for $78.5 Million|last=Gilbertson|first=Dawn |date=December 15, 2009|work=[[Arizona Republic]]|access-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref> [[File:University of Phoenix Building 2025.png|right|thumb|A physical location of the University of Phoenix.]]

In 2008, [[Pereira O'Dell]] became the lead ad agency for UoPX for a reported $220 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/agency-news/u-phoenix-picks-pereira-o-dell-lead-creative/133110|title=U. of Phoenix Picks Pereira & O'Dell as Lead Creative|date=December 8, 2008|website=adage.com}}</ref> During the 2008–2009 fiscal year, the UoPX student body received more [[Pell Grant]] money ($656.9 million) than any other university<ref>{{cite web |date=December 15, 2009 |title=New Default Rate Data for Federal Student Loans: 44% of Defaulters Attended For-Profit Institutions |url=http://www.pewtrusts.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=56473 |access-date=September 3, 2010 |publisher=[[The Pew Charitable Trusts]]}}</ref> and was the top recipient of [[Student financial aid (United States)|student financial aid]] funds, receiving almost $2.48 billion.<ref>[http://www.usaspending.gov/faads/tables.php?tabtype=t2&subtype=t&year=2008 Top 100 Recipients of Federal Assistance for FY 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906193956/http://www.usaspending.gov/faads/tables.php?tabtype=t2&subtype=t&year=2008|date=September 6, 2008}}, Usaspending.gov, US government</ref> The university's graduation rate was 17 percent, according to federal data that measures first-time, full-time (FTFT) undergraduate students who complete their programs at 150% of the normal time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/altcloud/doc/about_uopx/Consumer-Information-Guide.pdf|title=University of Phoenix Consumer Information Guide|date=2019–2020}}</ref> The University of Phoenix has been the largest recipient of federal G.I. Bill tuition benefits<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wnct.com/news/politics/u-of-phoenix-agrees-to-50m-settlement-over-false-ad-claims/|title=U of Phoenix agrees to settle FTC case alleging deceptive ad|date=December 10, 2019}}</ref> and the largest for-profit recipient by Pell Grant assistance funding.<ref name="Distribution">{{Cite web|url=https://www2.ed.gov/finaid/prof/resources/data/pell-institution.html|title=Distribution of Federal Pell Grant Program Funds by Institution and Award Year|date=August 31, 2017 |publisher=[[U.S. Dept. of Education]]|language=en|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref>

In 2009, the Department of Education produced a report claiming the untimely return of unearned [[Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965|Title IV]] funds for more than 10 percent of sampled students. The report also expressed concern that some students register and begin attending classes before completely understanding the implications of enrollment, including their eligibility for student financial aid. In January 2010, the parent company Apollo Group was required to post a letter of credit for $125 million by January 30 of the same year.<ref name="bweek_late_aid">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-08/apollo-repaid-education-aid-late-lax-in-counseling-students.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323023600/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-08/apollo-repaid-education-aid-late-lax-in-counseling-students.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |title=Apollo Repaid Education Aid Late, Gave Lax Counseling |access-date= January 10, 2010 |work=[[BusinessWeek]]}}</ref> In 2010, UoPX came under government scrutiny after its Phoenix and Philadelphia campuses were found to have engaged in deceptive enrollment practices and fraudulent solicitation of [[FAFSA]] funds.<ref name=Bloomberg080416>{{cite news|last=Lauerman |first=John |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-04/for-profit-colleges-boiler-room-recruiting-described-at-senate-hearing.html |title=For-Profit Colleges Misled Students, Witnesses Say |publisher=[[Bloomberg News]] |date= August 4, 2010 |access-date= September 3, 2010}}</ref>

===Enrollment decline, transition to online courses (2010s)===
In 2010, UoPX claimed a peak enrollment of more than 470,000 students with a revenue of $4.95 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investors.apollo.edu/phoenix.zhtml?c=79624&p=irol-reportsannual|title=Annual Reports – Apollo Education Group|website=Investors.apollo.edu|access-date=March 22, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513013923/http://investors.apollo.edu/phoenix.zhtml?c=79624&p=irol-reportsannual|url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2010 report found that its online graduation rate at the time was only five percent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/education/24colleges.html|title=Report Finds Low Graduation Rates at For-Profit Colleges|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=October 27, 2013|first=Tamar|last=Lewin|date=November 23, 2010}}</ref> Later in the year, the university paid $154.5 million for 20-year [[naming rights]] for [[advertising]] purposes of the [[State Farm Stadium|University of Phoenix Stadium]] in [[Glendale, Arizona]]. The company terminated the naming rights deal on April 11, 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2017/04/11/arizona-cardinals-glendale-stadium-get-new-name-university-of-phoenix-backing-out/100307624/|title=Arizona Cardinals' Glendale stadium to get a new name; University of Phoenix backing out|website=Azcentral.com|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref> and on September 4, 2018, the stadium's naming rights were acquired by [[State Farm]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc15.com/sports/sports-blogs-local/cardinals-venue-to-be-known-as-state-farm-stadium|title=Cards venue to be known as State Farm Stadium|date=September 4, 2018|publisher=ABC 15|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref> 

[[File:University of Phoenix Stadium aerial.jpg|right|thumb|[[State Farm Stadium]], formerly University of Phoenix Stadium, a sports stadium in [[Glendale, Arizona]] for which the corporation owned naming rights from 2006 to 2018.]]

In August 2010, an [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] investigation identified a UoPX [[recruiter]] who sought new students from Y-Haven, a [[homeless shelter]] in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]. Another University of Phoenix recruiter falsely claimed to an undercover television producer taking part in an investigation of the school that the university's Bachelor of Science in Education degree would be sufficient to qualify them to teach in [[Texas]] or [[New York (state)|New York]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/profit-education-abc-news-undercover-investigate-recruiters-university/story?id=11411379|title=ABC News Investigates For-Profit Education: Recruiters at the University of Phoenix|first1=Chris|last1=Cuomo|first2=Chris|last2=Vlasto|first3=Gerry|last3=Wagschal|first4=Lauren|last4=Pearle|first5=Cleopatra|last5=Andreadis|website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|language=en|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref>

In a December 2010 Bloomberg article, former UoPX senior vice president Robert W. Tucker noted that "at critical junctures, [co-founder] John [Sperling] chose growth over academic integrity, which ultimately diminished a powerful educational model".<ref>{{cite news |last=Golden |first=Daniel |title=For-Profit College Plunge Makes Sperling Rail at Obama |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-12-29/plunge-of-for-profit-college-stock-makes-sperling-rail-at-obama |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=December 29, 2010 |access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref> At its peak, UoPX operated more than 500 campuses and learning sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/PEPS/closedschools.html|title=PEPS Closed School Monthly Reports|website=2.ed.gov|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref> The university began to focus on opening new resource centers for online students to provide spaces for alumni to network and current students to seek assistance from professors and peers.<ref>{{cite news |first=Goldie |last=Blumenstyk |url=https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/20150503-campusspaces-03-microcampus |title=Coming Soon to a Storefront by You: A Microcampus for Online Learners |newspaper= [[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]|date= May 3, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2020| location=Washington, D.C.}}{{subscription required|s}}</ref>

