Complaint Review: University Of Phoenix Online - Internet

I am a mother of 4 little ones, and being a widow, I wanted to stay at home with them and finish my schooling, eventually, I figured this was a good option, I would be able to jump right into the work force after my kids were old enough to go to school. Oh how wrong I was. I let the "advisers" know I wanted to start off slow, and time was no issue, because I was going to stay at home with my kids until grade school, and I really wanted to succeed so I figured I would start with one class and move on from there... I was told I could not just do one class, but I could do 2 and it would not be that demanding, I went along with it, because I had been doing 18 credit hours at a traditional school for a degree in anthropology, and 2 classes would have been a breeze there. The only reason I hadn't continued with traditional school is because my husband died, and getting a sitter for 4 kids would have been more that I could have afforded. I started off expecting a decent quality of education from these guys. The advisers, once they had their clutches on my $$, were more interested in my babies (they were all "women" that sounded like a bunch of 15 yo baby obsessed idiots) than my interests. I expected more than I should have apparently. I expected assignments that were college level, and I was told I could do it in my own time. One of my first few assignments was "What is your favorite book? Why?" I was fine with that(sorta), I thought it may be so the prof. could get to know our style... We had to comment on other peoples work, and share our own. To top it off, I got a few grades from the teachers that were commented on that were written horribly. The grammar sucked (mine isn't the greatest, but better than theirs) and they nitpicked over the tiniest of things, based on their opinion and not on the quality of my work. I had to report 5 days a week, and comment on so many peoples work. I had figured "on my own time" meant just that, that if I could get 2 weeks worth of stuff done in a week I could do that, or if I could only get 1 assignment on week and the rest the next week, I could do that. I was not doing college to be social(I would have been in a traditional school to do that), or do creative criticism on others work, because seriously, I could give a crap how anyone else was doing in the class, it is not my problem if they pass or fail, and it is not their problem if I pass or fail. In my experience at a traditional school, the professors graded the work on their own, and I was not made to stand in front of the class to read my work to my class mates. I expected some major differences, because of the lack of traditional classroom, but still expected quality. I tried to withdraw, I called the advisers and asked to be removed from classes several times, and was told okay. I thought it was taken care of after the 3rd time, and tried to enroll at the school I had formerly gone to, because they started offering some classes online, just for them to tell me that I was enrolled at another school. I had to finally get my adviser, from the real school, to call back with me to help me get around these idiots. They ruined any chances of having decent credit again, they messed up paperwork to the point I actually owe the federal government for my time there, along with the bank for loans. I expected debt to the bank, but not the government for grants. I ended up not being able to go to my old school because of their screw ups.

"As an employer, I do not consider the Phoenix Online University as legitimate education. Therefore, we do not consider those applicants. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news." I'm glad you wouldn't hire a UoP person. It's not really "bad news" to us. You will eventually be fired for such an action, whether you think so or not. There are many working adults who have worked for 20 years in an industry, and you would simply take that applicant out of a pile because "University of Phoenix" is on their resume? Pretty stupid if you ask me. And, yes, that does happen. I have 16 years of experience...just starting to get my degree now. I'm glad you wouldn't hire me...because I will go somewhere else and make them profitable.

All brick & morter colleges and community colleges offer on line classes now at reasonable state tuition rates. If everyone would just stop this Bull$#*& of attending these rip off places of higher education, you would not be getting yourselves in a financial bind, or having these rip off companies trying to ruin your credit. Then UOP, AXIA, STRAYER, CAPELLA, and who ever else Jon Doe for profit schools will close up shop and be gone for good! These on line schools are a 100% rip off. I have taken a few on line classes through one of my local community college's and I am satisfied to know that its 100% accredited and transferable to any 4 year university, no questions asked. Please everyone, stop giving yourself a heartache

Try turning off your caps lock key before you start calling others immature. Many thanks to Tim for his job outline. Most people don't know what advisors can and can't do, and most people don't know the limitation of the school when it comes to finances. However, it is not the fault of the advisors when financial aid goes missing. UoP degrees are laughable. I applied for a part-time job as a web administrator for the local newspaper, and when I mentioned that I was attending UoP for BSIT, he laughed, shook my hand, and said they would call with their decision. I didn't even get a call saying I wasn't hired. As a matter of fact, I haven't met anyone who graduated from UoP in any respectable career field except for medical, and we all know that the medical field is starving. Most of the UoP graduates end up working for UoP, which is bacially getting an education to start over. What's the point?

