The University of Phoenix (UoPX) is a for-profit university founded in 1976 by John Sperling in Phoenix, Arizona, and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Originally established to provide evening education for working adults, the university expanded into online education in the 1990s and became the largest private university in the United States, enrolling more than 470,000 students at its peak in 2010. Today, the university serves approximately 111,000 students online and at learning centers across the country, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, nursing, healthcare, criminal justice, education, and information technology. The university maintains an open admissions policy with no competitive selection process, welcoming students of varying academic backgrounds. The University of Phoenix has faced significant regulatory scrutiny throughout its history, including a 191 million dollar settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in 2019 related to deceptive advertising practices and misleading students about military tuition benefits. Despite these challenges, the institution continues to serve a large population of working adult learners, military-affiliated students, and career changers seeking flexible online degree completion. The university operates without traditional campus life amenities such as dormitories, athletics programs, or student organizations, reflecting its focus on adult professional learners seeking career advancement.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
—
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$9,552
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $9,552
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
