Why do so many veterans choose University of Phoenix rather than more legitimate options, like community colleges or public universities?

CPT Dahn Shaulis — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:05:18 -0500

UoPX is under federal investigation, and many of its campuses will be closing in 2019. https://dailycaller.com/2018/07/22/obama-university-phoenix-probe/

Obama’s Best Friend’s For-Profit University Faces Federal Investigation

'The highest ethical standards'

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 7 at 2019 12:59 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:59:29 -0500

Because they are uninformed. Most veterans and SMs that I know (other than commissioned officers who obviously already have some form of education under their belts) don't understand how accreditation works and so are left in the dark as to the best way to pick a school. Additionally, many of them are looking for the path of least resistance (read 'path requiring the least effort'). A school that boasts an easy path to a degree while leaving one more than capable of working a full-time job is appealing to vets who have to still support a family or SMs that must balance the military life with school. Finally, in a day and age that has seen the devaluation of the undergraduate degree - as many entry-level positions in the civilian sector require a BA/BS - it probably doesn't seem necessary to locate a school with a better reputation; experience is worth more than the degree these days.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 7 at 2019 12:59 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:59:32 -0500

Good question, CPT Dahn Shaulis, but I do not have an answer. I attended a traditional brick and mortar university.
I have my own uneducated opinions, but I’ll hold on to them for now. I’d like to hear from those that may have personal experience with the University of Phoenix.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jan 7 at 2019 4:45 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 04:45:23 -0500

I went to UOP and my company reimbursed tuition costs. I never had an issue with them, they're a college for working adults and understand that students are balancing work with education. The instructors are practitioners who have personal experience in their fields which I felt added creditability to what they were saying. While in a traditional college, students sink or swim on their own merits, UOP courses are all about working together as a team.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 6:19 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:19:55 -0500

Great question. UoP is a for profit university that has been black listed by the government in several occasions. Based on the experience of some fellow service members that have attended, I was told that the workload is very light, you get A's for C- work. That you can plagiarize and they don't check your work. Personally, when I was looking at them as an option gor my master's degree, I felt hounded by their representatives, they not once spoke a degree plan, all they were interested in was giving me loans and TA. Many universities that are approved by TA should be reviewed.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jan 7 at 2019 6:26 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 06:26:26 -0500

Along with ignorance and lack of understanding accreditation, there are other reasons...

1. Difficulty with admission; most for-profit schools have universal admission policy based on desire for tuition paying students regardless of actual ability

2. Flexible schedules; while many for-profit schools are dubious, they can accommodate students difficult work hours more easily than a more reputable school which prizes academic accomplishment

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 7 at 2019 7:59 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 07:59:27 -0500

What authority do you claim it illigitamate.. you sound like a snob.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 7 at 2019 8:11 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 08:11:05 -0500

It sounds like you have an issue with university of phoenix... but that gives you no authority to lie about the university with a clearly biased news source

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jan 7 at 2019 10:31 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 10:31:09 -0500

I went through Villanova for their Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification and Notre Dame for their Project Management certification. I was very happy with both.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 12:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:58:19 -0500

A few of you if not all need to read this article. The For-Profit vs Public and National vs Regional debate is getting way out of hand.

http://etale.org/main/2015/03/17/what-really-matters-the-truth-about-for-profit-vs-non-profit-universities/

What Really Matters: The Truth About For-Profit Vs. Non-Profit Universities

What is the truth about for-profit versus non-profit universities?I was at a conference a couple weeks ago, and an acquaintance made a comment about a presentation that he had attended. “It …

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 3:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 15:45:51 -0500

This congressional hearing was from Nov 29 2016 and Vol Ed was found to have set up a For-Profit task force with the intent of dismantling private education. The hearing starts at the 19:31 mark. UoPX was referenced in this several times. Education should be about what is in the best interest of the individual, not what side of the isle we stand on. Every type of education has its purpose.

http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/hearings/16-11-29-department-of-defense-actions-concerning-voluntary-education-programs

United States Commitee on Armed Services

United States Committee on Armed Services

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Jan 7 at 2019 4:06 PM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 16:06:55 -0500

I can't speak for anyone but myself...I earned an AA degree from UoP and have no regrets. I had horrible grades in high school and that is partially why I joined the military. Once my wife convinced me that I was college material, it took me 20 years (while being a husband, father, Sailor, and part-time youth sports coach) and about a dozen colleges (in 5 states / 8 duty stations) to earn an AA, BA (History), MBA, and MS (Int’l Relations). When I was trying for my Associate’s Degree, each new community college wanted me to basically start over. UoP (which had an office on base) was the only one that said they would work with all of my college credits. I took their required residency courses and graduated with an AA. If not for UoP, it would have taken me quite a bit longer earning my AA and who knows if I would have continued toward my two Master’s Degrees or if I would have even been motivated to complete my BA. Some of you can bad mouth it, but UoP helped me get past that first hurdle and I’ve never looked back.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 6:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 18:19:50 -0500

Marketing. Syracuse, AMU, ECPI, and Fayetteville Tech are all highly respected coleges but don't get the same push on bases compared to Phoenix and CTC. I always recommmend people check with Military Times annual listing, GI Bill Comparison Tool, and VetSuccess counselors.

https://rebootcamp.militarytimes.com/news/education/2018/10/22/best-for-vets-colleges-the-best-schools-for-military-students-in-2019/

https://jtspratley.com/blog/what-school-is-right-for-you

Best for Vets Colleges: The best schools for military students in 2019

In the market for a good school where you can use your education benefits? Check out our latest rankings of the best colleges for veteran and military students.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jan 7 at 2019 9:14 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:14:49 -0500

University of Phoenix is a regionally accredited university so they have a "real" accreditation. For whatever reason regional accreditation is what you want and national accreditations are generally ... not worth as much.

I ended up getting my MBA from Babson as I was living in New England at the time and what school you went to matters there. That's a potential reason to perhaps not go to University of Phoenix. There is a perception (fair or unfair) that they are not as good a school as others and that matter to employers.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 8 at 2019 12:01 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:01:52 -0500

CPT Dahn Shaulis My son told me that any program provides results = to the students input.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jan 8 at 2019 8:52 AM

SGT Chris Stephens — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:52:56 -0500

So, I got my Masters in English Education from UoPX which required me to do student teaching as well. Let me address a few notes I've seen as I have first-hand experience with going to school totally online:
1. Some degree programs are lighter than others. It's the same way at any college. My bachelor's degree at a state university had a lot of easy classes, but part of that was because I already received a majority of the education during training and OJT in the military.
2. All work goes through turnitin.com, which is an online plagiarism checker. I had people kicked out of my classes for plagiarism. And yes, it is in their blackboard system.
3. I used the GI Bill and it was a seamless process. The only issue I ever had was it took a little longer to get placed for my student observations than I would've liked.
4. Yes, their flexible schedule allowed me to work part-time and be the main parent at home for my two children. It was a huge advantage to me choosing UoPX.

Ultimately, look at the degree you're looking to get. For me, I was switching from being a sports writer to a teacher and I needed a school that was flexible for me. And last I checked, when I get my paycheck every two weeks from the school I teach at, I get paid for a masters degree. Nobody in my school talks about where they got their masters from. So, as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter what people think of where I got my masters degree from, for my job, the UoPX worked for me and that's all that matters.

People should do what works for them, period.

Response by 1SG Brett Austin made Jan 12 at 2019 4:06 AM

1SG Brett Austin — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 04:06:51 -0500

Even though some may not like for profit institutions, UOPHX is a legitimate/accredited school.

I chose UOPHX for their flexibility in scheduling and accreditation, and for those who have never attended...it is not easy! Yes, some degree programs are easier than others, just as in any school, but some are absolutely painful...such as my Master of Science in Nursing. You are required to submit the required classwork, meet their participation requirements, maintain a certain GPA, perform workplace analysis and perform individual and group work. If you fail to meet any of these standards...you are dropped from the class.

Just as with the military and other life challenges, it is what you put into it! Because of my military experience and the education that I received through UOPHX, I now have the credentials to hold pretty much whatever position I want within the healthcare arena. The military taught me how to drive for success/accomplish the mission...UOPHX and other secondary educational platforms help us to reach our goals!

The school we attend really doesn't matter, it's the degree, our attitude and dedication. Each of us as leaders owe it to our troops to help guide them toward a program that fits their personality, their desired end goal and ability to dedicate time toward that education...while trying to limit their expense.

Lastly, when we hire/select employees/troops for our team, we want dedicated, honest, hard charging team players ... UOPHX is NOT a hand holding platform. I'd rather bring someone to my team who has proven ability to work both within a team and can work with minimal guidance toward the known end goal!

