FAQ's

General Questions

Will a college degree make a difference in my career?
In our increasingly competitive marketplace, employers put greater value on education than ever before. Today, college graduates earn an average of 98% more income than non-college-graduates. Those with a master's degree earn 170% more. And the gap is widening. (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce.) In addition, through the year 2006, employment opportunities will grow fastest for professionals with a college education. Currently, a majority of the fastest growing and highest paying occupations require at least a bachelor's degree. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Does the online format provide the same quality of education offered by a traditional campus?
Yes. Numerous studies have proven that distance learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts. The book "The No Significant Difference Phenomenon" by Thomas L. Russell cites 355 research reports, papers, and summaries dating back to 1928 that found no significant difference between distance learning and in-class learning. Where a difference was identified, it generally favored the distance learning student. Similarly, an extensive study conducted by the University of Phoenix comparing its own campus-based students to distance learners came to the same conclusion. In addition, it identified the current online format as the most effective vehicle for distance education.

How do I finance my education?
You have several options available. Cash and credit cards are always popular. Federal financial aid is available, but if you participated in the Montgomery GI Bill, you have a much better option. If you're active duty, a recent change to federal law allows you to use military Tuition Assistance and supplement it with your GI Bill educational benefit. Call today for further details.

How fast can I complete my degree?
The time it takes to complete your degree will vary, depending on how many credits you start with. Most military students can earn credits from military training, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or previous college courses they've taken. Military students taking one class at a time are usually able to complete their bachelor's degree in two or three years. The more credits you transfer in, the faster you'll complete your degree.

How is it possible to finish so soon?
At a traditional university, a working professional can struggle to finish 9 credits in a semester. That's only 18 credits per year. At UOP Online our courses are designed specifically for the working professional. By taking one class at a time, you can complete up to 27 credits per year. That's much faster than a traditional university!

What happens if I PCS to a new location?
No problem. You can continue with your degree program at UOP Online from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the Internet. In fact, if you have a laptop, there's no reason why you can't go to school during your PCS.

How long has the University of Phoenix been around? Is it accredited?
The University of Phoenix began in 1976 and was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1978. The University of Phoenix Online, founded in 1989, was among the first accredited universities to provide college degree programs over the Internet. UOP Online is now the nation's leading online university.

Do UoP Online faculty hold masters or doctoral degrees?
To ensure the value of your education, all of our 1,600 faculty members have masters or doctorate degrees. In addition, they hold high-level positions within the fields they teach. When they are not teaching class, our instructors are successful CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, supervisors, managers, business owners, executives, and professionals. They know what it takes to be successful.

Will my degree from UOP Online be accepted in the business community when I complete my military service?
Yes. To ensure that our programs provide the skills and expertise that are in high demand, we develop our curriculum based on the current needs of industry. We then draw our faculty from among the leaders of that industry to provide the most valuable, real-world education possible. The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest proven concepts, methods, and practices.

Is the UOP Online program really 100% online?
Yes, 100%. This includes registration, ordering books, posting assignments, interacting with classmates, receiving feedback from instructors, etc. Imagine, no long commute, no waiting in lines to register, no separate trips to buy books, and no babysitter to pay. Never again will you have to use the phrase, "No, I can't, I have class."

When and how often do I have to be online for class?
You choose. The days and times that you have to be online for class are entirely up to you as long as you sign on at least five times a week and post comments twice per week to meet participation and attendance requirements. You can do that at any time of the day or night, it's entirely up to you. This allows you to fit school into your busy schedule, rather than attempting to fit your schedule around school. Nothing could be more convenient.

What's the question WE ask most frequently?
What's keeping you from getting started NOW and completing your degree?

Military Questions

Does University of Phoenix Online (UOP Online) provide a military discount?
Yes, to show our appreciation for your service, dedication, and sacrifice for our country, we gratefully extend a 20% discount to all active duty military members, full-time Guard and full-time Reserve personnel, including their spouses.

Is UOP Online a member of the Servicemember's Opportunity College (SOC)?
Yes, the University of Phoenix is a long time member of SOC, one of only 1,478 schools currently affiliated.

Will UOP Online accept my military training for college credit?
Absolutely! You may receive up to 21 credit hours of college credit for your military training.

Admissions Questions

What if my GPA from high school or college is too low?
There is no minimum GPA requirement for admittance to undergraduate business programs. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in prior nursing courses. Graduate business programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the most recent 60 credits earned towards the undergraduate degree. The Master of Nursing program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the undergraduate degree.

Does UOP Online accept transfer credit?
Yes, UOP Online accepts transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, as long as they apply to your chosen degree program.

What are the undergraduate admission requirements?

• High School graduate/GED
• 23 Years of age
• Employed or have access to work environment

• High School graduate/GED
• Associate degree/ diploma in nursing
• 30 transfer credits in nursing
• Valid RN license
• 1 year experience as practicing nurse
• Liability insurance of $1,000,000/occurance

What are the graduate admission requirements?

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• 2.5 or higher GPA
• 3 years full-time work experience in field related to degree

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Upper division major in nursing
• 2.5 or better GPA with overall GPA in nursing of 3.0
• Valid RN license
• 3 years of full-time nursing work experience
• Liability insurance of $1,000,000/occurance
• 2 letters of recommendation

Am I required to take the SAT, GMAT, GRE or MAT?
No national admission tests are required.

What will be considered for academic credit?
Part of your admission, your prior coursework, elective classes, major studies, and credits awarded through the Assessment of Prior Learning or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) will be considered for academic credit. If you have had professional training or have served in the military, you may be able to convert previous experience into academic credits.

Technology Questions

What do we need to take online courses?
Using our powerful, yet easy-to-use Internet software, you'll find that your educational experience is convenient, productive and rewarding.

To run the University of Phoenix Online Access Software, you will need Windows 9x, NT, ME or 2000. The Macintosh platform is also supported, provided you use the latest versions of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. For best performance we recommend:

• Pentium or better with 16MB RAM or more
• 1GB Hard Drive or better
• SVGA monitor
• 28.8KBPS modem or existing Internet connection

We also provide complete technical support seven days a week.