In August 2011, Apollo Group announced it would buy 100% of [[Carnegie Learning]] to accelerate its efforts to incorporate [[adaptive learning]] into its academic platform.<ref>[[Trip Gabriel|Gabriel, Trip]] (August 2, 2011). [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/technology/apollo-group-to-buy-maker-of-online-math-courses.html "Apollo Group to Buy Maker of Math Courses"]. ''The New York Times''.</ref> Controversies concerned its marketing and recruitment practices, instructional hours, its status as one of the top recipients of student aid, and a student body carrying the most [[student debt]] of any college.<ref name="USAToday07022013">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/02/college-default-rates-higher-than-grad-rates/2480295/|title=College default rates higher than grad rates|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=April 27, 2015|first=Mary Beth|last=Marklein|date=July 2, 2013}}</ref>

In 2013, the Department of Defense ended its contract with the University of Phoenix for military bases in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jennifer H. Svan |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/dod-renews-contracts-with-four-schools-drops-university-of-phoenix-1.230806 |title=DOD renews contracts with four schools, drops University of Phoenix |website=Stripes.com |access-date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> U.S. military commanders at [[Fort Campbell]], Kentucky, allowed UoPX representatives to advertise and place promotional materials in high-traffic areas. Access was provided in exchange for the university funding events on army bases, including Easter egg hunts and welcome briefings for newly assigned soldiers.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://revealnews.org/blog/university-of-phoenix-gained-special-access-to-military-base-for-a-price/ |title=University Of Phoenix Gained Special Access To A Military Base – For A Price|first=Aaron |last=Glantz|date=September 8, 2017|website=revealnews.org}}</ref>

Murphy wrote in ''Mission Forsaken'' (2013) about the school's degeneration from a provider of working adult continuing education programs to a money making machine whose sole criterion for admission was eligibility for federally funded student loans.<ref name=Murphy/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2015/4/25/20563390/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-university-of-phoenix/|title=The rise and fall of the University of Phoenix|first=Eric|last=Schulzke|date=April 25, 2015|website=DeseretNews.com|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref>

In May 2013, the university's accreditation status was placed on "notice" for a period of two years (with allowed retention of their regional accreditation) by the HLC, due to "insufficient autonomy relative to its parent corporation". The HLC Institutional Actions Council First Committee (IACFC) concerns centered on the university's governance, student assessment, and faculty scholarship in relation to Ph.D. programs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonzales|first=Angela|title=Accreditation threatened at Apollo Group's University of Phoenix, Western International University|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2013/02/25/accreditation-threatened-at-apollo.html?ana=yfcpc&page=1|access-date=January 15, 2015|newspaper=Phoenix Business Journal|date=February 25, 2013}}</ref> In June 2015, the HLC determined that the University of Phoenix had resolved those concerns.<ref>{{cite news|title=Accreditor Removes U of Phoenix from 'Notice' Sanction|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/07/10/accreditor-removes-u-phoenix-notice-sanction|access-date=December 1, 2015|work=Inside Higher Ed|date=July 10, 2015}}</ref>

In 2014 the Department of Education's [[Office of the Inspector General]] demanded records from the school and Apollo Group going back to 2007 "related to marketing, recruitment, enrollment, financial aid, fraud prevention, [and] student retention".<ref name=DOEInvestigation>{{cite news
  |first=John
  |last= Lauerman
  |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-01/apollo-profit-beats-estimates-as-student-enrollment-drops.html
  |title=Apollo Falls as Education Department Demands Records
  |work=[[Bloomberg News]]
  |date=April 2, 2014
  |access-date=May 1, 2014
}}</ref> In the same year, Arthur Green, a former UoPX enrollment advisor, sued the school and claimed that it had violated the US [[False Claims Act]]. According to Green, he was fired for uncovering billions of dollars in fraud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trexler |first=Phil |title=Investigator {{!}} Ex-recruiter alleges fraud at Univ. of Phoenix |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/investigations/investigator-ex-recruiter-alleges-fraud-at-univ-of-phoenix/95-408709614 |website=wkyc.com |date=February 15, 2017 |access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Angela |title=Whistler-blower lawsuit against University of Phoenix unsealed in district court |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/blog/business/2016/03/whistlerblower-lawsuit-against-university-of.html |website=bizjournals.com |access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref> Five years later, the case was dismissed in 2019 after the US Department of Justice under [[William Barr]] decided not to take the case and the records were sealed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Serino |first=Danielle |title=University of Phoenix pays one of the largest school settlements in history |url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/education/university-of-phoenix-pays-one-of-the-largest-school-settlements-in-history/95-e0b49bc7-cc85-4c28-bac1-a3a566e07ac6 |website=newscentermaine.com |date=September 26, 2020 |access-date=17 December 2020}}</ref>

In 2014, UoPX partnered with 47 [[historically black colleges and universities]] to offer UoPX classes that transfer to these institutions.<ref name=CHE11142014>{{cite news |author=Eric Kelderman  |title=U. of Phoenix and Thurgood Marshall Fund Announce Partnership |work=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |date=November 14, 2014 |url=http://chronicle.com/article/U-of-PhoenixThurgood/150043 |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref> 142,500 students enrolled on August 31, 2016,<ref name="sec.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/929887/000092988716000225/apol-aug31201610k.htm|title=Document|website=Sec.gov}}</ref> and 119,938 during the 2016–17 school year.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} During this time, the university continued to spend tens of millions of dollars on marketing and advertising, including $27 million on internet paid search advertising.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leichenko |first=Jim |title=University of Phoenix Leads Online Education Advertisers in Paid Search |url=https://www.kantarmedia.com/us/thinking-and-resources/blog/adg-university-of-phoenix-leads-online-education-advertisers-in-paid-search |website=www.kantarmedia.com |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref> The [[Brookings Institution]] reported that UoPX spent $76 million on advertising in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Riegg Cellini |first1=Stephanie |last2=Chaudhary |first2=Latika Chaudhary |title=Commercials for college? Advertising in higher education |url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/commercials-for-college-advertising-in-higher-education/ |website=www.brookings.edu |date=May 19, 2020 |publisher=Brookings Institution |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>

From 2009 to 2015, the University of Phoenix received an estimated $1.2 billion of federal money issued through the G.I. Bill. The university enrolled almost 50,000 such students in 2014, twice as many as any other institution.<ref>William M. Arkin and Alexa O'Brien, "[https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-most-militarized-universities-in-america-a-vice-news-investigation/ The Top 100 Most Militarized Universities in America] " Vice News, November 6, 2015</ref>