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Jan 13 at 2019 6:36 PM

SP5 Jeannie Carle — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 18:36:17 -0500

Oh this makes me sad. My DIL got her teaching degree from there and is one FINE early-childhood teacher. I do sincerely hope this doesn't affect her ability to find work other than AZ :'(

Response by PO1 Tharin Young made Jan 19 at 2019 1:09 PM

PO1 Tharin Young — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:09:09 -0500

I have seen a few reasoned responses here and one hysterical defender of UoP here. Don't bother CPL, I'm not going to waste my time debating you. What I will do is provide a link to their review by the Better Business Bureau and you can draw your own conclusions. But to me this looks like an institution I don't want to be associated with and based on this a degree from them is suspect in my eyes.

https://www.bbb.org/us/az/phoenix/profile/college-and-university/university-of-phoenix-1126-15634

University of Phoenix | Better Business Bureau Profile

This organization is not BBB accredited. College and University in Phoenix, AZ. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jan 21 at 2019 7:11 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 19:11:34 -0500

I never went through that school, however, I didn't know they were under investigation. I pursued my higher learning through American Military University. But you do have to do your research when selecting a college. The reason why I chose AMU was because the courses were online. Before the Internet came to be, it was hard/next to impossible to take college courses when I was in the Army due to some of the Units I was in. If you went to the field a lot, forget it. Still. I had no idea University of Phoenix was under investigation. Glad I didn't go through that school.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 12:40 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:40:15 -0500

I used to teach and work for the University of Phoenix and, from what I remember, we stressed academic integrity. I ran ALL of my students' assignments through the plagiarism checker for every class. In addition, I gave reviews to my instructors all of the time. I believe that there was a time when UOPX was very serious about their academic integrity, but I also know that their student recruiters were very pushy. I was SO grateful that I did not have to work in student recruiting. It was a high-stress job with focus on numbers. It was very difficult for me because I knew the level of instruction that our instructors were providing in the class room, because most of them taught at local state universities as well, but the stigma is still that UOPX is a 'for-profit' university. I will tell you that I worked, very briefly, for the National American University, and I can tell you that they ONLY cared about the dollar. I worked as an Academic Dean for them and all I did was spend all day on the phone trying to convince people -who had NO BUSINESS being in college- to get online and do their work. It was very frustrating. By direction and demand, I would put students in classes that they didn't need just to prepare for the 'funding'. I had a very hard time with that. The campus director I worked for was so stressed that she had numerous medical issues. It was all about the numbers. I am not going to say that everyone who goes to these for profit universities is getting a lower-rate degree, but I will NEVER suggest a for-profit university such as the National American University. UOPX is really a gamble, but at least they try to be legit on the academic side.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jan 22 at 2019 12:51 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:51:26 -0500

False premise. UOP is legit and I had to work my tail off, reading hundreds of pages weekly, writing at least one research paper each week while participating in team projects and doing a joint PowerPoint presentation at the end of class. I got my MBA there. It is a tough school. Of 11 classmates that started, only I and two others on my team made it to graduation after about 21 months. What most appealed to me was no bullshit GMAT and classes started every two weeks or so. Also the classroom is open 24/7 and I enjoyed the open debate as we merged with smaller classes and interacted with the instructors. UOP is designed for the working adult and the faculty teach part-time while working a full time in the specialties and trades they teach.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 6:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:31:59 -0500

I took one semester from them in 2011 for Criminal Justice... I will never recommend that "institution" to any Service Member and for several reasons... One, they are not a friendly military school, though they advertise that they are, they are not. They are military friendly to take your GI Bill and TA and that is all. I was in a NCOES school before deployment, and I didnt know if internet was available, so I called my advisor and emailed each professor to make sure I could make up any missed discussions and work... the answers I received from the professors were "I do not know anything about that, and there is no policy for military, so if the work is past due, there will be credit taken away." My advisor basically send we are only military friendly for the payments from TA and GI Bill, so I basically told them that they should be sued for false advertisement and that the I would finish the remaining credits and unenroll from their school. Second, their classes have no academic criteria, in which I mean that my math class was a finance class, my English was a High School based Creative Writing class, and my History requirement was high school Civics... it was a joke... and their credits won't really transfer to other schools (unless the scholl will do it to give you credit, so you dont waste money trying to get credits again) because a majority of their classes aren't recognized (thank goodness Excelsior College took the majority of them). Third reason for never going back, is that they charged TA full price for their classes for me... I didnt realize that TA was getting ripped off.

Response by SPC Samantha Stapley made Jan 24 at 2019 2:31 PM

SPC Samantha Stapley — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 14:31:44 -0500

I went to UoP for my Associates in Business and had it not been for them, I probably would not have any type of degree under my belt. I knew we wouldn't be in the duty station for long, but I didn't want to continue transferring schools ( I was already on school number 4 in as many states) and I had a brand new baby. This was also in 07, so online schools/classes were still limited at that time. We had two duty station moves, and another birth all while I was in school. They accommodated me when we were living in a motel without internet for 3 weeks waiting for housing, and they had no problem with me taking another large break with the birth of my second child, who was born very sick and almost didn't make it. I have not had a single employer look at my resume and say anything about my education. I have continued schooling and my credits have transferred over to the other schools as well. Live and let live. Who cares why someone picks it, it is their choice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 6:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 06:01:18 -0500

I've also wondered over the years how military academy graduates do not always make the finest leaders. I've also answered my own question which is "IT DOESN'T MATTER". Higher education enables critical thinking and what really matters where the rubber hits the road is your experience and motivation not the name of the institution printed on a paper on the wall. What matters is that you provide honorable service to the country and achieving your goals. UoP or similar institutions provide opportunities for SMs and that is worth more than its weight in gold. When I enlisted I had zero education but I had alot of motivation. I had educational goals and great leaders (many of which did not have a degree) provided the guidance and mentorship that has led me to attain a Masters degree and be successful both in and out of the military. Now I'm not giving myself cudos but its noteworthy because go figure, I try my best to pay it forward and provide the same guidance and mentorship to my Soldiers. Great discussion but in my opinion a non issue since educational success by any means is commendable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 10:33:06 -0500

Marketing. It's all about speaking to the right audience. Vets have been making money for a while and they don't want to give up the income to go to school on the traditional route, so they choose to work and go to school on the online route. That being said University of Phoenix is the leader when it comes to marketing thier name to Vets. When I left active duty in 2009 University of Phoenix had a booth set up during one of the events for soldiers exiting active duty. There are also soldiers that are choosing the University of Phoenix while still on active duty due to the fact that thier command is failing them in notifying them of more viable options. And then we also must face it, Joe's dont always make the best decisions.

Response by Cpl Cailen Dixon, M.Ed. made Jan 25 at 2019 4:13 PM

Cpl Cailen Dixon, M.Ed. — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:13:23 -0500

University of Phoenix is as legitimate as any other regionally accredited school.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Jan 25 at 2019 4:49 PM

SrA James Cannon — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 16:49:21 -0500

I think one of the draws is the flexibility that Univeristy of Phoenix offers, the online classes, and the generous transfer credit and life expereince credit that they offer. While I've never attended classes there, it is still an ok way to get an education. I know a lot of GIs have used American Military University. I did an associate degree with AMU, myself. The big draw there was their very military friendly policies. With completely online classes, GIs could take classes in a combat zone if there is an internet connection. The big plus is that AMU will allow deployed military personnel to put a semester on hold while they are deployed, and start where they left off when they get back. With more traditional schools now offering complete online bachelor's degrees, I think you will see less draw for UofP and others. Some of the schools that I am aware of offering online bachelors degrees are: Penn State, Arizona State, Northwestern State, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Ohio State, NYU, and probably quite few more nationwide. I'm currently nearly finished with a bachelor's at Louisiana State. While it doesn't yet have complete online bachelor's degrees, it isn't far from it.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Jan 26 at 2019 11:38 PM

SPC Brent Melton — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 23:38:02 -0500

My associates is from UoP, and as an Alumni, I can tell you it is practically worthless. I went to the school because it was easy to sign up for and I really, honestly, wasn't aware of other options for online schools at the time (2008-2009). I never really heard a bad reputation about it before I signed up and honestly, not until after I started the job search post military. I can tell you that many recruiters do not value a degree from there in any way. If you get the chance, ask a corporate recruiter at a job fair should the chance arise.

Response by LCpl Dan McTiernan made Jan 27 at 2019 2:31 PM

LCpl Dan McTiernan — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 14:31:08 -0500

Please be careful as to where you choose to pursue advanced education. Schools such as the University of Phoenix 'can' have a role within a corporate "staffing" process though with most large corporations these schools have more application to current employees with work history. Recruiting operations typically determine with hiring managers critical sourcing components, one of which often is education. I have yet to encounter a hiring manager that listed the University of Phoenix as a desired education component. If the degree program rounds out a candidates resume supported by work experience then the school may not have weighting. In preparing a candidate selection matrix for hiring managers with education as a component, a University of Phoenix degree would not make the list. One can cite, as can I, many individuals who are good or top performers with a University of Phoenix education, when looking at probabilities, supported by research, most hiring managers would choose superior educational experiences. Be sure to check the educational experiences of people in the industry/company where you desire employment when considering advanced education.