As an employer, I do not consider the Phoenix Online University as legitimate education. Therefore, we do not consider those applicants. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

THANKS TO UOP I HAVE TRIPLED BY SALARY. I GRADUATE THIS YEAR AND I HAVE ALREADY MADE 4 TIMES OVER THE COST OF UOP WITH THE INCREASE OF MY SALARY SO FAR. UOP IS HARD WORK AND IF A STUDENT IS NOT READY TO BE DEDICATED THEN NO COLLEGE WILL WORK. DON'T BLAME UOP FOR FOR YOU BEING LAZY AND IMMATURE.

In response to the comments on this report, as an active alumni of this University, I have never had any of the experiences being suggested here. I have nothing but good things to say about the University, the staff, and the quality of the education. From the time of my enrollment to where I am today, it has been nothing but smoothe sailing. Every person that applies for financial aid has their own situation, so you cannot contrast why you didnt get a loan with the school. Take it up with the lending agency! When I contact my advisor, I get a response almost immediatley. While I have had a few changes in my financial advisor, I have always been informed, and in both cases, received a phone call from them introducing themselves, as well as personally offering me their number for any questions or concerns. I don't understand why you are complaining about CLEP exams! All they do is save you time in the long run! 30 hours is a small price to pay to cut down on the amount of schooling you will be taking. Furthermore, the fact that UoP offers this is remarkeable! As far as the courses are only 5 weeks long, and you can work at your leisure. HELLO this is College! Did you think you were going to skate through? I think 5 out of 7 days a week being able to sign on at any time during those days constitutes leisure. The point of online is that you don't have to be to class on time like the campus courses, but you do have to make an appearance each day at your leisure for 5 of 7 days of the week. That is not a lot to ask, and is logical! For anyone thinking about applying for UoP, I give them 10 stars out of 5. I have been thouroughly challenged in every course I have taken, and the educational outcome has been exceptional!

Ok, Ok, first lets remove the thought of any lawsuit and just look at the simple facts. Some signed up for UOP, did not like it, did not follow procedure to withdraw and now are crying fowl. I am not dismissing anyone. I too sat and watched as a co-worker did the UOP Masters program and I went the traditional route at a local university. I assumed that with my busy work schedule that an "easy breezey" online degree would be great. I worked harder at UOP then I did at the traditional school. It is very writing intensive and you have to be self-motivated to do the posts. Maybe after the 9.3 million fine they have changed their ways. But I just recieve my MAED in less then two years and had a great experience. However, I made sure to examine the issues that were important to me before signing on the dotted line. Where they accredited? Would I be able to go further and obtain a doctorate? What did my state department of education say about them? I was suprised at all the wonderful feedback I did recieve and before I took out several thousands of dollars in student loans I tried the first class with my own money. I have had some complaints but I had complaints when I got my traditional undergrad. What is important to me is that with my UOP Masters I have been offered a better job and accepted into every doctorate program I have applied. They must be doing something right.

I just completed an MBA with UoP. I found that I had to actively participate in the classes to gain from them, and that I had to read class material (ie: textbook) before class to get the most out of each session The professors were better facilitators than teachers, and as stated already, I found them to have a wealth of real-world experience. I just needed to ask questions about the material to find out that they actually could cite examples. This was very hard work, and sometimes I got discouraged, but I kept at it. I now have a student loan of $36K to pay back as well as an MBA. On my job I was promoted from a development team leader to a regional technical coordinator for a national association with over 3 million members. The MBA really helped with that. My regard for UoP is high enough that I have decided to continue on and get my doctorate in management. Sure, UoP is not Harvard. But the content is solid, the experience is worth gold, and the result is heightened knowledge, skills, and aptitude. In 3.5 years I will have the doctorate. It will cost me $46K more. I am impressed that I will have busted my heinie for 6 years, and achieved both master and doctoral degrees. I recommend UoP to anyone. You have to work. You have to put up with less than competent people. You have to practice helping a learning team to perform, and accept that there is always some dead wood. You have to read. You have to write. You have to think. If you want to skate - UoP is not the right choice. As many have said, it's like real life. Only better :)