In October 2015, the [[U.S. Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] suspended the school's ability to recruit on U.S. military bases and receive federal funding for educating members of the U.S. military.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/10/09/why-the-defense-department-is-kicking-the-university-of-phoenix-off-military-bases/ |title=Why the Defense Department is kicking the University of Phoenix off military bases |first=Danielle |last=Douglas-Gabriel |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015}}</ref> After protest from senators [[John McCain]], [[Jeff Flake]], and [[Lamar Alexander]], the suspension was lifted in January 2016.<ref>{{cite news
| last         = Hansen
| first        = Ronald J.
| date         = October 26, 2015
| title        = McCain, Flake urge review of U of Phoenix military base ban
| url          = http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2015/10/26/university-of-phoenix-military-bases-ban-john-mccain-jeff-flake-reconsider-request/74649964/
| newspaper    = [[The Arizona Republic]]
| location     = Phoenix, Arizona
| access-date  = January 18, 2016
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2016/01/18/pentagon-lifts-probation-u-phoenix |title=Pentagon Lifts Probation of U of Phoenix  |publisher=[[Inside Higher Ed]] |date=January 18, 2016 |access-date=February 11, 2016}}</ref>

The [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) began investigating the university in 2015 in regard to an advertising campaign it ran from 2012 to 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/29/pf/college/university-of-phoenix-investigation/index.html|title=University of Phoenix is the latest college under investigation|first=Katie|last=Lobosco|date=July 29, 2015|website=[[CNN Money]]|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43449150/univ_phoenix_settles_ftc_complaint_pg1/|title=University of Phoenix settles FTC complaint|last=Leingang|first=Rachel|date=December 19, 2019|work=Arizona Business Gazette|publisher=Media West|agency=USA Today Network|issue=51|volume=139|pages=1, 12|via=Newspapers.com}}  Note: [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43449218/univ_phoenix_settles_ftc_complaint_pg12/ here is a link to the page 12 segment of the article.]</ref>  On December 10, 2019, UoPX agreed to pay a settlement of $191 million related to charges that it recruited students using [[False advertising|misleading advertisements]].<ref name=":1" />  [[NPR]] reported the amount included $50 million in cash (which was later distributed as checks to more than 100,000 former students),<ref>{{cite web |last=Swaminathan |first=Aarthi |title=147,000 University of Phoenix students are being sent direct payments in deceptive advertising settlement |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/university-of-phoenix-deceptive-advertising-settlement-180301163.html |website=finance.yahoo.com |date=March 24, 2021 |publisher=Yahoo Finance |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix Settlement Payments |url=https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/university-phoenix-settlement-payments |website=FTC.gov |access-date=30 July 2023 |date=July 2023}}</ref> as well as a $141 million cancellation in [[student debt]], though the cancellations "won't affect student borrowers' obligations for federal or private loans".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/12/10/786738760/university-of-phoenix-reaches-191-million-settlement-with-ftc-including-debt-rel|title=University Of Phoenix Reaches $191 Million Settlement With FTC, Including Debt Relief|last=Chappell|first=Bill|date=December 10, 2019|work=[[NPR]]|access-date=December 11, 2019}}</ref>  The institution admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement, which was at the time the largest FTC settlement against a for-profit school.<ref name=":1" />

In 2015, MarketWatch reported that UoPX students owed more than $35 billion in [[student loan debt]], the most of any US college at the time.<ref name=MW09112015>{{cite news | author=Catey Hill | title=Student-loan crisis: 10 colleges where students owe the most | work=MarketWatch | date=September 11, 2015 | url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-colleges-where-students-owe-the-most-2015-09-11?page=2 | access-date= July 14, 2016}}</ref>

In 2016, the University of Phoenix partnered with the [[ASIS International|ASIS]] Foundation to provide scholarships for students studying for security-related degrees. In March 2016, the first ten scholarship recipients were announced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://highereducationtribune.com/stories/510703345-university-of-phoenix-students-receive-scholarships-for-security-professionals|title=University of Phoenix students receive scholarships for security professionals|date=March 31, 2016|website=Higher Education Tribune|access-date=April 13, 2016}}</ref> The University of Phoenix also has community partnerships with [[Boys and Girls Clubs of America]], the American Red Cross, and the Junior League.<ref>{{cite web |title=Community partnerships and sponsorships |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/corporate-social-responsibility/community-partnerships-and-sponsorships.html |website=University of Phoenix |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=July 2022}}

In 2016, Apollo Education Group shareholders filed a class-action lawsuit against the corporation, arguing that it withheld information leading to large losses in stock prices. Several of the allegations related to UoPX's recruiting of military personnel and veterans.<ref name="PBJ031816">{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Angela |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/03/18/shareholders-file-class-action-lawsuit-against.html |title=Shareholders file class-action lawsuit against University of Phoenix parent |date=March 18, 2016 | work =[[Phoenix Business Journal]] |access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref><ref name="LomingkitVApollo">{{cite court|litigants=Rameses Te Lomingkit vs. Apollo Education Group, Inc. |opinion=Case Number: 2:16-cv-00689-JZ |court=U.S. District Court, District of Arizona |date=March 14, 2016 |url=http://securities.stanford.edu/filings-documents/1057/AEGI00_03/2016314_f01c_16CV00689.pdf |access-date=April 16, 2016}}</ref>

Between 2010 and 2016, enrollment declined by more than 70 percent<ref name=Yahoo04072016>{{cite news |title=Form 10-Q for Apollo Education Group Inc. |date=April 7, 2016 |publisher=[[Yahoo]] |url =https://biz.yahoo.com/e/160407/apol10-q.html |access-date =July 14, 2016}}</ref> amid multiple investigations, lawsuits, and controversies.<ref>Lewin, Tamar (August 9, 2011). [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/education/09forprofit.html "Education Management Corporation Accused of Widespread Fraud"].  ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref><ref name="NYTimes06092016">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2016/06/09/should-for-profit-colleges-be-able-to-benefit-from-the-gi-bill/for-profits-have-incentives-to-misuse-federal-money |title=For-Profits Have Incentives to Misuse Federal Money |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |access-date=July 14, 2016 |author=Robert Shireman |date=June 9, 2016}}</ref><ref name=NYT020816 /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTgZR5RVeFA|title=ABC Investigates For-Profit Educators|publisher=ABC News|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=March 22, 2019|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/profit-education-abc-news-undercover-investigate-recruiters-university/story?id=11411379|title=ABC News Investigates For-Profit Education: Recruiters at the University of Phoenix|date=January 28, 2011|work=ABC News|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref>