I have close to 30 years managing and directing recruiting and staffing in large corporate environments.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2019 3:35 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 15:35:31 -0500

I am a graduate of University of Phoenix and the school is legit.and accredited or else other would not attend. They work well with Veterans and has provided a great service to me and many other service members.

I received great experiences and was able to work with other peers, they office services to veterans that they don't offer to regular students. Just because they are alittle pricey, or folks have never attended or did any business with them. They want to say they are not legit. Well I had no issues with them and the only issue I did have when returning for my Masters was the VAs scandalous behind screwing up my ability to return to school. Other than than that I am a Phoenix and the school has been nothing but great, supportive and always striving to make things better.

Response by SSgt Kevin Mahoney made Mar 6 at 2019 10:23 PM

SSgt Kevin Mahoney — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:23:46 -0500

The short answer is because UOP provides the same, if not better, education while ensuring the flexibility needed is there. Enlisted personnel rarely get the opportunity to leave their posts when on duty to take a test during the day as required by many other colleges and universities. I suggest you take a course the UOP to see for yourself. Just contact the admissions office and see if they have any free courses for you to attend.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 6:05 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 18:05:19 -0400

What does legitimate mean? I would offer that legitimacy is in the eye of the beholder, like beauty. If a degree from UoP puts a person on track to achieve his/her ultimate goal who are we to say it is more or less "legitimate"? Questions that need to be asked are: is it accredited/can credits be transferred/can one use VA entitlements to cover tuition expenses/do they provide tuition assistance/do the courses they offer help you to achieve short term or long term goals? These are "legitimate" questions that should be asked about any institution of higher learning. If there is a problem with the school and the government does due diligence then the school, any school will have to defend it's operation. This does not mean a prospective student should not do personal due diligence when considering attending any institution of higher learning.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made Mar 22 at 2019 12:33 PM

PO1 William Van Syckle — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:33:19 -0400

UoPX is not the only none campus school that we go to. There are others as well. When I went to school, it was before the internet. I did all my courses by mail while on active duty. Have you ever tried to support your thesis by mail? Almost impossible, but I did it. I got my MPA by correspondence courses. I’m proud of it. It was long and hard. I don’t think it matters what school a person goes to or how they learn, as long as they do it and it is excepted. Just my thought.....

Response by 1SG Dale Seitter made Mar 22 at 2019 12:40 PM

1SG Dale Seitter — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:40:05 -0400

UoP and several other on-line Universities are just as legitimate as traditional colleges. Integrity issues are problems with both types of schools when it comes to do the work. Don't get caught up in the propaganda either way, it depends on what fits your schedule. You get out of college what you are willing to put into, just like most things in life. Universities are there to make money rather online or not, education is a business. As for UoP, I took a few classes with them and their costs are ridiculously high compared to other schools plus the whole group project thing was a joke. My wife has her Bachelors and Masters from UoP. Now she has student loans that will never be paid off and two degrees in Education that will never pay for themselves. I've used my GI Bill and TA while active to get two Bachelors, a couple of Grad Certificates and now closing out a Masters with various online schools and have an excellent career after the military. A degree is a degree it what's you can do with it that matters.

Response by PFC Jason Sullivan made Mar 23 at 2019 5:33 AM

PFC Jason Sullivan — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 05:33:27 -0400

Honestly, there's seriously zero reason to pick UoP in 2019. There are now literally hundreds of traditional four-year colleges that offer online degrees that aren't under investigation. I've seen a few mentions about how having UoP on a resume didn't hurt them, but I know people who work in HR who literally use UoP as a filter to automatically reject resumes, because it shows a provable inability to research and form reasonable conclusions. IOW, you're not even hearing back from the places that filter on it, so you've not worked at a place that cares about it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 6:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 18:56:32 -0400

Please note, that the school, like many ‘for profit’ schools have some accredited programs, MOST are not. So they can claim accreditation without being liars. It’s called marketing.
If one is serious in a path for their future. Look at what is required; licensing, creditials. In order to sit in those states tests, one MUST have a degree from an accredited program. (Ah ha!) no exceptions.
And the states accreditation tests website it will listed accredited programs and schools and when it was last been reviewed, etc.
These schools are difficult to get into, because why- they are actually worth something in the long run.
If you need a piece of paper with your name on it. Sure; for profit schools are the best way to go, but are more expensive in the long run.
Community college for AA/AS. Yes the classes are competitive to get, but they WILL transfer.
They’re are plenty of online courses, plenty of ‘easier to be acceptable’ programs, they’re are plenty of legitimate schools. But you can’t get all three. (Fast, cheap, done correctly- can’t have all three.)
When I spoke to the recruiter, I had a MA in psychology from UoPh. I’m not an officer due to the accreditation issue. I joined because I found out the hard way IRL, and it’s difficult to get into an accredited program. It’s a lottery system now.

Response by SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy made Mar 23 at 2019 11:29 PM

SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 23:29:03 -0400

Name recognition as a University of standing is important. Most state universities and recognized private and religious institutions hold similar academic recognition. I used my Vietnam Nam GI Bill for undergraduate and graduate degrees form reputable state colleges and universities. Many recognized universities and colleges now offer some distance learning programs but these usually require some on-campus time as a part of the program. If one wants to teach in higher education, a state university or recognized private/religious institution will give most advantage. I can say with some authority that most in the Academy look at non-traditional and for profit university degrees with question. Argosy University and Virginia College have gone belly-up and I suspect in time so will other for-profit schools. All Degrees do not hold the same value and the school from which it is earned plays a great part in that acceptance. Seven earned degrees plus post-doctoral certification from reputable state colleges or universities and current Seminary work have serve me well in acceptance of my academic credentials. I would suggest spending the dollars for education where acceptance and recognition of the credential is the highest.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 12:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 12:04:06 -0400

I'm not sure, but as one who is active duty and doing classes online, I consider it a blessing that this is an option in the first place.

Response by CW3 Chris Davis made Mar 26 at 2019 11:00 AM

CW3 Chris Davis — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:00:45 -0400

After I retired and was looking for a university to complete my Bachelor's Degree I looked mainly at University of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University at which time the counselor there sent me a link to do some comparisons for things such as job prospects after graduation and pay in comparison to the education received, I also looked at Grand Canyon University simply because of many Liberal Ideals pushed at State and or Public Universities, I ultimately chose GCU over UoP because it had a higher pay scale and job prospect for the degree I was pursuing and much like UoP, GCU also utilized Turn-It-In the plagiarism checker which is an awesome tool.

Response by MAJ Greg Lucht made Mar 27 at 2019 3:32 AM

MAJ Greg Lucht — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 03:32:32 -0400

I'm a veteran and taught at UOP for 15 years. As in the military, I put forth 110 % to ensure my students got the education they paid for. I can say that not all teachers had the same ethic. UOP is a for profit school and as such, they did not pay the teachers what they are worth which contributed to some teachers being slackers. Students that passed my classes earned their grades and learned something that will carry them in their careers.

Response by MAJ Graham Bishop made Mar 28 at 2019 11:08 PM

MAJ Graham Bishop — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 23:08:06 -0400

Easy wrong over the hard right

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 29 at 2019 1:30 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:30:27 -0400

No veteran should be going to university of Phoenix since it was black listed by the government so the GI Bill isn’t allowed because of fraud.

Response by SPC Frankie Bolanos made Mar 29 at 2019 3:29 PM

SPC Frankie Bolanos — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 15:29:46 -0400

I used my Montgomery GI bill at a private 4 year college that vanished my 3rd year. Never got my GI Bill back and never got a degree. Now I'm 50 and going to community college. I highly recommend soldiers start with community college for an associates degree before tackling a 4 year degree. The difference is dramatic after having been out of school for a period of time. I also recommend avoiding private colleges and online only that isn't connected directly to a State University or Community College system. I'm currently going to Online Only but its part of the community college system.

Response by SGT Jason Huskie made Mar 29 at 2019 5:21 PM

SGT Jason Huskie — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 17:21:16 -0400

The article attached to the question isn't worth much. The Daily Caller is amusing and reinforces some of my opinions but it is not a news site. It is simply a spin machine meant to propagate conspiracy theories and push far right agenda items while elevating Tucker Carlson to deity status. Not much critical thinking and very little in the way of journalistic principles. It's akin to the Daily KOS on the far left. The need to attach Obama to it in a drawn out and illogical approach is as mind bogling as it is amusing. I'm not a fan of Obama but when I see silly crap like this I know I'm being targetted for manipulation. The investigation was started several years before it was acquired by Vistria. FTC investigations last years regularly. A new owner won't end an investigation, rather it can lengthen it as a matter of access and organization. There has been no announcement of campuses closing other than the 20 planned back in 2016. It is a business and will expand and contract as the market demands. I learned that gem at UoP, where did you go that failed to teach such basics? Multiple for-profit universities have been sued by the FTC for misrepresenting placement stats, graduation rates and billing issues. Non-profit universities have the same issues but face less public judgment and punishment. UoP was apparently bought for a song due to declining enrollment and a potential fine from the FTC. That was actually due to the crackdown on for-profit universities by Obama's administration. That is the first link to Obama, which is not really a link in any real sense. The next is more substantial. The CEO of Vistria is a longtime friend of the Obama family. I'm not sure how that ties him into the university other than three degrees of separation. I'm pretty sure they don't collaborate on daily operation of each other's interests any more than your friends tell you how to do your job. I can't believe how many "educated" veterans can't tell the difference between a journalist and a commentator. One is held to journalistic principles, integrity and verifiable fact. The other can spout nonsense and conspiracy theories to get you whipped up in a frenzy. You know why they do that? Because it induces pathological brand loyalty. They own you and when you keep coming back for more of that emotional reward, they sell you on EVERYTHING. Their sponsors feed you ads and you buy it up thinking it is actually endorsed by your commentator. I've worked with such talent and they will sell ANYTHING.

