University of Phoenix - Compliments

University of Phoenix • Unauthorized charges • Financial "aid" • Withdrawal credit • Learning teams • Easy A's • Does UOP meet DOE regs? • Compliments from satisfied alums • UoP Responds --- News • University of Phoenix Staggers Under Growing Criticism

Not everyone's unhappy with the University of Phoenix. Here's what a few satisfied alums have to say.

Marge of Roswell NM (2/12/07):
In response to your article regarding University of Phoenix Online, I would like to comment. I am completing a doctoral degree in Educational Administration through their online program and have had excellent instructors throughout the program. I teach in their online master's education program as well.

I have found the doctoral program to be considerably more rigorous than that of another state university at which I previously took classes which required my physical presence. The instructors I have had have been careful and thorough in their instruction and review of assignments as I have also been as an instructor.

In the article complaints were made about team assignments. This is also a common practice in masters classes in which the physical presence of students is required in class.

Further, at least in the education department, the university, in my personal experience, keeps a good check on instructors, performing a yearly review just as do "regular" colleges and universities.

However, it is possible that all online schools should screen applicants better as online courses do not work for students who are not independent workers, team workers, or are unable to keep to the schedule of attendance required by UOP. All necessary books and articles are provided for each course and an online library is available with wide access to journals, newspapers, and other reference material.

As a further note, I live in a town which is not large enough to have a college that supports any masters or doctoral program nor can I take the time off from my job to attend one which does. Online education was my only choice, and I have been very satisfied with that provided by the University of Phoenix Online. Thank you.

Uop of Harrah, OK April 16, 2009

I completed my graduate degree at the UOP as of this week. My degree is a Master's in Psychology. It took exactly 2 years to complete and I have the upmost respect for the majority of the Professors...while there were a few that I did not care for...it is the same in any University setting. My complaint is only with the attitude of the academic advisors and financial advisors. For those that do not wish to work very hard for their degree...then this is not the school for you.

I learned a substandial amount that will benefit me in my future endeavors...and I have to state that it does take at least 50-60 hours per week per class. It is not an easy A and anyone that feels that this school is not of quality needs to refer to another school. It angers me to read about those that did not do what was expected. After all this is a University and not HS. For the professor...or the individual who stated they were a professor I doubt that this is the case...as I found that most had the qualfications to teach the classes. There was only one that I questioned as to their intentions...qualified yes but their attitude was poor. UOP is a great place for those that wish to work hard and obtain an education...for those that wish a degree that is bought...then google something else. Just my thoughts as a UOP Graduate Student Class of 2009 and yes I am over the age of 40.

Shelly of Clovis, NM April 14, 2009

I have been a doctoral student with The University of Phoenix for nearly a year. My experience has been nothing less than completely professional, educationally engaging, and academically challenging. The professors are tough, however, I have learned much more than I would have ever learned sitting behind a desk listening to professor lecture each week. I attended one 5 day doctoral residency last December and had the opportunity to meet members of my educational learning team and professors whom I continue to have classes with.

I am sure everyone can't expect a perfect educational experience, but based upon my own experience, they aren't going to do special favors for students just because they are taking online classes. You get out of it what you put into it. I would whole-heartedly recommend the educational leadership doctoral program through the University of Phoenix. However, aspiring students should be ready to work hard and put in lots of hours. The upside is that classes are led by dedicated and positive professionals who really get to know their students and you have a great class of students behind you helping you to meet your goals. Additionally, my financial counselor, Shanea, my enrollment counselor and my academic advisors check on me and have provided all assistance at the drop of a hat.

Desire of Englewood, CO April 12, 2009

I just obtained my BA and my MA degree from University of Phoenix. I am a stay at home mom working out of my home part time. University of Phoenix has given me the best experience possible. The instructors were awesome. The level of education was right on. I am appauled by the comments I am reading on this website. I am a proud graduate of the University of Phoenix and I would hire anyone who obtained a degree from this university. I have worked very hard every day I was in class. I put in more time and effort into this university than any other I have attended. My complaint is that University of Phoenix was falsely represented.

This article will deter any working adult or stay at home mom from obtaining a degree. I think this is awful. Go for it go online and get a degree your not going to regret it I haven't for a second. :-)

Monica of Tacoma, NV March 13, 2009

I have been attending UOP for two years. I have NOT had a bad experience with the school. In fact looking at these complaints most of them are disgruntled about the financing issues. A few do have a valid argument;others had life obstacles to overcome while enrolled. However, each of them had the CHOICE to leave. Each of them knew exactly how much the tuition was before signing up.

My teachers ALL responded to me within 24 hours. They have always called me back in a reasonable amount of time. My school advisors have always been professional and do their best in assisting me. For the most part the school is fairly good, it's no Harvard education, and it is pricey. I need convenience at this point of my life. If I would have stayed in college like I was suppose to in my late teens/ early twenty, I wouldn't be paying such a high price for an education today.I would not have to deal with the stress of going to work and being a responsible parent while going to school.I am paying the price now. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Oh and how does that saying go The world doesn't owe you anything. How true is that?