=== Ownership by Apollo Global Management (2016–2025)===

In February 2016, Apollo Group announced its sale to a private investment group comprising [[Apollo Global Management]], the Vistria Group, and the [[Jahm Najafi|Najafi Companies]], for $1 billion. Former [[United States Department of Education|U.S. Department of Education]] deputy secretary [[Anthony W. Miller]], partner and chief operating officer of Vistria, became chairman.<ref name=USAToday020816>{{cite news|last=Bomey |first=Nathan |title=University of Phoenix to be sold amid shrinking enrollment |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/02/08/apollo-education-najafi-companies-vistria-group/79997402/ |access-date=February 10, 2016 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> The sale was approved by both the Department of Education and the [[Higher Learning Commission]] (HLC).<ref name=NYT020816>{{cite news|last1=Cohen |first1=Patricia |last2=Bray |first2=Chad |title=University of Phoenix Owner, Apollo Education Group, Will Be Taken Private |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/business/dealbook/apollo-education-group-university-of-phoenix-owner-to-be-taken-private.html |access-date=February 10, 2016 |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |date=February 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Politico 2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/former-obama-insiders-seek-administrations-blessing-of-for-profit-college-takeover-224917|title=Bid to buy for-profit college by former Obama insiders raises questions|first1=Michael |last1=Stratford|first2=Kimberly|last2=Hefling|website=Politi.co|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/business/dealbook/apollo-education-group-university-of-phoenix-owner-to-be-taken-private.html|title=University of Phoenix Owner, Apollo Education Group, Will Be Taken Private|first1=Patricia|last1=Cohen |first2=Chad|last2=Bray|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2019|website=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/02/09/apollos-new-owners-seek-fresh-start-beleaguered-company|title=Apollo's new owners to seek fresh start for beleaguered company|website=Insidehighered.com|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apollo-education-m-a-apollo-global-idUSKCN0UQ23W20160112|title=Apollo teams with Washington insider for education deal: sources|date=January 12, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2019|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> In December 2016, the U.S. Department of Education approved of the sale of Apollo Education Group to Apollo Global Management. The company provided a letter of credit for up to $385 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/12/07/education-department-places-hefty-conditions-on-university-of-phoenix-sale/|title=Education Department places hefty conditions on University of Phoenix sale|first=Danielle|last=Douglas-Gabriel|date=December 7, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> In February 2017, after the takeover by Apollo Global Management, UoPX laid off 170 full-time faculty members.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gonzales |first=Angela |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/02/13/university-of-phoenix-laying-off-full-time-faculty.html |title=University of Phoenix laying off full-time faculty; 170 could be impacted | work = [[Phoenix Business Journal]] |date= February 13, 2017 |access-date= February 14, 2017}}</ref> According to the 2019 academic report, degreed enrollment was 87,400.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Academic Annual Report |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/publications/academic-annual-report.html |publisher=University of Phoenix |access-date=2 February 2021}}</ref>

In March 2020, the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs|U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs]] (VA) announced that they had suspended certification for [[G.I. Bill]] funds for new students at UoPX, citing a history of deceptive recruiting practices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/va-to-suspend-some-gi-bill-enrollments-holding-back-more-than-200-million-from-deceptive-universities-1.621827|title=VA to suspend some GI Bill enrollments, holding back more than $200 million from 'deceptive' universities|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gresik |first1=Dylan |last2=Shane III |first2=Leo |title=VA suspends GI Bill certifications for five universities over deceptive enrollment practices |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/2020/03/09/va-suspends-certifications-for-five-universities-over-deceptive-enrollment-practices/ |website=militarytimes.com |date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> The VA withdrew its threat of sanctions in July 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Douglas-Gabriel|first=Danielle|date=July 2, 2020|title=VA backs down from plan to suspend University of Phoenix and other colleges from accessing GI Bill benefits|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/07/02/va-backs-down-plan-suspend-university-phoenix-other-colleges-accessing-gi-bill-benefits/|access-date=2020-07-03|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en}}</ref> The same year, UoPX received $6.5 million in [[CARES Act]] funding<ref>{{cite web |title=CARES Act / HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/uopx/doc/news/CARES-Act-HEERF-Reporting.pdf |website=www.phoenix.edu |publisher=University of Phoenix |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=June 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606132121/https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/uopx/doc/news/CARES-Act-HEERF-Reporting.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and $7.4 million in the second round of COVID-19 relief funds.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seltzer |first=Rick |title=Search to find how much funding your college or university will receive in the new round of COVID-19 funding |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/01/18/search-find-how-much-funding-your-college-or-university-will-receive-new-round-covid |website=Inside Higher}}</ref> In 2020, UoPX began experimenting with micro-campuses, giving the centers a "[[WeWork]] vibe".<ref>{{cite web |last=Blumenstyk |first=Goldie |title=Coming Soon to a Storefront by You: A Microcampus for Online Learners |url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/coming-soon-to-a-storefront-by-you-a-microcampus-for-online-learners/ |website=Chronicle of Higher Education |date=May 3, 2019 |access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref>

In 2021, Bloomberg reported that Apollo's higher education investment had gained about 50 percent in value: from its $634 million initial investment to $956 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sabrina |first=Willmer |title=Apollo Doubles Its Money in $1 Billion Bet on Tarnished Colleges |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-20/apollo-global-management-s-university-of-phoenix-acquisition-four-years-later |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=May 20, 2021 |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref> UoPX also received $3.4 million in aid through the [[American Rescue Plan]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gravely |first1=Alexis |last2=Seltzer |first2=Rick |title=How Much Pandemic Support Is Coming, Part 3 |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/05/12/feds-detail-36-billion-pandemic-relief-colleges |website=/www.insidehighered.com |publisher=Inside Higher Education |access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref>

In 2021, UoPX continued to close campuses, including Atlanta and Salt Lake City.<ref>{{cite web |title=CLOSED SCHOOL MONTHLY REPORT |url=https://www2.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/PEPS/docs/jun21sec1.pdf |publisher=US Department of Education (Federal Student Aid) |access-date=14 July 2021}}</ref> The Phoenix, Arizona campus was the only location accepting new in-person students.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/campus-locations.html|title=Visit University of Phoenix - Phoenix Main Campus}}</ref> UoPX would later announce that only one campus would remain open in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Steele |first=David |title=One University of Phoenix Campus Left After 2025 |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2022/04/25/one-university-phoenix-campus-left-after-2025 |website=www.insidehighered.com |publisher=Inside Higher Education |access-date=27 April 2022}}</ref>

In 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed by over 200,000 [[Student loans in the United States|student borrowers]] due to allegations of fraud. The University of Phoenix was among 153 institutions named in the case. The lawsuit was supported by the Project on Predatory Student Lending, part of the Legal Services Center at [[Harvard Law School]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Wermund |first=Benjamin |title=New lawsuit targets Trump administration for stalling on borrower defense claims |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-education/2019/06/25/new-lawsuit-targets-trump-administration-for-stalling-on-borrower-defense-claims-450427 |website=[[Politico]] |date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> A settlement was approved in August 2022, stating that the schools on the list were included because of "substantial misconduct, whether credibly alleged or in some instances proven."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62d6e418e8d8517940207135/t/62e2e45a915c367b4086d7b0/1659036762506/288+Govt+Consol+Opposition+to+Motions+to+Intervene+w+Decl+of+Ben+Miller.pdf|title=Government's Consolidated Opposition to Motions to Intervene|access-date=2023-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Turner|first1= Cory|last2= Carrillo|first2= Sequoia|last3= Salhotra|first3= Pooja|date= 2022-08-05|title= 200k student borrowers are closer to getting their loans erased after judge's ruling|url= https://www.npr.org/2022/07/21/1112554478/student-loan-forgiveness-borrower-defense|publisher= National Public Radio|access-date= 2023-04-15}}</ref> In April 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the settlement and allowed the debt cancellation to proceed.<ref>{{cite news |last= Hurley|first= Lawrence|date= 2023-04-13|title= Supreme Court allows $6 billion student loan debt settlement|url= https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/13/supreme-court-allows-6-billion-student-loan-debt-settlement.html|publisher= NBC News|access-date= 2023-04-15}}</ref>