We are all victims of our own ignorance. I completed my MBA with U. of Phoenix in 1999. I completed three courses at an remote campus in Sierra Vista, AZ - in a rented hotel conference room and then I completed my work onine while runnign a business in Houston. I must say except for one instrucotr it was a great experience - I was in class with business men and women form all over the world. I HATE group work on projects, ut I must say that it does emulate what's in the real world. Here's the problem wiht the degree: Yes we used Harvard Press materials, just like Harvard MBAs, the instructors are workign professionals, however. Whenever I have mentioned my MBA, I always get the same response - "Is it from a Top Ten School?" Big firms, do not hire people off the street with U oP MBAs. They just don't. I went into debt with this degree and it has NEVER paid off and I don't suspect it ever will. My only hope is to continue running my own business and - hopefully - someday I'll pay off my $20K debt. Cheers (((ROR REDACTED LINK AND PHONE NUMBER FOR SECURITY PURPOSES))) CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

I attended UOP Online back in 2004. I was told it would take 2 yrs to get bachelor degree, then it ended up being longer (do faint)....also, the expense!! Good Lord, they upped the rates all the time. Online in state schools are much less expensive I found out. What made me leave UOP Online (other than the expense) was the fact they were hit with the largest fine ever on an educational institute for "shady practicing". 9.8 million dollar fine! No wonder the classes were almost $1400 each at the time I left!

I am reading all the whining about UOP. In most cases it was they didn't tell me this or I hate working in teams or I didn't know that. I have news for you babies. UOP and any other college is not your mommy. You have to work at it. If you get bad information you have to keep going until you get the right information. It is called perseverance. I graduated from there and the team format was a pain because you had members that didnt do anything but you know what, that is how life is in the real world works. Your boss will not hold your hand in the real world (unless he is Mark Foley or Bill Clinton) neither should the instructors. One of the posts I read said the istructors should teach and guide. Here is an idea why don't you be proactive and LEARN IT. A lot of you people are thinking UOP is a cake walk before you sign up and then when you FIND OUT IT IS HARD BOTH TO GO THERE AND GET AN EDUCATION so you cry. I am sure there is a college in the Caymans you and get your degree in just a couple of weeks via mail. As far as UOP being a degree Mill, I have about 40 textbooks and 500 papers and countless hours studying that would disagree with you.

I went to Ohio State and graduated and then to the University of Phoenix and graduated. Guess what the aid people didn't know much at either school. I had to actually dig to get the information. My advisor at Ohio state changed more often than my advisor at UOP. It is true that UOP does not Require the GMAT Harvard started using it in 1997. It is also true that it is easier to get into UOP than Harvard. The quality of student is in fact lower, as can be seen by the reports on this board. Ohio State was required to accept everyone back in the late 80's when I went there and many dropped out saying "it sucked", when in fact they were saying "it is to hard". For all those bashing UOP, go to another large school and see how it goes. All large schools treat you like a number, and here is the scary part, if you want an education, you might have to work for it. The UOP experince was similar to the OSU experience. I had to work at it and fight with admissions, FA and instructors. It is called growing up and being a big person and demanding what you want. As far as price. I looked at OSU, Colorado State, The Univeristy of Denver and University of Colorado. THEY ALL HAD ONLINE PROGRAMS AND THEY WERE ALL MORE EXPENSIVE THAT UOP. So to anyone reading the crying and taking it to heart all I have to say is do the legwork yourself and see if UOP will work for you.

and Duke etc made me laugh. Too bad you can't compare the quality of education! The terms simplistic and easy mean lack of quality!

and Duke etc made me laugh. Too bad you can't compare the quality of education! The terms simplistic and easy mean lack of quality!

and Duke etc made me laugh. Too bad you can't compare the quality of education! The terms simplistic and easy mean lack of quality!

and everything I've read rings true with what I told her. The most telling thing I've read here is the post about the instructor giving her work number and then telling anyone who called that she doesn't dicuss classes while she's at work. I can't imagine enrolling at ANY college where the instructor's job wasn't his job as instructor at the college I attended! Having a side job is fine but the "main" job of a college instructor should be as college instructor! No wonder UofP isn't considered by many as a "real" school! Oh, and they lied to my friend as well. She's received a bill for another $1500. I asked her if classes were actually over $1200 per class and she said yes. Someone else here compared that cost to colleges out in the real world. Too bad the quality of education can't be compared which would be the only way you could compare college costs - if the education was comparable. I looked over her first semester material and it was a joke. With the work she submitted for one of her courses, I couldn't have made any better than a low C or D at the university I attended yet she received an A-. This school seems to sucker alot of people that aren't academically qualified to attend a normal four year college. Most would be better off attneding a local technical school or community college. I know the quality of education would be MUCH better. Blast me if you will but I finished my BS degree with honors while caring for my four children so I wasn't one of the slackers looking to get easy credit with little or no work. My friend isn't that way either but she's also not a candidate for a school that has strict guidelines pertaining to past academic performance. I also agree with the person wanting their MBA. Who in the world wants to have any agreement with a school that doesn't make you prove your academic history before allowing you into one of their programs? And how come those of us out in the real world have to take the GRE to get admitted to grad school? !