As for UoP vs community college...come on. Community college has a primary function of helping prepare students that need more help maturing or catching up academically before attending a four-year university. Some have become true colleges and stand for excellent standards in education but they are the exception, not the rule. UoP continues to evolve from it's heavily mocked start, mostly from traditional institutions desire to disparage anything other than traditional academia. Like all schools that answer to a board(most), the school has different guiding agendas each year. Universities are competitive and to market themselves they must maintain high graduation rates, high post degree employment placing, and offer a lifestyle that draws students. For brick and mortar that means good sports teams(scandal at many of the best schools now), a great campus life, and sketchy corporate relations. For UoP that means flexible classes, alternate financing, social counselors and a degree program that allows for frequent pauses. That last element is so important for working students, those with young families and soldiers that deploy. Even if you don't expect to need it, many appreciate a school that shows that level of cooperation and understanding.

To really understand the draw, let's look at the potential veteran student:
1) Young? Joined the military before their 21st birthday typically. No or little college previously. Often poor or mediocre grades. Probably intimidated by college and not sure they will stick with it.
2) Not young. Has been in the military for years and needs to advance or plan a post-military career while still enlisted. Has to do so without interfering with duty or family obligations. Also is concerned about being able to succeed in academia after a long pause in their education.
3) Nearing the end of their military career and concerned about their next move. A traditional university requires a total commitment in time and energy. The average student will be half their age or younger even. The expected knowledge might better fit a 19 year old just out of high school than a 38 year old combat vet who already has trouble fitting in outside of deployments.

UoP has programs and staff designed to address each and every one of these situations. I attended several good brick and mortar schools that claimed many as well. The difference was that at UoP I easily found the resource and they were happy to work with me. My advanced degree program wasn't available at UoP or I would have considered it again. Anyone that dismisses UoP resumes automatically is unfit for duty. It is a tired and outdated attitude and shows a lack of first-hand knowledge as well as maturity. Don't work for anyone that trusts someone like that to hire for them.

Response by SGT Adam Minkler made Mar 30 at 2019 10:48 PM

SGT Adam Minkler — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 22:48:48 -0400

I did it cause I had to choose an ONLINE college while active duty... and it was 2009

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Mar 31 at 2019 8:16 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 20:16:11 -0400

I can tell some of the people that I have known that used them.
For the following resions.
1. No real class time.
2.Did not have to listen to any of there Politica Bias from ether side.
3.The extra time off from work to do there Class Work.
4.There Wife's would do the Class work for them, Some of the wife's already had the same Degree's.
5.You have to have CIVILAN EDUCATION to get Prmoted no matter the Degree. Related to your Field or not.

Thes are the MAIN reison's that I have seen people do this.

Then there are the one's that are book smart,and can not do any thing with their hands.
We all have seen them.

Every Branch needs the Book and Desk people Just like they need the Grunts.
I just do not under stand the need for a College Degree if it has nothing to do with your field.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2019 8:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 20:26:55 -0400

I would say it's because we would probably get arrested for beating the shit out of liberal antifa students that we don't feel like taking shit from. :)

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 3 at 2019 10:41 AM

LTC Chad Storlie — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 10:41:10 -0400

I attached a chart of the top schools that military affiliated students attend and the outcomes - as you can see, the vast majority of military veterans attend higher education institutions with poor outcomes. The only way to choose a school is to compare outcomes of graduation rate, student loan payoff rates, student debt levels at graduation, and income following graduation.
This is Department of Education, VA GI Bill, and Department of Treasury information.

Response by SSG Marlin Dammarell made Apr 4 at 2019 9:28 AM

SSG Marlin Dammarell — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 09:28:31 -0400

Actually I know many many veterans using UMUC.

Response by SGT Jim Worcester made Apr 24 at 2019 1:04 PM

SGT Jim Worcester — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:04:53 -0400

My experience w/ UoPX was excellent. I’ve read some of the other replies and cannot speak to those experiences, but mine was top notch. I started my Bachelors at a brick & mortar state university, but after moving and all the other things life throws at you didn’t go back to finish it. Even though I was using my G.I. Bill, I was left to ‘figure it out’ on some occasions (including a nasty surprise when one of my fall classes was compressed to 7 weeks like a summer class) and never felt like the school cared as long as my bills were paid. Contrast that w/ UoPX, they assigned me a veterans-only counselor (who was a former Navy NCO), he made sure my paperwork was locked down and pointed me in the right direction for a scholarship that cover nearly all my expenses without having to use any of my G.I. Bill (saving that for my next degree). As far as plagiarism, it was very clear from the get go that it would not be accepted & the student would be expelled for it (besides, my honor would not have allowed it anyway). In the end, my BSN (Bachelors of Nursing) meets national standards and is from an accredited university, and that is all that matters. I got a promotion and a raise for having my BSN. There are a lot of online schools, UoPX met my needs and in my opinion was the best option for me.

Response by SPC Jesse Davis made Apr 24 at 2019 1:29 PM

SPC Jesse Davis — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:29:19 -0400

No small part of the community is scammed by the anti-intellectual rhetoric that discourages actual academia. Just consider the lazy get-rich scheme that is our current presidency. It's how scams function.

Response by PO2 Jeff Klein made Apr 24 at 2019 3:05 PM

PO2 Jeff Klein — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:05:04 -0400

I got an AS and a BS from Thomas Edison State College. They were familiar with my Navy Nuclear Power training and what they could credit for that. Still had plenty of math and science to do after that which means they don't go overboard on "giving" credit. They are part of the NJ state college system and regionally accredited. Was able to do some of my other courses through other schools like Ohio University as long as they approved them first to ensure they met my syllabus requirements. They never did a hard sell.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2019 6:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 06:28:45 -0400

Better advertising? Lack of educated mentorship; if junior leadership doesn't care about education, they surely won't input any effort to guide the "I'm going to buy the most expensive thing from the Dead Sea Salts kiosk" E1-E5. As far as my experience, officers (the ones who usually have the most practical experience in college) rarely engage Enlisted on topics of higher education. So service members take their non-knowledge of the topic, ETS, and are hit with the puffery-filled, brilliant advertising campaigns for-profits are known for.

As the Enlisted side encourages and retains more NCOs with degrees, I think we will start to see the trickle down effect of passing on the knowledge of higher education opportunities and pitfalls to junior Soldiers. Sure, the Education Center exists but it's not the same as getting that mentorship from someone you already know and/or respect.

EDIT: This is not to say I am for or against UoP, for-profits, "non-profits," or private schools, just that ignorance to an organization's current events is not uncommon.

Response by SFC Ryan Smith made Apr 26 at 2019 9:03 PM

SFC Ryan Smith — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 21:03:53 -0400

I earned my undergrad and masters from UoPX. It’s true you can get As for C work and course facilitators range from excellent or very poor. The good ones applied real world experience rather than academic theory, which was effective. I choose the university for both degrees because I liked the curriculum and duration of classes which allows flexibility if you travel frequently like I did. What I liked most is I could learn what I wanted to learn and not be overly concerned with the ‘fluff’ or non-relevant material that other universities I research required. Group work was frustrating at times because lack of effort by other team members, but it actually taught me how to work and lead virtual teams more effectively in the real world.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 6:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 06:10:23 -0400

I chose "more legitimate options" for my education, but halfway through I began working rotating shifts. The University of Phoenix offered me a flexible schedule and accepted a good portion of my transfer credits. I ended up getting my Master's degree online through Boston University. So, I have experienced traditional classroom college courses, distance learning through UOP and distance learning through a school with a more reputable name. My UOP courses were just as challenging as those other options. There was nothing "less legitimate" about my education.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Apr 27 at 2019 12:20 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 12:20:55 -0400

I believe in Brick & Mortar schools. On the Internet You are Basically Paying for a Piece of Paper.
No Conversation with others or the Professors

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 27 at 2019 3:30 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:30:25 -0400

http://www.excelsior.edu

Probably a good deal of it has to do with publicity, esp. on the tube, I'd expect...as a legitimate example, Excelsior was part of NYS govt, then privatized, I got a 2nd bach in math through them, while they were part of NYS, a friend got his bach in math, then went Navy OCS using it...they're very well-known to and trusted by the svcs, very svc friendly, Navy even got them, while part of NYS, to rate their enlisted nuclear school for a block of credits some years back, as a good many Navy enlisted guys in the program found about them, they were called Regents External Degrees (REDs), then Regents College Degrees (RCDs), both under Univ. of the State of NY (USNY, not SUNY, that's headed by SUNY Central, which runs the major campuses, as well as all the community colleges, other than those in NYC, attached to CUNY, which is of course involved with SUNY, albeit a separate civy governmental entity), they've got their own exam program, very reputable, incl. nursing up through MSN, also a masters in liberal arts (MLA or ALM), also electrical and mechanical technology assocs and bach level, as well as comp software, not comp science...trust me, they're very real, honest, they also have a toll-free phone if anyone wants to call, as well as a commercial phone line....

www.excelsior.edu

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 27 at 2019 3:31 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:31:07 -0400

http://www.tesu.edu

This is run by the NJ state govt, it has a doctoral level in nursing, a DNP, as well as it's other programs....