On September 20, 2023, the [[Presidency of Joe Biden|Biden administration]] canceled nearly $37 million of federal student loan debt for more than 1,200 borrowers who were enrolled at the University of Phoenix between September 21, 2012, and December 31, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lobosco |first=Katie |title=Biden cancels $37 million in student loan debt for former University of Phoenix students |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/20/politics/university-of-phoenix-student-loan-forgiveness/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=21 September 2023 |date=20 September 2023}}</ref>

In April 2024, the University of Phoenix and California Attorney General [[Rob Bonta]] resolved an investigation into UoPX's use of military student recruitment tactics from 2012 through 2015 via settlement, where the university agreed to pay out $4.5 million in penalties and other fees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Attorney General Bonta Announces $4.5 Million Settlement with University of Phoenix for Unlawful Military Student Recruitment Tactics |url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-45-million-settlement-university-phoenix |publisher=State of California - Department of Justice |format=Press Release |date=25 April 2024}}</ref>

===Phoenix Education Partners, IPO (2025–present)===
On August 29, 2025, AP VIII Queso Holdings LP, the new parent company of the University of Phoenix, filed for an initial public offering. The company announced that its name would change to Phoenix Education Partners Inc. before the closing of the offering. The entity began to be traded under the ticker symbol PXED. Phoenix Education Partners received backing from Apollo Global Management.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lipschultz |first=Bailey |title=University of Phoenix Files for IPO After Dropping Planned Sale |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-29/university-of-phoenix-files-for-ipo-after-dropping-planned-sale |work=Bloomberg |date=29 August 2025}}</ref><ref name=PEP>{{cite news |last=Kannagi Basil |first=Arasu |title=Apollo-backed Phoenix Education Partners files for US IPO |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/apollo-backed-phoenix-education-partners-files-us-ipo-2025-08-29/ |work=Reuters |date=29 August 2025}}</ref><ref name=IPOorsale>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Gillian |title=Apollo, Vistria Weigh IPO or Sale of University of Phoenix |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-06/apollo-vistria-weigh-ipo-or-sale-of-the-university-of-phoenix |website=www.bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=9 March 2025}}</ref> 

