University of Phoenix-Arizona

At the University of Phoenix, our mission is to provide access to higher education opportunities that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the performance of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities. We are constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. Founded in 1976 by John Sperling, the University of Phoenix was established in response to the changing needs of the workplace and to make higher education more accessible to working adult students. We were one of the first online universities designed for working adults. Our founder, John Sperling, dared to hold classes at night, then online, when he saw that traditional college classes were out of reach for working adults. To move the University forward, we channel that entrepreneurial spirit by saying what needs to be said, challenging the status quo, and having the fortitude to innovate.

Our core values emphasize being honest, brave, and accountable. To be the most trusted provider of higher education for working adults, we strive for an unparalleled level of transparency. This means being honest with students, alumni, employers, and each other, even when it’s difficult. We keep our word and follow through on promises, acknowledging our failures, learning from them, and pivoting quickly. We believe our students deserve quality academic programs that are career-relevant and offered by an accredited institution. They should be supported by qualified staff and faculty, and by University efforts to aid them on their path to graduation. Students are the singular reason we continue to advance the quality, career-relevance, and convenience of our academic programs. They are entitled to transparency to make informed choices about their educational and financial future and should have the freedom to choose the educational institution that best meets their needs. Since 2017, the institution has focused on transforming its culture to be more transparent and employee-first, moving away from traditional performance reviews to a more engaging and continuous performance management system. This approach aims to improve the employee experience and foster a culture of feedback and professional development.