Matthew Change schools, what you have earned will transfer to your new school. I now go to Walden University online. I also signed up for SEPT class 2005. I was surprised to find out 1-1/2 weeks later that I was getting 25% off my enter tuition. What a surprise! It was a Birthday Special I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT! You can bet your bottom Dollar UOPO would not have told you, if you did not already know! ( HA! Even if you did,they still would have screwed you out of it!)I Have had such a wonderful experience with Walden's people. Make sure you finish your class with UOPO so you will not loose your credit with that class.

Robert, you are full of it! How dare you put down other people who weren't happy with their UOP experience?? I actually left that school because I felt like I was buying a degree and not earning it. The class I took was an absolute joke. The assigments were the types of assignments you do on your first day at school when you are in junior high. I had to write about my personal goals, my past jobs, and my strengths and weaknesses. I'm sorry, but paying nearly $1400 for a class, I expect more than that crap. Oh yeah, and on the one assignment that actually required research, some stupid b***h cut and pasted my assignment and replaced my name with hers. Guess what? The teacher, being so qualified with his phD, didn't even catch it. He responded to both papers telling us how good they were. I had to email him directly. I was also advised when I went over the teacher's head to report my fellow student, that I would never be notified of the outcome. Should I mention she continued posting the whole rest of the class? Obviously nothing was done. Of course nothing was done. They probably thought I was some half wit jackass who would be ok with that answer and continue to give them my money , while still getting her money as well. I don't think so!! I understand people probably cheat off each other online but this girl didn't even bother to change up her paper to make it look like hers. A six year old could have spotted that these two papers were the same. My advisor also misrepresented what the total cost would be to me. He estimated about $20k total. In actuality , I had 80 units to complete and at about $420 a unit, that comes to $38,400 give or take. The point is, in my experience, this school does not live up to the money you have to pay for it. It seemed like a great solution to my problem of working full time and needing to finish my degree. I was on that thing all the time, I was very into it. And it ended up being a huge mistake. Not everyone who takes online classes is an idiot. Some of us actually cared about earning our degrees.

I have a quick response. The University of Phoenix is a total scam. They lie, cheat, steal from stupid people. I am included because they scammed me. The University of Phoenix is not accredited by the AACSB. Which is the only accreditation that you need and is recognized in the business world as the best and the only accreditation that you need and want. The University of Phoenix says they are accredited by the same institution as Harvard, Duke, Stanford etc..., BS, not true they are lieing. The are accredited by the higher learning commission which means nothing in the business world and employers. Employers and companies laugh at people with a MBA from the Univeristy of Phoenix. I have wasted a year now taking classes. What a waste of time and money. I am totally screwed now. I am frustrated, angry, pissed, betrayed, confused, disappointed etc. etc. etc.... I have taken 6 classes now and I have gotten all A's, but that means nothing now. I wanted to transfer to a better school, but none of my credits are transferable because the University of Phoenix is not accredited by the AACSB. If a school does not have accreditation from the AACSB and does not have GMAT entrance exams, then run. Anyone looking for legit MBA programs going on www.aacsb.edu. By the way Robert from Texas, you are the loser!!! Why do you have to be mean and put down other people? Everyone on this site is giving there personal opinions that it. Nothing more. What do I do know? Do I transfer to another school or do I finish at UoP??? I am pretty much screwed because I have wasted a year and none of my credits will transfer to a legitimate school. I hate the University of Phoenix, what a friggin joke. Shame on you!