Prior to its IPO, multiple acquisition proposals were made for the University of Phoenix since 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hale-Shelton |first=Debra |title=Foreign bank reportedly involved in proposed purchase of Phoenix university by UA System affiliate |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/02/06/foreign-bank-reportedly-involved-in-proposed-purchase-of-phoenix-university-by-ua-system-affiliate |website=arktimes.com |date=February 6, 2023 |publisher=Arkansas Times |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref> including those by [[Tuskegee University]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=McIntosh |first1=Scott |title=Arkansas, Idaho were not first schools to work on buying the University of Phoenix |url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/from-the-opinion-editor/article286556000.html |publisher=Idaho Statesman |access-date=14 November 2024}}</ref> [[University of Massachusetts Global|UMass Global]], the [[University of Arkansas System]],{{refn|name="Arkansas"|<ref>{{cite web |last=Hale-Shelton |first=Debra |title=UPDATE: Mission Leap: U of A's flirtation with buying an online university was ill-fated — and shrouded in secrecy |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/05/29/mission-leap-u-of-as-flirtation-with-buying-an-online-university-was-ill-fated-and-shrouded-in-secrecy |website=arktimes.com |date=May 29, 2023 |publisher=Arkansas Times |access-date=12 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Newton |first=Derek |title=University Of Arkansas May Acquire For-Profit University Of Phoenix - Which Is Good News |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereknewton/2023/01/30/university-of-arkansas-may-acquire-for-profit-university-of-phoenixwhich-is-good-news/?sh=2bf770dd166c |work=Forbes |access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=D'Agostino |first=Susan |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Will University of Arkansas System Buy University of Phoenix? |work=Inside Higher Ed |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/01/26/report-u-arkansas-system-may-buy-university-phoenix |access-date=January 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hale-Shelton |first=Debra |title=Nonprofit formed in August would buy University of Phoenix for UA System; board chairman concerned about plan - Arkansas Times |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/02/01/nonprofit-formed-in-august-would-buy-university-of-phoenix-for-ua-system-board-chairman-concerned-about-plan |website=arktimes.com |date=February 2023 |publisher=Arkansas Times |access-date=5 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale-Shelton |first=Debra |date=2023-02-06 |title=Foreign bank reportedly involved in proposed purchase of Phoenix university by UA System affiliate |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/02/06/foreign-bank-reportedly-involved-in-proposed-purchase-of-phoenix-university-by-ua-system-affiliate |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=Arkansas Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hale-Shelton |first=Debra |title=Stephens Inc. could make more than a million if UA System's Phoenix effort succeeds - Arkansas Times |url=https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/02/08/stephens-inc-could-make-more-than-a-million-if-ua-systems-phoenix-effort-succeeds |website=arktimes.com |date=February 8, 2023 |publisher=Arkansas Times |access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Douglas Gabriel |first=Danielle |title=A potential deal to buy University of Phoenix draws scrutiny in Arkansas |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/03/31/university-phoenix-arkansas-deal-draws-scrutiny/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Douglas Gabriel |first=Danielle |title=University of Arkansas System board votes against University of Phoenix deal |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/university-of-arkansas-system-board-votes-against-university-of-phoenix-deal/ar-AA1ai4aU |website=msn.com |publisher=Washington Post |access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref>}} and the [[University of Idaho]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kevin |first=Richert |title=Green says the U of I outbid multiple suitors for the University of Phoenix |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/green-says-the-u-of-i-outbid-multiple-suitors-for-the-university-of-phoenix/ |website=idahoednews.org |date=24 January 2024}}</ref> The University of Idaho initially announced a deal worth $685 million to acquire the University of Phoenix in May 2023.{{refn|name="Idaho"|<ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=Analysis: What we know about the Phoenix sweepstakes, despite the U of I's silence |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/analysis-what-we-know-about-the-phoenix-sweepstakes-despite-the-u-of-is-silence/ |website=www.idahoednews.org |date=July 27, 2023 |publisher=Idaho Ed News |access-date=2 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-15 |title=NewU vs. NewU: U of I in branding dispute after University of Phoenix purchase |url=https://www.eastidahonews.com/2023/07/newu-vs-newu-u-of-i-in-branding-dispute-after-university-of-phoenix-purchase/ |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=East Idaho News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=University of Idaho-Phoenix megadeal clears a key regulatory hurdle. Where it stands now |url=https://spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/18/university-of-idaho-phoenix-megadeal-clears-a-key-/ |website=spokesman.com |date=18 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=U of I accreditors complete review of Phoenix purchase |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/news/u-of-i-accreditors-complete-review-of-phoenix-purchase/ |website=idahoednews.org |date=14 February 2024}}</ref>}} Idaho Attorney General [[Raúl Labrador]] sued the [[Idaho State Department of Education#Idaho State Board of Education|Idaho State Board of Education]], due to alleged violations of Idaho's Open Meetings Law, pausing the acquisition. The lawsuit was first dismissed and later appealed, continuing until the case was eventually dropped due to the decision to abandon the purchase in June 2025.{{refn|name="LabradorLawsuit"|<ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=Labrador lawsuit challenges closed-door, U of I-Phoenix purchase discussions |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/labrador-lawsuit-challenges-closed-door-u-of-i-phoenix-purchase-discussions/ |website=idahoednews.org |date=June 23, 2023 |publisher=Idaho Education News |access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jaschik |first=Scott |title=Idaho Legislators Question Plan to Purchase U of Phoenix |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/06/20/legislators-question-plan-purchase-u-phoenix |website=insidehighered.com |publisher=Inside Higher Education |access-date=22 June 2023}}</ref><ref name=LawsuitUoI1>{{cite web |last=Palermo |first=Angela |title=State school board considers Labrador lawsuit over U of Idaho-Phoenix deal, decides this |url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/education/article277094873.html |publisher=Idaho Statesman |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230823204804/https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/education/article277094873.html |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |date=August 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=State Board steps up legal battle with Labrador |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/state-policy/state-board-steps-up-legal-battle-with-labrador/ |website=idahoednews.org |date=June 30, 2023 |publisher=Idaho Ed News |access-date=26 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Freeman |first=Matt |title=Letter to the Office of the Attorney General |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Labrador-v.-ISBE-CV01-23-09996_notice-of-private-counsel.pdf |publisher=Idaho Education News |date=June 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=See you in court: Open meetings lawsuit will head to trial |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/11/13/see-you-in-court-open-meetings-lawsuit-will-head-to-trial/ |website=idahocapitalsun.com |date=November 13, 2023 |publisher=Idaho Capital Sun |access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=State Board lawsuit takes another twist |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/kevins-blog/state-board-lawsuit-takes-another-twist/ |website=www.idahoednews.org |date=November 28, 2023 |publisher=Idaho Ed News |access-date=30 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=High-stakes trial opens, challenging U of I-Phoenix purchase |url=https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/education/2024-01-23/high-stakes-trial-opens-challenging-u-of-i-phoenix-purchase |website=Boise State Public Radio |date=23 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sinco Kelleher |first=Jennifer |title=Idaho ruling helps clear the way for a controversial University of Phoenix acquisition |url=https://apnews.com/article/idaho-university-of-phoenix-acquisition-323c3760e773e127dc77aafcbd136614 |publisher=AP News |date=31 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=Idaho A.G.'s Supreme Court appeal could obstruct University of Phoenix purchase |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/02/20/idaho-a-g-s-supreme-court-appeal-could-obstruct-university-of-phoenix-purchase/ |website=idahocapitalsun.com |date=February 20, 2024 |publisher=Idaho Capital Sun |access-date=24 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Clouse |first=Thomas |title=Idaho Supreme Court to hear case involving University of Phoenix purchase |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/mar/04/idaho-supreme-court-to-hear-case-involving-univers/ |publisher=The Spokesman-Review |date=4 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=Idaho Supreme Court sides with Attorney General Labrador on University of Phoenix lawsuit |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/12/05/idaho-supreme-court-sides-with-attorney-general-labrador-on-university-of-phoenix-lawsuit/ |work=Idaho Capital Sun |date=5 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Richert |first1=Kevin |last2=Suppe |first2=Ryan |title=Idaho House votes to slow University of Phoenix purchase |url=https://idahocapitalsun.com/2024/03/05/idaho-house-votes-to-slow-university-of-phoenix-purchase/ |website=idahocapitalsun.com |date=March 5, 2024 |publisher=Idaho Capital Sun |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Guido |first=Laura |title=Senate committee approves bill that restructures University of Phoenix deal |url=https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/senate-committee-approves-bill-that-restructures-university-of-phoenix-deal/article_ac4186e6-eb96-11ee-abd4-93e90ed938cb.html |publisher=Idaho Press |date=26 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Suppe |first1=Ryan |last2=Richert |first2=Kevin |title=Statehouse roundup, 3.27.24: Senate kills Phoenix bill, throwing purchase into jeopardy |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/statehouse-roundup-3-27-24-republicans-fail-to-slash-university-budgets-over-dei-concerns/ |website=www.idahoednews.org |date=March 27, 2024 |publisher=Idaho Ed News |access-date=28 March 2024}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Palermo |first=Angela |title=Idaho AG drops ‘transparency’ lawsuit over University of Phoenix deal |url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article308958260.html |work=Idaho Statesman |date=18 June 2025}}</ref> The University of Phoenix reimbursed the University of Idaho for legal fees related to exploring the purchase and paid an additional $15 million to the school for seeking an IPO.<ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title=With U of I deal in limbo, Phoenix seeks to talk to other buyers |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/with-u-of-i-deal-in-limbo-phoenix-seeks-to-talk-to-other-buyers/ |publisher=Idaho Education News |date=28 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Richert |first=Kevin |title='We hope to keep them interested:' U of I gets more time to negotiate a Phoenix deal |url=https://www.idahoednews.org/features/university-of-phoenix/we-hope-to-keep-them-interested-u-of-i-gets-more-time-to-negotiate-a-phoenix-deal/ |publisher=Idaho Education News |date=28 June 2024}}</ref>

Through its IPO, Phoenix Education raised $136 million, giving the university a market value of $1.48 billion. The offering was [[Initial public offering#Allocation and pricing|oversubscribed]], with demand reaching roughly ten times the supply of available shares. Additionally, Phoenix's IPO was among the last to receive [[United States Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] approval prior to the [[2025 United States federal government shutdown]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kniazhevich |first=Natalia |title=University of Phoenix Owner Jumps 30% After $136 Million IPO |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-09/university-of-phoenix-owner-jumps-30-after-136-million-ipo |work=Bloomberg |date=9 October 2025}}</ref>

==Academics==
UoPX has an [[open admissions]] policy by which most of its undergraduate programs are accessible to anyone with a high school diploma, GED, or their equivalent. According to the US Department of Education's College Navigator, the current student to teacher ratio at the University of Phoenix is 132 to 1.<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+phoenix&s=all&id=484613 |website=nces.ed.gov |publisher=US Department of Education |access-date=9 March 2025}}</ref> Additionally, according to the university's 2023 annual academic report, more than 78% of its students are employed while attending the school.<ref name=IPOorsale/>