College Degrees for Adults at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides opportunities for adults to earn a college degree. Explore our programs, online courses and flexible transfer credit policies today.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 27 at 2019 3:31 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:31:35 -0400

http://www.charteroak.edu

This is run by the CT state govt....

www.charteroak.edu

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 27 at 2019 3:36 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:36:53 -0400

http://www.uopeople.edu

I've read good things about this, they just sent out stuff about their first graduation, I'm unsure how industry, the VA, or the svcs view them, they're not regionally accredited, they fall under the Distance Educ Training Council (DETC), the successor to the Natl. Home Study Council (NHSC), they have assocs and bach in comp sci (CS), bus admin, and health sci, also an MBA...I'd also seen something about a Vatican endorsement, they're affiliated with several name brick-and-mortar schools, they charge no tuition, only exam and admin fees, they also just started allowing transfer credits, I'd read, you might care to look through their material, I'm obviously not saying they're a panacea, I'm merely mentioning them purely as an FYI, that's all, honest, I'd be most eager for any thoughts, I've always told those I tell about them on here to NOT take anything for granted, and to CHECK FIRST, to be certain if they'd be suitable for what one would wish to use them for, I've just read good things about them, as I'd said, hope is of interest, at any rate....

University of the People Accredited Online American University | University of the People

Welcome to the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online, American university. Follow your dreams. Your career starts here.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 27 at 2019 3:41 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:41:02 -0400

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bear

You might find reading about him of interest, he's a recognized expert from a couple of decades ago till now ongoing on distance-ed...he was quite frequently called in by Congress whenever there'd be hearings on diploma mills, he's quite highly regarded on the topic, he wrote a text I'd gotten awhile back, I did, I think, actually possibly call him, maybe his daughter, I think, some years ago, when they'd been in Hawaii, I believe, to ask some advice, though that was obviously a very long while back, as I'd said...I just quite honestly think you'd find material by him of quite considerable use and/or interest....

John Bear - Wikipedia

John Bjorn Bear is an American businessman in the distance education industry. He is also a writer of creative reference works.

Response by CPL J M made Apr 28 at 2019 9:48 AM

CPL J M — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 09:48:19 -0400

Because they have NO idea how the real world works. I'm not going to sugar coat it but a large majority of the enlisted side of the military come from lower and underprivileged families where the military was their only way out or they themselves may be the first ones to get a college education. Most naive enlisted who choose to 'ETS' just try to enroll in the easiest school to get into in order to get the MHA instead of thinking forward about their future. They do not research legitimacy nor accreditations and think a six figure salary awaits when they graduate. As prior enlisted with an MBA from UPENN, I remember having a similar argument with an LT who went to some college in the middle of nowhere and was jealous of my educational background and asked why I didn't come in as an officer. The answer was simple. I wanted to get to know the enlisted side first and then become an officer so that I can become a better leader in today's military filled with toxic leadership

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 12:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 12:46:58 -0400

I am just blown away by the ignorance of people postings on here who have never attended U of Phx, yet present themselves as a foremost authority on the issue. I've attended several community Colleges and even a private liberal arts college in my quest to complete my undergraduate degree. I like many others, held my nose in the air about University of Phoenix until I actually went in and checked it out. Our of all the colleges I attended, it was the only college that actually required its instructors to have documented current experience in the subject that they are teaching. Additionally, I can count on two hands as to how many tests we actually took. Instead, we were required to write advanced level research papers, both as a individuals and as a group. Part of the requirements to work as a group, better prepares people for the real working world. Many of the instructs I had at U of Phx, were also teaching similar courses at the other colleges that I attended. Few people actually know this because they're too hung up on the "for profit" aspect.

The reality is, unless you have personal experience as a student there, you really don't have the right to bash the quality of education that you've never experienced.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 8:47 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 20:47:41 -0400

I have had such bad luck with this school. They took advantage of me and when I realized I was being had, I pulled out. I am stuck with a debt I can never repay. I had hoped to go on and get a degree, but what I found out was that they are a diploma mill. Employers were just round filing resumes that had anything from this school on them. The school was mandating a lot of online class time, telling me it was friendly to be able to work your civilian job but it was not, they demanded a lot of time be dedicated to the class and the discussion forums when it was not able to to be given. I had tried to enroll in a computer course, but because it had no prerequisites, there were no basic skills that you should already have had. The class began talking about computer skills that were beyond my basic understanding... They were jumping in to discuss the finer points of the 6 Sigma certification when when all you know how to do is take a computer apart. (all I really wanted was a COMPTIA certificate) So that didn't work out, they wanted me to do Paraprofessional , which is for working at places like public schools, did not work out either. There were no prerequisites. High school diplomas don't really mean anything anymore, you have to have a degree. It's very much like sending an unqualified person to do a job that requires certain skills and ending up in disaster. The school recruiters were not scrupulous and only wanted to extort the FAFSA money. (There are many upon many documented cases of this) They would not provide any extra assistance or clarify their course of action. The bottom line was I was taken for a ride. I'm now stuck with having to repay this nonsense loan which again I will never be able to make enough money to repay. It's been going on ten years now and I believe the only chance of ever getting rid of it is to win the lottery. I do have to say that my involvement with it was clearly the worst decision I ever made that has impacted my life the most severely.
I had wanted to better myself, I had wanted to make more money like anyone else and be a better person possibly with a degree because at the rate things are going you need a degree to flip burgers at McDonald's now (It's the Washington DC area, you practically need a degree to look out the window these days) I don't owe a high substantial amount of money because I got out , but I don't make enough to pay them either. In retrospect, I would tell people if they want to consider a school , to consider one with a good reputation and that has brick and mortar locations. UOP/ Axia College has already packed up most of their locations, however there is at least one that remains open. As long as that location remains open, a loan involving that school won't be able to be dismissed.
IF I was to try it again I would probably pick American Military University, which is a much better school with more of a reputation and more for the people who would be working in Emergency Management. Right now I could never afford it. If I tried it, my family would disown me. It will be something out of reach for me. Besides, I will be too old for any employer to really be looking at me seriously anyway. University of Phoenix, I wouldn't wish that on the people I don't like the most. Stay away, you can find a much better school than that.
I believe that it is unfortunate that people who have real world hands on skills vs. a book knowledge and a degree with no skill, would get chosen over somebody who already knows what they are doing and has proven it well, and the person with the skills would be dismissed. The bottom line is that it comes down to money, if you have it spend it wisely, if you don't, don't go getting in over your head.
If I could do it all over again given the choices it would have either been American Military University or my local community college.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Apr 29 at 2019 7:55 AM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:55:46 -0400

Having seen the 'work' one of my coworkers was doing to 'earn' her degree there I would think lack of any real effort required would be one draw so they could say they had a degree. Of course that one tried to belittle me in her efforts to make herself look better but the group I was talking with all attended a real university and held higher degrees than she did. Something she only realized later after she was put in her place touting how awesome Phoenix was. I'm not a fan of the way someone earns a degree from that kind of diploma mill. It cheapens earning a degree for the people that had to do actual work. Of course that is only my experience and my opinion but I would straight up call that place a diploma mill.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 29 at 2019 8:46 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:46:32 -0400

OK, let's talk breakfast cereal for a moment. (Stay with me, it will make sense.). Why are Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles popular? They barely meet the minimums of nutrition - but they are approved by FDA - there are more nutritious options which probably cost less. Because they are easy to eat, and they have a very effective ad campaign targeted to specific customers.

Why do people choose UofPx? Because they have a great ad campaign targeted at a specific audience, and they make it easy to do (not talking about academic rigor, but convenience.)

Any other questions I can easily answer with breakfast cereal?

