This is a review of the University of Phoenix, which was started in 1976 in Phoenix, Arizona where it currently has both its Central Administration and the headquarters for its Online Campus. The Online Campus has 20 years of experience in online education, which it describes as proven to be as effective as traditional higher education instruction. UOP was founded by Dr. John Spelling, a Cambridge educated economist, professor and entrepreneur.
According to its literature, UOP is the largest for-profit private university in the United States, where it has 200 campus locations. UOP is also online in most countries around the world. The total student population is estimated at 500,000 students. It is accredited by the North Central Association. Students are offered associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Unbiased online degree reviews in 2011 by students at UOP resulted in average scores in six categories on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent), as follows:
Materials: 5.96
Teachers: 5.99
Institution: 5.30
Support: 5.26
Value: 4.77
Technology: 6.31
Although sometimes University of Phoenix students reveal negative feedback, it is not surprising that the most vocal, or in this case those posting the most comments, are the ones having negative comments. This is almost always the case within any one college or university. Many students complain about high costs. And some comments are from students without a passion for the subject and not putting forth 100 percent effort. However, noteworthy positive comments about the University of Phoenix included the following:
- I never had problems with my advisors or financial aid.
- If you actually read every material provided in the materials, read the syllabus from beginning to end as you are required, follow all directions, do the work, and turn it in on time, you might see that Axia is a real school in which what we learn and the benefits we get depend on the decisions we make as students.
- I have been a UOP student for a few years and absolutely love the online learning experience. If you have found yourself in a pickle it is your own doing. Log in every day, participate in the discussions, turn in assignments on time, and study hard. UOP requires effort and dedication to graduate. Quit complaining and get back on track. You have no one to blame except yourself.
Students from the University of Phoenix are typical of students from universities and colleges all across the country, whether they are online colleges or traditional colleges. Several student comments compare online with traditional schools. However, numbers of positive comments are made by students supporting an entire family and working a full-time job. For these students, the University of Phoenix provided an extremely convenient methodology for working toward a college degree. And despite the expense per course, the convenience is an extremely significant factor, i.e. studying at the computer while being home with children, monitoring the household and being there for the spouse.
If that sounds good to you, why not consider signing up for a few online courses? With little interference with your present routine at home or at work, you can make progress toward your own associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. And you will be the one determining your own study schedule and doing so at your own pace.
All comments are most welcome and encouraged. This is a continuing series of articles on reviewing and selecting the best online colleges. Do come back and visit us again soon!