Prior to 2010, the university recruited students using high-pressure sales tactics, including assertions that classes were filling fast,<ref name="finaid">{{cite news|last=Blumenstyk |first=Goldie |url=http://chronicle.com/article/U-of-Phoenix-Uses-Pressure-in/31712 |title=U. of Phoenix Uses Pressure in Recruiting, Report Says – Archives – The Chronicle of Higher Education |newspaper=[[Chronicle of Higher Education]] |date=October 8, 2004 |access-date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> by admissions counselors who are paid, in part, based on their success in recruiting students.<ref name=reason/> The university recruits students and obtains financial aid on their behalf,<ref name=finaid/> such as the [[Academic Competitiveness Grant]], [[Federal Pell Grant]], [[National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)]], [[Federal Direct Student Loan Program]], [[Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant]], Federal Direct [[PLUS Loan]]s, [[Federal Perkins Loan]], and the [[Wounded Warrior Project]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/financial_options/federal_financial_aid.html |title=Federal Financial Aid Plan – University of Phoenix |website=Phoenix.edu |access-date=October 5, 2013}}</ref> In the 2017–18 award year, 51,990 UoPX received the Federal Pell Grant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.ed.gov/finaid/prof/resources/data/pell-institution.html|title=Distribution of Federal Pell Grant Program Funds by Institution and Award Year|date=2020-02-26|website=www2.ed.gov|language=en|access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref>

Besides postsecondary degree-level programs, the school offers [[continuing education]] courses for teachers and practitioners, [[professional development]] courses for companies, and specialized courses of study for military personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phoenix.edu/online_and_campus_programs/online_and_campus_programs.aspx |title=UoP Online and Campus Programs |access-date= May 4, 2008| publisher = University of Phoenix}}</ref> Students spend 20 to 24 hours with an instructor during each course, and are required to collaborate on learning team projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/student_experience/learning-teams.html |title=Learning Teams – University of Phoenix |publisher=University of Phoenix |access-date= September 3, 2010}}</ref>

Students have access to class-specific online resources, which include an electronic library of textbooks and other course materials. Some academics and former students argue the abbreviated courses and the use of learning teams result in an inferior education.<ref name=Dillon021107>Dillon, Sam (February 11, 2007). [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html "Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits"]. ''The New York Times'', February 11, 2007.</ref><ref name="reason">{{cite web|author=Katherine Mangu-Ward, Katherine |url=http://www.reason.com/news/show/126856.html |title=Education for Profit – Why Is Everyone Flaming the University of Phoenix? | work = Reason |date= July 2008 |access-date= September 3, 2010}}</ref> UoPX has been criticized for lack of academic rigor; [[Henry Levin (economist)|Henry M. Levin]] called its [[Master of Business Administration|business degree]] an "MBA Lite", saying "I've looked at [its] course materials. It's a very low level of instruction."<ref name=Dillon021107/> The university's "corporate articulation agreements" provide an [[alternative assessment]] program for people working at other companies to earn college credit for training they have completed at their jobs. To qualify for college credit, students either write an "experiential essay" or create a professional training portfolio,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Corporate Articulation|url = http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/transfer_information/transfer_credit/corporate_articulation.html|website =Phoenix.edu|publisher = University of Phoenix|access-date = December 28, 2015}}</ref> the latter of which is a collection of documents such as transcripts from other schools, certificates, licenses, workshops or seminars.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Professional Training Portfolios|url = http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/prior_learning_assessment/professional-training-portfolios.html|website =Phoenix.edu|publisher = University of Phoenix|access-date = December 28, 2015}}</ref>

The University of Phoenix has been [[Regional accreditation|regionally accredited]] since 1978 by the HLC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investors.apollo.edu/phoenix.zhtml?c=79624&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTg5MjAxMzgmRFNFUT0wJlNFUT0wJlNRREVTQz1TRUNUSU9OX0VOVElSRSZzdWJzaWQ9NTc%3d |title=SEC Filings &#124; Apollo Group |website=Investors.apollo.edu |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019122255/http://investors.apollo.edu/phoenix.zhtml?c=79624&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTg5MjAxMzgmRFNFUT0wJlNFUT0wJlNRREVTQz1TRUNUSU9OX0VOVElSRSZzdWJzaWQ9NTc%3d |url-status=dead }}</ref> UoPX has 18 programs with business, healthcare, nursing, counseling and education having programmatic or specialized accreditation. Some individual colleges within the University of Phoenix hold [[Higher education accreditation in the United States#Specialized and professional accreditors|specialty accreditation]] or are pre-accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the [[Council for Higher Education Accreditation]].
* School of Business{{spaced ndash}} accreditation through the [[Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs]] (ACBSP) including an Associate of Arts with a concentration in accounting or business fundamentals, a Bachelor of Science in business, a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Management.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acbsp.org/index.php?mo=st&op=ld&sid=s1_025about&stpg=141 |title=Current ACBSP Educational Institution Members |website=Acbsp.org |access-date=September 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729150831/http://www.acbsp.org/index.php?mo=st&op=ld&sid=s1_025about&stpg=141 |archive-date=July 29, 2013  }}</ref> Because UoPX's business programs are not accredited by the [[Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business]] (AACSB), some companies will not provide tuition reimbursement for employees attending the university.<ref name=Dillon021107/><ref name="Gilbertson090606">Gilbertson, Dawn (December 5, 2006). [http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1205biz-intel1205side.html "Losing Intel a Blow to School"].  ''The Arizona Republic''.</ref><ref name=Woo020207>Stu Woo, [http://www.cael.org/pdf/publication_pdf/Chronicle_of_HigherEdArticle.pdf Intel Cuts 100 Colleges From Its Tuition-Reimbursement Program for Employees] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625055937/http://www.cael.org/pdf/publication_pdf/Chronicle_of_HigherEdArticle.pdf |date=June 25, 2008 }}, ''The Chronicle of Higher Education'', February 2, 2007.</ref><ref name="conaff">{{cite web|url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/univ_phoenix.html |title=''University of Phoenix Staggers Under Growing Criticism'', ConsumerAffairs.com, by Truman Lewis, February 11, 2007 |website=Consumeraffairs.com |access-date= September 3, 2010}}</ref>
* College of Education{{spaced ndash}} [[Master of Education|Master of Arts in Education]] for Elementary, Secondary and Special Education as well as a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision is accredited by the [[National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education|Teacher Education Accreditation Council]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teac.org/membership/teac-members/ |title=TEAC Members |publisher=Teacher Education Accreditation Council |access-date=January 6, 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328084534/http://www.teac.org/membership/teac-members/ |archive-date=March 28, 2014  }}</ref>
* College of Nursing{{spaced ndash}} B.S. and M.S. degree programs are accredited by the [[Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education]]. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination, which is required in order to become a practicing registered nurse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/rptAccreditedPrograms.asp?state=AZ&sFullName=Arizona|title=American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) > Home|website=Aacn.nche.edu}}</ref> Degrees in programs for medical, public health and health administration professionals are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education iMaster of Health Administration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/resilience-university-phoenix-students-faculty-211622978.html|title=A Year of Resilience: University of Phoenix Students, Faculty and Staff Rose to Meet the Challenges of 2020|date=December 30, 2021 |publisher=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref>
* College of Social Sciences{{spaced ndash}}The Master of Science in Counseling program in Community Counseling (Phoenix and Tucson campuses only), the Master of Science in Counseling program in Mental Health Counseling (Utah campuses only), and the Master of Science in Counseling program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Phoenix and Tucson campuses only) are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cacrep.org/directory-july2008.pdf |title=Directory of CACREP Accredited Programs |website=Cacrep.org |date=January 1, 1980 |access-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104004812/http://www.cacrep.org/directory-july2008.pdf |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