Response by SPC Joshua Ulch made May 1 at 2019 12:38 PM

SPC Joshua Ulch — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:38:16 -0400

It’s simple. I left the Army with a family. I attempted college the normal way any working adult could. One or two classes at a time. Once I realized it would take me nearly 10 years to get my undergraduate degree, I realized higher education wasn’t possible under my circumstances. So I choose U of Phoenix. Finished in the same time a normal college student would finish. 4.5 years later. I took classes at three different campuses and found the quality of students and educators varied greatly. One campus was really good, lots of things to take away for my professional career. The other campus was a paper mill. Just pushing students through that really had no business being there. However, I feel I earned my degree. It was not easy, but I managed. Now I’m finishing my MBA from a highly respected business college with honors. I’m sitting next to people with the same job as me that have degrees from Big 10 schools. So what if I took classes at a school people frown upon. My work ethic and ability proved I’m much more than what people think about the school that printed that piece of paper on the wall.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made May 1 at 2019 9:40 PM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Wed, 01 May 2019 21:40:29 -0400

I got my degree from the University of Phoenix. I chose it because it was great to be going to college and still on active duty. It is geared towards helping people who can't attend college during the day. I like it had a group just for those in the area or same time zone. Also was able to talk with others that were also military.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made May 1 at 2019 11:09 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Wed, 01 May 2019 23:09:27 -0400

SP4 Byron Skinner…oh come on now if you have to ask this question I guess the University of Phoenix is the place you belong. Veterans Educational Benefits shout only go to service and former service members who are attend an accredited College or University and maintain a C Average. Back in the Day thats what it use to be. Until week kneed members of Congress decided that these cash and carry diploma mills could also mosey up help themselves at the benefits trough. Any Body attend Trump University????

Response by PO2 Keith Morgan made May 2 at 2019 12:39 PM

PO2 Keith Morgan — Thu, 02 May 2019 12:39:06 -0400

I have taught classes at both state universities and at a for profit university. I worked in the computer industry and did a lot of hiring of university graduates.. A state university education and degree is far more valuable than one from a for profit school. All of the for-profits I am aware of cost way more than attending a state university and deliver inferior educations. None of the companies I worked for (ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies) would hire anyone with degrees from for profit schools. Your best bet - attend a community college for the first 2 years. Most states have agreements between community colleges and their universities that allow you to transfer into their universities from a CC pre-college program, accepting all your academic credits from the community college. Most community college programs have sufficiently flexible hours that you can hold down a part-time job to supplement your VA money and still have time to do your coursework.

Response by SPC Raymond Hanley made May 2 at 2019 10:21 PM

SPC Raymond Hanley — Thu, 02 May 2019 22:21:21 -0400

Explain how it’s not legitimate

Response by Lt Col Robert Farnette made May 6 at 2019 8:17 AM

Lt Col Robert Farnette — Mon, 06 May 2019 08:17:06 -0400

You imply that Phoenix is not "legitimate". Yet a lady I know earned an accounting degree from there, because her employer favors that school and gave her tuition reimbursement .
R.L. Farnette LTC JAG (R)

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made May 6 at 2019 5:36 PM

SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity — Mon, 06 May 2019 17:36:33 -0400

It may be what’s convenient for some of all I can think of. They have been under investigation for some time.

Community college and public are private schools are fine. Do your research before hand. I’m not just saying it. I worked one year as a contractor out of fort hood. I then decided I wanted to go back to school after earning my associates at CSU. I researched several colleges in NYC and chose Monroe college for undergraduate studies. I finished there and was accepted to Fordham University’s Masters of Cybersecurity program.

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made May 6 at 2019 5:51 PM

CWO3 Bryan Luciani — Mon, 06 May 2019 17:51:09 -0400

I got my AA from them back in 1993 as they were the best at converting military education into college credits and giving credit for old college transcript stuff. Almost a no-brainer back then.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made May 7 at 2019 11:22 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Tue, 07 May 2019 23:22:46 -0400

I have a AA and AAS from a community college, a BS from a leading state university, a MA and most of an EdD from a private school, and took 2 additional graduate courses courses from UoP, including calculus. I found the course as rigorous as the private school and state university.

Response by SFC George Birdseye made May 8 at 2019 1:20 AM

SFC George Birdseye — Wed, 08 May 2019 01:20:46 -0400

There are many reasons why we choose the schools we do. For some, it’s the name of the school; for others, it’s the title. Resumés are one thing, but the reality is that if one can’t hustle and function in the real world, success will never be achieved.

That being said, because I was way too smart to complete a four-year degree, I took the “study-work” route and completed both the basic and intermediate Spanish and Russian language programs at DLIFLC, receiving a Masters level equivalency in each language. After retirement, I returned to the local university and taught ESL classes as a private contractor for a couple of years while my wife enrolled at UoPx for an MBA, ultimately completing it within a couple of years. Within the next couple of years, both of us found full-time employment, all of her school loans were paid off, and our house was paid off.

In the end, it’s how one applies what one learns that counts, not where one learned it. The “good old boy” network still exists, but today’s professional world requires everyone to have a “like” button rather than an understanding of how to respond to the balloon going up.

PS: Not every school that is/was under investigation was bad. Some schools went belly up and then politics took over…

Response by PO2 Russell Houston made May 15 at 2019 9:14 PM

PO2 Russell Houston — Wed, 15 May 2019 21:14:00 -0400

LOL the whole college degree thing has gotten out of hand. A lot of people never work or stay in thier field. I assure you that most will tell you that most of what they learn was from on the job training from an older experiened old hand.

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made May 23 at 2019 7:39 AM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:39:27 -0400

I worked hard for my MSN from UOP. My education and degree are legitimate. Not sure how the school works now, but it wasn’t light or easy when I earned my Masters.

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made May 23 at 2019 7:41 AM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Thu, 23 May 2019 07:41:59 -0400

The source you use appears to be quite biased, referring to Obama’s “friend” numerous times. What do you call a nurse who received her Masters from UOP? A nurse!!!

Response by LCpl Chris Harris made Jun 3 at 2019 3:29 PM

LCpl Chris Harris — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:29:02 -0400

I’m a Phoenix, having completed my bachelors degree. I went through the flex program where the first and last class was done at the local campus and the other weeks were online. I also taught at the local campus later after obtaining my masters. I can tell you at our campus and degree programs you got the grade for the quality of work completed. I stopped teaching there when the local campus, along with several others closed in cost cutting measures.
There are other colleges/universities that offer similar programs for less cost out there. For example I currently teach online for Southwestern College of Winfield Ks. Great professional studies program that caters to military and working professionals.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2019 9:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 21:33:29 -0400

When I researched the university I wanted to go to I looked at the schools history. If the school was in existence since 1950 or so I figured it's legit and accreditation of course. There's a bunch of schools popping up lately which causes me to scratch my head .

Response by Edward Samsen made Jul 4 at 2019 9:07 PM

Edward Samsen — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 21:07:25 -0400

Predominantly online colleges/universities fill a niche for the student. I received my teaching credential and Master's degree from National University, yeah I know "Duke" Cunningham's alma mater. The one class per month made focusing on each class relatively easy....you did that one class and moved on to the next. Most instructors were fairly good and one course was a total waste of time. There was also a lesser chance of getting into a political debate with left leaning academics....never met them face to face.

Response by SSG Rob Combs made Jul 7 at 2019 5:24 PM

SSG Rob Combs — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 17:24:09 -0400

As a veteran, a previous employee of UoPX (doing IT), a graduate (Masters of Info Systems), and a graduate of a state school (BSBA) - I can tell you that UoPX is not very different from most other schools. That was not however always the case. When I started there in 2006, it was very much focused on getting students on the door to make money. However, over the next 6 years of working for them, I can honestly say they changed their focus to prioritizing graduation rates and student success. Like any school, there are teachers who care more than others, but for the most part they don’t last very long. There is no tenure at UoPX, so poor teachers just don’t last. I EARNED my masters degree (even completing one class while in Iraq). I put more effort into it than I did my bachelors. That being said, not every experience is the same. My point: don’t blindly believe the stories about it being a terrible school. Do your homework (pun intended).

Response by SFC James Lahtonen made Jul 25 at 2019 3:07 PM

SFC James Lahtonen — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:07:17 -0400

First of all, I did not attend University of Phoenix, but what is a more "legitimate option"? I did attend an online university, and got a degree from them, so I have to question how an online university is less "legitimate" than a brick and mortar university, as long as they are both accredited. Reasons for these online educations are numerous, and varied as there are people. I used my GI Bill to finance my time at school, and it was probably harder than some of the universities that are located in buildings. My instructors were experts in the field, and were available for questions and discussions, which were easier to schedule than the times I needed to meet with professors at either the University of Minnesota(yeah I graduated there too), and Kansas State University(yeah, there too). So having done both, I felt that the knowledge I gained from and online university was as good or better than that which I got while attending brick and mortar schools. Also, many of us who get out have families and have been established in our local areas, so a flexible online university is usually easier on us and our families. The other part of that is that I didn't go back until almost 10 years after retirement, when I figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up.

