University of Phoenix#Accreditation

The University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 by John Sperling and John D. Murphy.{{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}}[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. In 1980, it expanded to San Jose, California, and launched its online program in 1989.{{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}} 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".{{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}}

In 1994, UoPX leaders made the parent company, Apollo Group, public. Its enrollment exceeded 100,000 students by 1999.{{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}}{{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}} Senator Tom Harkin, who chaired hearings on for-profit colleges, said, "I think what really turned this company is when they started going to Wall Street."{{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}} 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.{{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}} In 2007, The New York Times reported that the school's graduation rate had plummeted and that educational quality had eroded.{{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}}

In 2000, the federal government fined the university $6 million for including study-group meetings as instructional hours. In 2002, the Department of Education relaxed requirements on instructional hours.{{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}}

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. The university's parent company settled by paying the government $67.5 million, plus $11 million in legal fees, without admitting any wrongdoing.{{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}}{{cite news|title=For-Profit Educator to Pay $67.5 Million Settlement|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=December 15, 2009|page=B4}}

In 2004, the Department of Education alleged that UoPX violated Higher Education Act provisions that prohibit financial incentives to admission representatives, and pressured its recruiters to enroll students.{{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}} 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.[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[http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2004/09/13/daily18.html "University of Phoenix Receives Record Fine"] Austin Business Journal, September 14, 2004 The university also paid $3.5 million to the Department of Labor to settle a violation of overtime compensation regarding hours worked by UoPX's recruiters.[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[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. UoPX settled a false claims suit for $78.5 million in 2009 over its recruiter-pay practices.{{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}} File:University of Phoenix Building 2025.png

In 2008, Pereira O'Dell became the lead ad agency for UoPX for a reported $220 million.{{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}} During the 2008–2009 fiscal year, the UoPX student body received more Pell Grant money ($656.9 million) than any other university{{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}} and was the top recipient of student financial aid funds, receiving almost $2.48 billion.[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 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.{{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}} The University of Phoenix has been the largest recipient of federal G.I. Bill tuition benefits{{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}} and the largest for-profit recipient by Pell Grant assistance funding.{{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}}

In 2009, the Department of Education produced a report claiming the untimely return of unearned 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

In 2010, UoPX claimed a peak enrollment of more than 470,000 students with a revenue of $4.95 billion.{{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}} A 2010 report found that its online graduation rate at the time was only five percent.{{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}} Later in the year, the university paid $154.5 million for 20-year naming rights for advertising purposes of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The company terminated the naming rights deal on April 11, 2017,{{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}} and on September 4, 2018, the stadium's naming rights were acquired by State Farm.{{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}} File:University of Phoenix Stadium aerial.jpg, formerly University of Phoenix Stadium, a sports stadium in Glendale, Arizona that the corporation paid for naming rights from 2006 to 2018.]]

In August 2010, an 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 that the university's Bachelor of Science in Education degree would be sufficient to qualify the television producer taking part in an investigation of the university to teach in Texas or New York.{{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|language=en|date=August 19, 2010|access-date=September 10, 2019}}

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".{{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}} At its peak, UoPX operated more than 500 campuses and learning sites.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.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. 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.{{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}}

In 2013, the Department of Defense ended its contract with the University of Phoenix for military bases in Europe.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

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".{{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

}} 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.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}}

In 2014, UoPX partnered with 47 historically black colleges and universities to offer UoPX classes that transfer to these institutions.{{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}} 142,500 students enrolled on August 31, 2016,{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/929887/000092988716000225/apol-aug31201610k.htm|title=Document|website=Sec.gov}} 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.{{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}} The Brookings Institution reported that UoPX spent $76 million on advertising in 2017.{{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}}

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.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

In October 2015, the 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.{{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}} After protest from senators John McCain, Jeff Flake, and Lamar Alexander, the suspension was lifted in January 2016.{{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

}}{{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}}

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began investigating the university in 2015 in regard to an advertising campaign it ran from 2012 to 2014.{{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}}{{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.] On December 10, 2019, UoPX agreed to pay a settlement of $191 million related to charges that it recruited students using misleading advertisements. NPR reported the amount included $50 million in cash (which was later distributed as checks to more than 100,000 former students),{{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}}{{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}} as well as a $141 million cancellation in student debt, though the cancellations "won't affect student borrowers' obligations for federal or private loans".{{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}} The institution admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement, which was at the time the largest FTC settlement against a for-profit school.