===Student demographics===
According to the [[College Scorecard]], the University of Phoenix student body's ethnic composition is 39 percent unknown, 26 percent white, 20 percent black, 11 percent Hispanic, 2 percent multiracial, with 1 percent each for Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander {{As of|2022|July|lc=y}}.<!-- Assuming percentages are rounded to the nearest unit, because totalling them equals 101%. --><ref name="University of Phoenix-Arizona">{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?484613-University-of-Phoenix-Arizona |access-date=July 20, 2019 |website=College Scorecard |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Education]]}}</ref> The 2020 Academic Annual Report for UoPX indicated women make up two-thirds of the student body, the average student age is 37, and more than 83 percent of its students are employed while in school.<ref name=2020report>{{cite web |title=2020 Academic Annual Report |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/publications/academic-annual-report.html |website=/www.phoenix.edu |publisher=University of Phoenix |access-date=15 November 2021}}</ref>  The 2020 report also noted that 21% of the student body were affiliated with the military, of which 41% are women. 26% of 2020 graduates were military-affiliated graduates.<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 University of Phoenix Academic Annual Report |url=https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/altcloud/doc/about_uopx/Academic-Annual-Report-Digital-2020.pdf |publisher=University of Phoenix |page=23 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203034506/https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/altcloud/doc/about_uopx/Academic-Annual-Report-Digital-2020.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2020–21, 1,316 students used Department of Defense Tuition Assistance and 7,380 students used G.I. Bill funds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+phoenix&s=all&pg=1&id=484613#service|title=College Navigator – University of Phoenix-Arizona|website=Nces.ed.gov|access-date=January 17, 2023}}</ref> The University of Phoenix has been a partner of [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] University and has had a presence at a few military bases.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Phoenix|url=http://www.apollo.edu/learning-platforms/university-of-phoenix|publisher=Apollo Education Group|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref>

===Student outcomes===
In 2016, a Brookings Institution study estimated the University of Phoenix's five-year [[student loan]] default rate at 47 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ConferenceDraft_LooneyYannelis_StudentLoanDefaults.pdf|title=A crisis in student loans? How changes in the characteristics of borrowers and in the institutions they attended contributed to rising loan defaults|author1=Adam Looney|author2=Constantine Yannelis|website=Brookings.edu|access-date=March 23, 2019}}</ref> The College Navigator lists the University of Phoenix's overall graduation rate at 15 percent.<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+phoenix&s=all&id=484613#outcome |website=College Navigator |publisher=US Department of Education |access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> According to the College Scorecard, of student debtors two years into repayment, 32 percent were in forbearance, 28 percent were not making progress, 13 percent were in deferment, 11 percent defaulted, 7 percent were making progress, 5 percent were delinquent, 2 percent were paid in full, and 1 percent were discharged.<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?484613-University-of-Phoenix-Arizona |website=College Scorecard |publisher=US Department of Education |access-date=30 January 2021}}</ref>

===Rankings===
UoPX was ranked 360th out of 438 schools in the 2024 ''[[Washington Monthly]]'' list of national universities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024-college-guide/national/ |website=[[Washington Monthly]] |title=2024 National University Rankings|access-date=24 June 2024}}</ref> The university is unranked in the 2025 edition of the ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' "National Universities".<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-phoenix-209885 |website=usnews.com |access-date=24 June 2025}}</ref>

==Ownership and leadership==
UoPX is a subsidiary of Phoenix Education Partners, which has received backing from Apollo Global Management and Vistria Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/economy/2017/02/06/university-phoenix-parent-apollo-education-starts-new-chapter-private-firm/97553824/|title=University of Phoenix parent Apollo Education starts new chapter as private firm|website=Azcentral.com|access-date=March 22, 2019}}</ref><ref name=PEP/> The president is Chris Lynne and the chief academic officer is John Woods.<ref name=Leadership>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/media-center/leadership.html|title=Leadership – University of Phoenix|website=www.phoenix.edu}}</ref> Lynne previously worked at [[Arthur Andersen]], [[Education Management Corporation]], [[Northcentral University]], and [[HotChalk]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Transcend Education Group |url=http://www.transcendedgroup.com/team-page/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802062220/http://www.transcendedgroup.com/team-page/ |access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=August 2, 2017 }}</ref> Woods has a PhD in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.<ref name=Leadership/>

===Faculty===
The institution depends almost entirely on [[contingent faculty]]: about 97 percent of Phoenix instructors teach part-time, compared to 47 percent nationwide. This reliance on part-time faculty has been criticized by regulators and academic critics. Most of the classes are centrally crafted and standardized to ensure consistency and to maximize profits. No faculty members get [[tenure]].<ref name=Dillon021107 /><ref name=reason/> Adjuncts earn approximately $1000–$2000 per course.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adjunct.chronicle.com/colleges/?search_term=university+of+phoenix+&entity=college|title=Search Results|work=Adjunct Project|access-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203214039/http://adjunct.chronicle.com/colleges/?search_term=university+of+phoenix+&entity=college|archive-date=February 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Approximately 21 cents of every tuition dollar is spent on instruction.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Much Education Are Students Getting for Their Tuition Dollar? |url=https://tcf.org/content/report/much-education-students-getting-tuition-dollar/?agreed=1 |website=tcf.org |date = February 28, 2019|publisher=The Century Foundation |access-date=July 20, 2019}}</ref>

According to the [[Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System]], the student to faculty ratio is 132 to 1 in the Arizona segment.<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Phoenix-Arizona |url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+phoenix&s=all&pg=1&id=484613 |website=College Navigator |publisher=US Department of Education |access-date=8 November 2020}}</ref> The university reported 76 full-time and 3,143 part-time faculty in its Arizona segment; full-time faculty make up 2 percent of the total faculty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+phoenix&s=AZ&id=484613#general|title=College Navigator – University of Phoenix-Arizona|website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Arizona}}
* [[List of University of Phoenix alumni]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|University of Phoenix}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [http://www.phoenix.edu Official website]
* [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/collegeinc/ "College, Inc."], [[PBS]] ''[[Frontline (American TV program)|Frontline]]'' documentary, May 4, 2010

{{UOPX}}
{{Apollo Group}}
{{Colleges and Universities in Arizona}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|33.402339|-111.966163|display=title|region:US_type:edu}}

[[Category:University of Phoenix| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1976]]
[[Category:For-profit universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in Arizona|University of Phoenix]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Arizona]]
[[Category:2023 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]