Tinnecha of West Palm Beach, FL March 13, 2009

I have been attending UOP for almost four years (graduating in 2010) and I love this school! Yes, I have experienced some troubles with the school in 2006 but I also had troubles at the community college I attended and traditional college I almost attended. No school is perfect. What people fail to realize is that this school is not easy going like a community college. If you don't attach your final or take time off from school and your grade or account suffers that is YOUR fault. If you can't afford to attend UOP (in the instance that your financial aid does not fall through) don't attend. Because that is what the school expencts when you sign all those financial aid papers when you are enrolled.

Melissa of Hurley, MS March 10, 2009

I have attended UOP for a year and I have never had any bad experiences. I am paying for everything as agreed and I am attending as agreed. I have a 3.9 GPA and although the courses are easy they are fairly priced.

Ricky of Midwest City, OK February 12, 2009

I agree with the few true students on this blog that UOP is a fantastic University. I completed my BS in Business in two years. I attended classes, did my work and worked out differences with team mates. THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. If you can't figure out you owe UOP for what YOU signed up for then you aren't smart enough to be in college. Almost all of my professors were PhDs from the University of Oklahoma, USC, Auburn, University of Texas, or Oklahoma State. They far outshined the faculties at ALL of the traditional colleges I have attended.

Carrie of Silverdale, WA February 7, 2009

I have read ALL the complaints about the University of Phoenix. I am a third year, graduate student and alum for my bachelor of science, health administration. The complaints listed are undoubtedly made my inidiviudals who believed that earning a degree would not cost much, would not require time, and who didn't take the time to ask to questions and read the information about taking online classes. There are tens of thousands of UoP alum out there - these are all complaints from those who've not completed their degrees and who are whining about it. Time to deal with it not complain about it!~

Michelle of Mesa, AZ February 4, 2009

I am so greatful for experience I had at University of Phoenix. I am almost finished with my BA and feel that I learned more here than any other institution. I have taken all my classes online and followed the curriculm. I have worked with some challanging learning teams but most of them have been very helpful. I feel that when people make mistakes they try and blame others so they can avoid responcibility. I would recomment University of Phoenix to anyone.

Mary of Winter Park, FL January 28, 2009

After reading the complaints from students of UOP, I am saddened. As a graduate of UOP, I was frustrated many times with the experiences I was having; however, in order to make the grade and graduate, there were many hoops to jump through and disappointments in terms of being told I would have to earn more credit hours. I, too, felt treated unfairly, but persevered and made it through my AA and BSM degrees after doing everything I was asked to do.

The worst consequence for me was just the added stress and disappointment when I was getting ready to attend my last (Capstone) class ever that evening, and received in the mail the same day, a letter stating one of the tests I'd taken for credit hours had been disqualified and I would have to earn 3 more credit hours, which meant I wasn't finishing that evening, but had to add more time and effort and money to my process. I did it, but was very upset. The test I had taken was for upper level credits - I had written a life experience essay for a similar topic and been given lower level credits. My advisor assured me before I studied for the upper level credit test that I would be given credit if I passed, as it was a more detailed and complex level of learning and understanding than the essay I'd submitted for lower level credits.

The moral of the story is when earning a degree, there will always be glitches, disappointments, and drawbacks. I've known people who attended other schools who also had to jump through hoops with eccentric professors and wade through piles of paperwork just to get through some process that could be much simpler. The accounting, especially when student loans are involved, sometimes gets messed up. Changes are made and not everyone who needs to know has been informed. This is the world of academia today - and it's BIG business for UOP and other universities that appeal to working adults. My suggestion to those who are disgruntled is to stop feeling victimized, and get ahold of someone who can help you get your degree and move on. Stop blaming UOP for your failure to endure a process that for most students is filled with tedious, frustrating nonsense all enmeshed with learning that is so valuable.

The education I received has served me very well, and I knew I would get out of my experience at UOP what I put into it. The Maitland, Florida campus was reasonably well-organized and, though wasn't always perfect, provided a learning atmosphere that was truly an educational experience that has helped improve my managerial skills. UOP is NOT a diploma mill. So many students have worked very hard to earn our degrees. It is, however, riddled, like so many large businesses, with discrepancies. Those inconsistencies affect the students and instructors especially.

My suggestion to UOP is to get on the ball and practice what you teach your manager majors - plan, organize, implement, and revise when necessary. Get on track within your own organization and stop the student and instructor bashes of UOP by operating an efficient educational institution that equals your high standards set for your instructors and students. You're making the big bucks that the students are spending - start putting it to better use! Hire top-notch managers and better curriculum developers that are commited to being on the same page as the instructors, who seem to get the worst deal of all sometimes.

To the complainers, stop demeaning a school that has graduated thousands of reasonably happy students, who have spent several years, hard-earned money, and a tremendous amount of energy and are NOT complaining, but working in their field and going on for even more education. Learning is what UOP is about. Disgruntled students, have you learned complaining isn't the answer. Proactive, positive attitudes, words, and behaviors are what will remedy your situation.

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