University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 to serve working adults who needed a way to pursue higher education alongside jobs and other responsibilities. John Sperling established the institution in Phoenix, Arizona; its later expansion into online education helped make it a national university rather than a school serving only the Phoenix area.
That history remains relevant to applicants. University of Phoenix-Arizona refers to the Phoenix-based institution, not the University of Arizona or a separately accredited online university. Although Phoenix is its institutional home, many students study remotely. Prospective students should therefore evaluate the delivery format and services for their particular program rather than assume a conventional residential-campus experience.
University of Phoenix organizes its programs around career-oriented fields, including business, education, health care, nursing, social sciences, and information technology. Its catalog includes certificates and associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, but the available credential levels differ by subject.
Representative areas of study include business administration, accounting, human resources, cybersecurity and other computing fields, criminal justice, health administration, and teacher education. Nursing and educator-preparation options require especially close review: a program's format, admission conditions, clinical or field placements, and eligibility for a particular state license may differ from those of a general academic degree.
Applicants should use the catalog for the exact program and start date they are considering. A subject appearing in institutional outcomes data does not, by itself, establish that every credential or concentration in that subject is currently accepting students.
University of Phoenix is based in Phoenix, Arizona, but its enrollment extends well beyond the city. For many students, the practical learning environment is online rather than a place they visit daily.
Phoenix is a large metropolitan area served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Students who expect to use a physical location should confirm where their program's required activities, advising, or other services actually take place. Being enrolled at a Phoenix-based institution does not mean that every class or student service is offered in person in Phoenix.
University of Phoenix states that its mission is to expand access to higher education and help students develop knowledge and skills for professional goals, organizational productivity, leadership, and community service. Its emphasis on working adults is reflected in its online offerings and career-oriented program mix.
Those are institutional aims, not independently established outcomes for every student. Applicants can test how well a particular program fits their goals by comparing its course requirements, instructional format, support services, completion outcomes, and any licensing rules that apply to their intended profession.
Name of the institution
University of Phoenix-ArizonaLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
ContinuousFoundation year
1976University of Phoenix-Arizona is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.