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.{{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}}

Between 2010 and 2016, enrollment declined by more than 70 percent{{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}} amid multiple investigations, lawsuits, and controversies.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.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

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.{{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}}{{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}}

File:University of Phoenix Building 2025 2.png

In February 2016, Apollo Group announced its sale to a private investment group comprising Apollo Global Management, the Vistria Group, and the Najafi Companies, for $1 billion. Former U.S. Department of Education deputy secretary Anthony W. Miller, partner and chief operating officer of Vistria, became chairman.{{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}} The sale was approved by both the Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} In February 2017, after the takeover by Apollo Global Management, UoPX laid off 170 full-time faculty members.{{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}} According to the 2019 academic report, degreed enrollment was 87,400.{{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}}

In March 2020, the 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.{{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}}{{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}} The VA withdrew its threat of sanctions in July 2020.{{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}} The same year, UoPX received $6.5 million in CARES Act funding{{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}} and $7.4 million in the second round of COVID-19 relief funds.{{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}} In 2020, UoPX began experimenting with micro-campuses, giving the centers a "WeWork vibe".{{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}}

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.{{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}} UoPX also received $3.4 million in aid through the American Rescue Plan.{{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}}

In 2021, UoPX continued to close campuses, including Atlanta and Salt Lake City.{{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}} The Phoenix, Arizona campus was the only location accepting new in-person students.{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/campus-locations.html|title=Visit University of Phoenix - Phoenix Main Campus}} UoPX would later announce that only one campus would remain open in 2025.{{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}}

The University of Phoenix was one of 153 institutions included in student loan cancellation due to alleged fraud. The class action was brought by a group of more than 200,000 student borrowers in 2019, assisted by the Project on Predatory Student Lending, part of the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School.{{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}} A settlement was approved in August 2022, stating that the schools on the list were included "substantial misconduct by the listed schools, whether credibly alleged or in some instances proven."{{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}}{{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}} In April 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the settlement and allowed to proceed the debt cancellation due to alleged fraud.{{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}}

On September 20, 2023, the 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.{{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}}

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.{{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}}

Apollo Global Management has been attempting to sell the University of Phoenix since 2021.{{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}} A number of schools and systems were approached, including Tuskegee University,{{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}} UMass Global, the University of Arkansas System, and the University of Idaho.{{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}}

In April 2023, the University of Arkansas System Board voted against the proposed sale.{{refn|name="Arkansas"|{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}}}

In May 2023, the University of Idaho announced a deal to acquire the University of Phoenix. The total cost would be $685 million raised through bonds.{{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}} A new entity was created for the purchase by U of I ultimately named Four Three Education.{{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}} The Higher Learning Commission approved a "continuation of accreditation" for the school under Four Three Education.{{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}} The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (U of I's accreditors) completed a review of the potential acquisition and continued accreditation, determining that the deal “does not constitute a substantive change” for the University of Idaho.{{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}}

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador sued the Idaho State Board of Education, alleging that the acquisition was being pursued in violation of Idaho's Open Meetings Law. The case was brought to trial and dismissed in January 2024. Labrador appealed the decision, taking the case to the Idaho Supreme Court.{{refn|name="LabradorLawsuit"|{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}}} In December 2024, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of Labrador, overturning the Ada County District Court's initial decision. While the Supreme Court did not determine that the Idaho State Board of Education violated the Open Meetings Law, it did determine "that the district court applied the wrong legal standard on summary judgement due to a misinterpretation of the relevant statute." The case is scheduled to return to the lower court.{{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}}

In March 2024, the Idaho legislature passed a resolution urging the Idaho State Board of Education to overturn its May 2023 vote endorsing the acquisition.{{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}} Later in the month, Idaho's Senate State Affairs Committee brought SB 1450 to the floor, which intended to restructure Four Three Education into an independent body corporate politic rather than a not-for-profit,{{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}} but the Idaho Senate narrowly voted the bill down, with 14 yes votes to 19 no votes.{{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}} After passing the May 31st deadline of the original purchase agreement, both sides agreed to an extension, creating a new end date of June 10, 2025. In the agreement, Phoenix will reimburse the U of I $5 million, covering some of the legal fees related to due diligence of the purchase agreement. A non-exclusivity structure was also agreed upon, where Phoenix would be allowed to either seek a new buyer or undergo an initial public offering during negotiations. If Phoenix does not come to an agreement with U of I by the deadline, the university owes the U of I another $5 million. If Phoenix is bought by another school or seeks an IPO, it agreed to pay the U of I $15 million as a "break-up fee".{{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}}{{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}}

In March 2025, Apollo Global and Vistria Group publicly announced that they were considering an IPO or sale of the University of Phoenix.{{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}}

File:University of Phoenix Building 2025 3.png

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.{{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}} Additionally, according to the university's 2023 annual academic report, more than 78% of its students are employed while attending the school.