Response by SgtMaj Mark Davis made Aug 3 at 2019 9:45 PM

SgtMaj Mark Davis — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 21:45:16 -0400

Every school is "for profit"; don't kid yourself. The only difference is that state/public schools don't get investigated because the fox is guarding the henhouse. If a school is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies, it's legit. As someone who received an AA and AS at a state college, a BA at a private college and an MBA at a "for profit" college, I can tell you first hand that the quality of instruction and the technology available at the "for profit" was head and shoulders above the other two. Within a year of graduating I landed a job that paid for my degree in a single salary increase. Moreover, I am now a full time professor at a state college and they had no issue with where my MBA was obtained. Some of my PhD colleagues received their doctorate from "for profits". "For profits" drove the entire online learning revolution. If it weren't for them, public/private universities would have continued to do things the old way. Unless you went to an Ivy League school, no one cares where your degree is from within 5 years of graduation. It's whether or not you can perform. Much of the disdain for "for profits" comes from an attitude of academic snobbery. I don't really worry about that on payday.

Response by SMSgt Gerry Mitchell made Aug 6 at 2019 6:19 PM

SMSgt Gerry Mitchell — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 18:19:55 -0400

Why are these posts showing up now? This was a year and a half ago.
And, whats the point?

Response by Cpl Brett Smith made Aug 9 at 2019 8:30 AM

Cpl Brett Smith — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 08:30:51 -0400

I have 3 degrees through UOPx. I chose it because they took all my military schools, odds and ends classes from other colleges ( university of Maryland, etc) like when I was in deployment and counted them toward my education. It was a good school, it was a hard school. I learned a lot. That is probably why vets like it.

Response by CW5 John Vassar made Aug 10 at 2019 1:27 PM

CW5 John Vassar — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 13:27:41 -0400

From 2001-2017 I taught Graduate and Undergraduate Courses at UOP at the Online, Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia Campuses. I found little difference in the quality of instruction between UOP and other institutions where I taught or evaluated. As always, the quality of an institution is based on the Faculty, Administration, and Students.

Response by SSG Bruce Garrido made Aug 13 at 2019 5:29 AM

SSG Bruce Garrido — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 05:29:32 -0400

Potatoe/potato?

Response by 1SG Ken Rossi made Aug 14 at 2019 2:28 PM

1SG Ken Rossi — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 14:28:57 -0400

I can't really explain why "many" vets choose Phoenix over more "legitimate" options. The reasons are probably as varied as the number of posters to this question. Phoenix has both a great and a bad reputation depending on who you happen to be talking to. What makes the issue more confusing is the number of physical locations Phoenix has and the fact that its faculty are hired by the local sites - so you get good with bad. In the past I know Phoenix had a centrally developed curriculum, meaning the SMEs at their central location develop the curriculum that all faculty in a discipline present (I'm not sure if this has changed, though). It does not mean that some faculty at their various locations can add to (but shouldn't deviate from) the central curriculum. This can be a good thing (guarantees a standard of course curriculum across the various locations) and a bad thing (no variation based on location or changes in the field over time). But those are besides the point - every student has a different experience based on where and what they took, what they put in and who the instructors where - no real difference from a traditional brick and mortar school. A point I do want to make here concerns accreditation. For universities there is six regional accrediting organizations and Phoenix is accredited by one of those. The requirements and standards vary across the six but they are the standard for university level education. there are a number of other accreditation that are used by some of the fly-by-night kinds of schools. they are the most liberal (meaning easiest, lower standards) of the various accrediting agencies. But, Phoenix is accredited by one of the six regional (HLC). Now, what confuses the accreditation issue is having or not having additional accreditation. These include AACSB for business schools, APA for schools of psychology, CACREP for counseling programs, CCNE for nursing programs, etc. These accreditation are in addition to a regional accreditation. So, the rub on Phoenix is they are not accredited is usually associated with an additional accreditation so don't get confused by that argument. If the school wasn't accredited by one of the agencies (and that's the entire school) they wouldn't be eligible for VA, TA or federal financial aid - the key to look for is one of the six regional agencies first, then the professional accreditation if you want to pursue a field that may require it (which is probably why one of our posters who had a psych degree was turned down but the degree may not have been APA which is a standard). As a disclaimer, I am not really a fan of Phoenix for personal reasons and I am on the faculty of a "traditional" brick and mortar school but it really irks the s**t out of me when the, "they are not accredited" claim shows up. Sorry for the long post - an occupational hazard!

Response by 1SG Dale Seitter made Aug 16 at 2019 12:28 PM

1SG Dale Seitter — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 12:28:36 -0400

What makes a school more legitimate? Many community colleges and even public universities are more of a paper mill and GI Bill chasing entity than many online schools.

Response by SSG Patrick Sloan made Aug 17 at 2019 7:47 AM

SSG Patrick Sloan — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 07:47:32 -0400

We are focused driven. Don't care to put up with the teenage crap in most brick and mortar colleges. Let's get the requirements done, so we can continue working or find a better job. Case in point, after our deployment in 2005, I registered for a college, went to the first intro class, welcome to our school..blah blah. Kids were dragging in in their jammies, dragging in late, look like they just came out of a bottle, didn't have pen/paper etc etc. I haven't been out of the AOR but two months? If that was what I was going to be putting up with to get my education, screw that! I never went back. I now have my BS and MS nearly completed all online. I love online education! I recommend it highty especially for veterans!

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Aug 18 at 2019 2:43 PM

Sgt Dan Catlin — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 14:43:15 -0400

Just a cursory browsing of he comments shows a lot of negative based on "for profit" institutions and "distance" courses mixed in with a lot of good. My first question would be "When did 'for profit' become a bad thing in the US?"

Next, why do these "for profit" institutions such as UoPx still cost less than colleges and universities supported by public funds?

Then there is the fact while both brick and mortar schools and distance learning have their strengths and weaknesses, distance learners tend to think for themselves better. They solve problems better. Same with most homeschool kids. And I was a Fire Services Instructor, and so got to talk to a lot of firefighters from different backgrounds. While the pros (who typically learn in colleges and the Fire Service Institute) definitely had a knowledge advantage, the volunteer depts. tended to be better problem solvers and think more out of the box.

And last, a comment: Given the LOW state of education in our major institutions of learning today, the politicizing of students and the indoctrination of hatred which is manifest in destruction, closures, shouting down of opposing views, attacks on conservative students, and rabid anti-Semitism that we see there, why would anyone want to go there? And certainly why would I want to hire an unthinking, hate filled political operative from, say Harvard over a UoPx student if I were still in business?

My own educational background is admittedly limited, having only an Associates degree in Engineering from a Community College. But I've also studied several disciplines as a distance student, and I learned far more from them in far less time. I'm now enrolled in a distance course to supplement my knowledge of the Bible, and I can say with confidence I've learned more than any Seminary student I've met in their different denominations. I know this because I've thoroughly beaten every one of them who challenged me, including a couple with Masters degrees! However I prefer those civil conversations where we both learn. I'm engaged at the moment with a couple of Eastern Orthodox men who are very knowledgable and polite- probably because they too learned their theology by distance study!

Response by CPT Dahn Shaulis made Sep 9 at 2019 9:39 AM

CPT Dahn Shaulis — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:39:40 -0400

I worked with Luke Rosiak of the Daily Caller on this article. If you know of any veteran who may have been overcharged by UoPX, please let me know.

https://dailycaller.com/2019/08/25/university-of-phoenix-student-loans/

Massive College Scams Taxpayers Out Of Student Loans With Fake Enrollment Paperwork,...

Employees of the University of Phoenix say the for-profit company conducted a fraud on taxpayers by enrolling unqualified students to cash in on student loans.

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Nov 4 at 2019 4:13 PM

CPL Jay Strickland — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:13:02 -0500

Because they hound you also they are more flexible. I took a few UofP classes when I was active duty largely because getting the night classes I wanted at the local community college wasn't happening. When I got out I went to a state U.

Response by CPT Dahn Shaulis made Feb 23 at 2020 10:33 PM

CPT Dahn Shaulis — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 22:33:51 -0500

Update: I filed a FOIA with VA to get the 500+ GI Bill complaints lodged against the University of Phoenix, but they denied my request. However, that does not stop further investigations about how UoPX has been exploiting veterans using the GI Bill.

Response by Ben Conor made Nov 19 at 2020 7:32 AM

Ben Conor — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 07:32:15 -0500

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Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Dec 5 at 2022 9:56 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:56:50 -0500

Student are drawn to UOP, because they tend to lack the intensity and or rigors that more recognized demand! I examine their offerings and discovered, ghey were more interested in providing me with loans than academic success!

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Dec 5 at 2022 11:18 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:18:59 -0500

Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. Saddening to know this about UoP. Ironically, I took online classes from this school and managed to get a bachelor's degree. There was even a campus in this city where I live. Always wondered what happened to it when it went away in 2019.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2022 7:26 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 07:26:05 -0500

But as long as it has a single campus open, they won't cancel the debt like they did with other schools.