Prior to 2010, the university recruited students using high-pressure sales tactics, including assertions that classes were filling fast,{{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}} by admissions counselors who are paid, in part, based on their success in recruiting students. The university recruits students and obtains financial aid on their behalf, 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 Loans, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Wounded Warrior Project.{{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}} In the 2017–18 award year, 51,990 UoPX received the Federal Pell Grant.{{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}}

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.{{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}} Students spend 20 to 24 hours with an instructor during each course, and are required to collaborate on learning team projects.{{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}}

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.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.{{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}} UoPX has been criticized for lack of academic rigor; Henry M. Levin, a professor of higher education at Teachers College at Columbia University, called its business degree an "MBA Lite", saying "I've looked at [its] course materials. It's a very low level of instruction." 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,{{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}} the latter of which is a collection of documents such as transcripts from other schools, certificates, licenses, workshops or seminars.{{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}}

UoPX has been regionally accredited since 1978 by the HLC. 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.{{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}}{{cite web|url=http://investors.apollo.edu/phoenix.zhtml?c=79624&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTg5MjAxMzgmRFNFUT0wJlNFUT0wJlNRREVTQz1TRUNUSU9OX0VOVElSRSZzdWJzaWQ9NTc%3d |title=SEC Filings | Apollo Group |website=Investors.apollo.edu |date=May 13, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2013}} In June 2015, the HLC determined that the University of Phoenix had resolved those concerns.{{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}}

The University of Phoenix has 18 programs with business, healthcare, nursing, counseling and education having programmatic or specialized accreditation. Some individual colleges within the University of Phoenix hold 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.{{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 }} 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.Gilbertson, Dawn (December 5, 2006). [http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/1205biz-intel1205side.html "Losing Intel a Blow to School"]. The Arizona Republic.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.{{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}}
• College of Education{{spaced ndash}} 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 Teacher Education Accreditation Council.{{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 }}
• 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}
• 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.{{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 }}

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}}.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

In 2020–21, 1,316 students used Department of Defense Tuition Assistance and 7,380 students used G.I. Bill funds.{{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}} The University of Phoenix has been a partner of U.S. Army University and has had a presence at a few military bases.{{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}}

In 2016, a Brookings Institution study estimated the University of Phoenix's five-year student loan default rate at 47 percent.{{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}} The College Navigator lists the University of Phoenix's overall graduation rate at 15 percent.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

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

UoPX is a subsidiary of Apollo Global Management and Vistria Group.{{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}} The president is Chris Lynne and the chief academic officer is John Woods.{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenix.edu/about_us/media-center/leadership.html|title=Leadership – University of Phoenix|website=www.phoenix.edu}} Lynne previously worked at Arthur Andersen, Education Management Corporation, Northcentral University, and HotChalk.{{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 }} Woods has a PhD in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.

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. Adjuncts earn approximately $1000–$2000 per course.{{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}} Approximately 21 cents of every tuition dollar is spent on instruction.{{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}}

According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the student to faculty ratio is 110 to 1 in the Arizona segment.{{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}} 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.{{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}}

{{Main|List of University of Phoenix alumni}}

Phoenix alumni in the government sector include Howard Schmidt,[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2009/1222/Howard-Schmidt-cybersecurity-czar-Who-is-he "Howard Schmidt, Cybersecurity 'Czar': Who Is He?"]. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved December 29, 2009. Mary Peters (1994),{{cite news|last=Adams |first=Marilyn |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2008-02-05-dot-secretary-mary-peters_N.htm |title=Events, Drive Keep DOT Chief in the Spotlight | work = USA Today |date= February 5, 2008 |access-date= September 3, 2010}} and Brad Dee (1991).{{cite web |url=http://www.utah.gov/house/detail.html?i=DEEBL |title=Brad L. Dee |publisher=Utah House of Representatives |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222013517/http://www.utah.gov/house/detail.html?i=DEEBL |archive-date=December 22, 2010 }} In the private sector, alumni include former MBA Chair at the Forbes School of Business & Technology and radio host Diane Hamilton. In military and law enforcement, alumni include Lisa Franchetti,{{cite web |title=Admiral Lisa Franchetti |url=https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/3148210/admiral-lisa-franchetti/ |website=www.navy.mil |access-date=27 February 2025}} Kirkland H. Donald[https://web.archive.org/web/20060402224509/https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=96 United States Navy Biography] U.S. Navy Web Site. Retrieved March 13, 2008. and Harold Hurtt (1991).{{cite web |url=http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20040227.html |title=Mayor Bill White Announces Police Chief Nominee |date=February 27, 2004 |publisher=City of Houston |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213111227/http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20040227.html |archive-date=December 13, 2010 }} Former MSNBC anchor and a host of NBC's Early Today Christina Brown is also an alumna of the university.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19836906 |title=Christina Brown |year=2010 |work=NBC News |access-date=December 15, 2010}}

Athletes who have earned degrees from the university include Shaquille O'Neal (2005),[https://web.archive.org/web/20050627013656/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8357843/ The Big Executive? Shaq masters MBA] MSNBC. Retrieved February 12, 2008. Lisa Leslie,{{cite web|title=Lisa Leslie Bio|url=https://premierespeakers.com/lisa-leslie/bio|publisher=Premier Speakers Bureau|access-date=August 28, 2019}} Michael Russell (2012),{{cite web|url=http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Michael-Russell-completes-undergrad-program-from-University-of-Phoenix--articolo3036.html |title=Michael Russell completes undergrad program from University of Phoenix |website=Tennisworldusa.org |date=January 15, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2013}} wrestling hall of famer Adam Pearce, and Larry Fitzgerald (2016). Fitzgerald graduated with a bachelor's degree shortly before his 33rd birthday (he began college in 2002 at the University of Pittsburgh) and was a spokesman for UoPX.{{cite web|url=http://www.phoenix.edu/partners/larry-fitzgerald.html|title=Larry Fitzgerald: Playing for the future|date=September 15, 2016|website=Phoenix.edu|access-date=September 15, 2016}}

Several American policymakers have been affiliated with the University of Phoenix and Apollo Education. Former secretary of the Department of Education, Margaret Spellings, is a member of the Apollo Group Board of Directors.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/11/idUS112254+11-Jun-2012+BW20120611|title=Margaret Spellings Joins Apollo Group Board of Directors|work=Reuters|access-date=July 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019122255/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/11/idUS112254+11-Jun-2012+BW20120611|archive-date=October 19, 2015|url-status=dead}} Jane Oates, a former staffer for Senator Ted Kennedy and the Department of Labor, became the Apollo Group's vice president for external relations in 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/06/20/apollo-hires-jane-oates-former-labor-department-official|title=Apollo hires Jane Oates, former Labor Department official|website=Insidehighered.com}} Nancy Pelosi's close friendship with Sperling has been documented by Suzanne Mettler in Degrees of Inequality.{{cite book |last=Mettler |first=Suzanne |date=2010 |title=Degrees of Inequality: Culture, Class, and Gender in American Higher Education |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTBIKRk1LJ4C |location=Baltimore, Md. |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |isbn=9780801899126 |access-date=April 27, 2015}} The University of Phoenix has community partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the American Red Cross, and the Junior League.{{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}}{{Self-published inline|date=July 2022}} In 2016, the University of Phoenix partnered with the ASIS Foundation to provide scholarships for students studying for security-related degrees. In March 2016, the first ten scholarship recipients were announced.{{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}} In 2017, the Vistria Group was part of the deal with Apollo Global Management to take over the schools. Vistria included two friends of Barack Obama: Miller and Martin Nesbitt. In 2019, the Apollo Education Group was the third largest higher education lobby, and has 18 lobbyists at the federal level.{{cite web |title=Education |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/indusclient.php?id=W04 | publisher=OpenSecrets}} In 2021, UoPX demanded that the Republican Attorneys General Association refund a donation of more than $50,000 after the organization was allegedly involved in instigating the 2021 United States Capitol attack.{{cite web |last=Murakami |first=Kery |title=U of Phoenix Reportedly Demands Refund From Republican Group |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/01/14/u-phoenix-reportedly-demands-refund-republican-group |website=Inside Higher Ed |access-date=15 January 2021}}

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{{Wikiquote}}

• [http://www.phoenix.edu Official website]
• [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/collegeinc/ "College, Inc."], PBS Frontline documentary, May 4, 2010

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Category:Universities and colleges established in 1976

Category:For-profit universities and colleges in the United States

University of Phoenix

Category:1976 establishments in Arizona

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