Response by PO2 Tom Hauser made Jan 30 at 2023 12:24 PM

PO2 Tom Hauser — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:24:15 -0500

My advice would be to enroll and start out at your local community college or junior college if available if you are trying to complete your undergraduate degree. They will offer online classses, night classes, possibly week-end classes or labs an in-person classes. Then once you accumulate your Associate's Degree or have completed your core curriculum requirements for your Bachelor's degree in courses required for your Bachelor's degree plan move on to a credible four year college that may or may but probably not have an online program for your BA or BS or BFA degree plan. It is very difficult at a four year college/university your first two years to get focused and acclimated when you are just taking core curriculum requirements with sometimes up to one hundred students in a class. The JC or Community College route is the best way to go always. Once you successfully complete that hurdle then academically and mentally you will be more focused much better prepared to move on to your junior/senior years of college concentrating on your degree plan. I have little confidence or faith in these online degree factories with no brick and mortar campuses which only exist online. When going back to college just beware of this. Today you are going to run into a lot of "woke" "cancel culture" "racist" "liberal assholes" who will not respect you and who are more interested in indoctrinating you on their social justice or their political ideological agendas than teaching you subject matter. The same thing applies in the military where these racist assholes are now fully engaged in Marxist propaganda indoctrination called CRT being pushed out by that racist Negro SECDEF and those four star cluster fucks at JCOS in the Pentagon to our military service academies. I went back to college many years after my two tours of duty in Vietnam to complete my degree. I went to San Antonio College - a community college - completed my AA degree and then moved on the University of Texas at San Antonio to complete my BA Degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In high school I was just an average student and not an excellent student. At the time I went back to college we had three kids - one career military at the time and now a Wounded Warrior and two kids graduating college who motivated me to go back and complete my degree that I had started after high school at the University of Houston - but failed at it because at the time I was not focused and more interested in surfing, partying and working than going to class and studying. If you are paying for your college degree with your G.I. Bill remember you have finite funding and a timeline to contend with so you cannot afford to get hustled by some degree online outfit for a degree that no one respects. If you are on active duty it is especially difficult to attend classes when you may get deployed downrange or miss classes because of training or duty assignments. If possible, enroll locally at a community college if starting out and enroll in 6-9 hours at the most - most likely they will offer night classes, weekend classes and online classes - take them first. If you are taking more advanced classes they will most likely be in-person and offered only during the day or at night. So, take the night classes. I was supporting a family, had a full time job, but still managed to complete two degrees in five years by careful planning and a combination of night classes, online classes, weekend classes, and a few mandatory day classes. Wish you the very best - education is the key to success whether your career path is private or public sector or geared more towards technology and the trades. Plumbers, truck drivers and electricians get paid more than most junior managers so there is no shame in not opting to go to college - just ask some of my Seabee buddies who never took a course in college and are definitely making upper middle class incomes. For those who know college is their choice in life and need that degree then choose wisely. Money, effort and time are precious commodities not to be wasted on an endeavor with a dubious outcome.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Jan 31 at 2023 11:10 AM

SrA James Cannon — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:10:22 -0500

I think a lot of vets choose University of Phoenix and other similar colleges such as American Military University and others because they are more easy in giving credit for military training, and are easier to deal with for veterans and service members. These schools cater to their target cliental, which is veterans and service members. The online learning environments that these schools revolutionized helped many GIs earn degrees from nearly the battlefield, as long as there was an internet connection and a computer available. These schools are regionally accredited, which is the main thing to look for. I have seen more and more "brick and mortar" colleges take notes from these schools and start offering full online degrees in an effort to attract students. I think schools like UofP and AMU may eventually go away as more traditional schools are now providing the same learning environment opportunities that were one exclusive to these types of schools.

Response by CPT David Tanner made Jan 31 at 2023 9:29 PM

CPT David Tanner — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 21:29:47 -0500

I got my associate in Security Administration from Community College of the Air Force, bachelor degree from MidAmerican Nazarene University, and my MBA from University of Phoenix. All 3 were tough, but I was able to excel. I got a 3.8 GPA, but I did earn it. I think UoP is an excellent school and I don't know why everyone are slamming them. No job asked me where I got my masters. Most think I am over qualified and over educated.

Response by Cpl Brad MarkW made Feb 2 at 2023 4:47 AM

Cpl Brad MarkW — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 04:47:57 -0500

LOL - why is this popping up now? It's from 2018 and written up in the Daily Caller. Not exactly an unbiased source. The intention of this article was to take a swipe at Obama. I type all this and don't even like Obama, and I never voted for him.

As of 2023, the University of Phoenix worth anything is an accredited university recognized by the US Department of Education. Degrees from the university are also acceptable by employers for both employment and promotion. One study done by Northeastern University cites as many as 83% of business leaders see an online degree at a “well-known” institution as having the same value as an on-campus degree. UoPh is pretty well known, I'd say.

I never went to UoPh. I have nothing invested there nor do I currently know anyone who is attending. That said, I know plenty of Marines in the past that used them. Some even graduated and now work for my agency.

Forbes had an article that showed University of Phoenix had 15,924 alumni working at these companies, which include the likes of Walmart, Amazon, Apple, CVS Health, Microsoft, Verizon and AT&T.

The answer to the question is simple - they choose UoPh for its many degree options, online accessibility, and willingness to work with any financing or program. when finished, UoPh degrees are widely accepted and respected.

Response by Ronald Breen made Mar 3 at 2023 1:07 AM

Ronald Breen — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 01:07:44 -0500

Because those for profit colleges purposely target veterans with GI Bills to pay their $23k per semester tuition. They do it because they know the GI bill will pay. So they target Veterans with everything they've got. They design the entire program as to entice veterans to come there.

And they use the fact that past vets have been through the school to entice new vets to come there too.

They're all GARBAGE.

Response by SP5 Arthur Vines made Mar 3 at 2023 12:41 PM

SP5 Arthur Vines — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 12:41:20 -0500

I went to UoPX because I was working full time, and their one night a week schedule met my needs. The local university and colleges didn't offer evening courses for my program. The degree served me well. I do not believe it was a "diploma mill". I received an excellent education.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Mar 4 at 2023 8:34 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 08:34:06 -0500

I think University of Phoenix is so popular that maybe most people don't think of looking into local colleges and or people have looked into local colleges and the credits or programs of study doesnt fit or go with you. So you would go with something that ypu like and fits you.

Response by SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy made Mar 4 at 2023 7:15 PM

SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 19:15:41 -0500

The why is location, location, marketing, flexibility of coursework and academic rigor of its programs. One can debate a degree is a degree is a degree but the reputation of the awarding institution does make a difference. I can say with a degree of assurance that two equally qualified candidates holding the same level of degree, one from a State University and one from U of Phoenix, the state university grad will get the nod of approval more often. The Walden U, Grand Canyon U. Virginia Coll ect. may have a place in the academic market place but why spend time in one of these programs when there are reputable state and private institutions that will give a better value for time invested, academic recognition, and institutional reputation.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 6 at 2023 3:29 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:29:59 -0500

Can't speak as to why veterans choose it by I can speak to why someone who worked for a veteran chose it. The short answer is they accommodate student schedules. Back in 2014 I had an employee who worked for me who was taking classes from UoPX and I specifically asked her why she chose them over the local options. She had actually started in person classes at a local college and it worked fine until her work schedule changed and the university was unwilling to accommodate her.
She dropped out and began looking for online classes and one of her criteria became understanding that work schedules can change. She ultimately chose UoPX because they appeared to most understand that. I witnessed her getting classes and tests changed to work around when she had to work and was also impressed by their responses to her needs.
She ultimately received her degree and is now a manager at a company here in the Tampa area.

Response by SSG Gregg Mouritzen made May 1 at 2023 6:05 PM

SSG Gregg Mouritzen — Mon, 01 May 2023 18:05:04 -0400

I can tell you why I didn't.

High pressure unprofessional behavior.
I like many started the process of enrollment.
During said process, I was notified that I might be deploying is a few weeks.
When I notified my "counselor", I got the "you need to show motivation", "You need to puy out the effort" speeches. Basically he tried to bully me into continuing the program
Deploying in my MOS, would have required high intensity, 24 hour operations. Lots of preparation, equipment maintenance and testing. Internet access was a maybe, at best.
After several harassing calls, I told him to forget it. I was no longer interested.
I actually had to tell him to take me off of him contact list.
A month later, I started receiving text books.
I didn't even finish the application process, I removed myself from the enrollment process, and I told them to no longer contact me. Now I'm receiving text books for a program I told them I wasn't going to enroll in.
I'm sure they billed the VA for the books and classes, even though I told them NO.
I filed a complaint, with UoPX and the VA.
I didn't receive any more bills, and never heard from them again. Finally.