I have to say that I took 5 classes with U of P and found them to be extremely easy deal with, register for classes, submit payments (my company pays for education, which made it easy, but I still had to pay up front and pass the classes first), take classes, and get an "A" in each class. Do the work and respond to the class threads and you will easily get an "A". Like someone mentioned earlier, almost everyone that submitted complaints are the lazy ones looking for a degree rather than earning it. If you got a good job with company benefits, you wouldn't have to worry about trying to scam as much financial aid as possible and living off the government and taxpayer $$$. If you can't pay for it up front and worry about your "aid" kicking in later, forget about IT!!! Someone also mentioned that they couldn't get approved for loans. Loser. Again, get a job, pay your bills, and then try to earn an education. and to Wendy from Houston, if you can't afford it, go back to flipping burgers or folding jeans at the Gap instead of us listening to your sympathetic plea for getting involved with a lawsuit. Loser.

After reading many comments by former students of our school, I am sad to say that misadvisement does occur. Some counselors are not educated enough on financial aid for instance, to understand the inner workings of Title IV funding. The only loans that UOP will work with to disburse across an account are Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans. All other loans are treated as Cash payments since the arrangement is set up between a student and the lender they choose. The only Grants that UOP works with are Pell Grants. Stafford Loans are divided up into 4 levels of qualification. The level of qualification is not determined by credit history or income, but by the amount of credits that will be transferred in. The only exception to this is in the case of high income, a student may only qualify for the unsubsidized portion of the loan amount. The first level is qualified if a student has 0-23 college credits to transfer in. The loan amount for this level is $6625. The second level is qualified if a student has 24-47 college credits to transfer in. The loan amount for this level is $7500. The third and fourth level is qualified if a student has 48+ college credits to transfer in. The loan amount for this level is $10500. The Pell Grant has a maximum award value of $4050 per year. The qualification for the Pell Grant is determined by financial need. Specifically the taxes for the previous year are reviewed. Income, dependants a student support and the amount of credits a student already has are some of the factors used to determine the amount of the grant. The current cost to attend UOP is $475 a credit for undergraduate studies and $588 a credit for graduate studies. The books average about $70 for Undergraduate courses and $80 for Graduate courses. About 90% of the reading is done with E-books but some courses do require a physical book. A student is notified via access to their learning material, two weeks before they start their next class if a physical book is needed. General education requirements are a fact of life no matter what school you attend. They must be met along with proficiency requirements. A student must be able to transfer in 6 credits in Comm Arts, 6 credits in Humanities, 6 credits in Social Science, 6 credits in Liberal Arts, 6 credits in Science, 6 credits in Math, 15 credits in Interdisciplinary and 9 credits in Electives. If a student falls short of this requirement they can certainly transfer in up to 30 credits of CLEP testing or 30 credits of PLAC credit as well. Military Experience also counts. You should ask for a Military Enrollment Advisor to get a more specific answer on how this type of transfer works. Proficiency requirements must be met in the English, Critical Thinking and Math categories. Classes taken for this requirement to be waived must have been taken within the last two years. If it has been over two years then an online proficiency test must be taken by the time the fourth class in the upper division is scheduled. A student has 3 chances to take the test. If the test is failed 3 times then the student must satisfy the proficiency requirement by taking a class that satisfies said proficiency. The classes run 5 weeks long, back to back, with no breaks in between. This allows a student to complete 30 credits in one year or if starting from scratch, four years to complete a Bachelor's degree. A student can elect to schedule breaks in between classes with the understanding that this will delay his estimated date of graduation. The ability to double up on classes is also available but a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify for this option. The class requirements are 4 days a week, 2 posts daily, not including other assignments as dictated by the syllabus. There is no set time when a student must log in and there is no set amount of time you must log in for. There is a great deal of writing involved and personally I consider this to more difficult than a traditional ground campus. The instructors require all papers to be written in APA format (5th Ed.). Writing manuals are required to be purchased at the beginning of the program to help a student understand the format. The total cost for tuition and fees would be about $14950 for one year (30 credits). I enroll a great deal of students that transfer in Associate's degrees but more often than not, require at least one Math and/or Humanities class to complete the General Education requirements. Let's say they decide to apply for Financial Aid. Based on their credits I would estimate the student has about $4870 out of pocket that needs to be made up. Their classes will be covered by financial aid in full until their fourth course where they will start to owe the out of pocket expense. These figures are attained by taking a Level 3 Stafford Loan award of $10500, subtracting the origination fee of 4%, leaving $10080. The $10080 is split in half and disbursed for the first and second 6 months of the academic year accordingly. After I disclose the out of pocket to the student, we discuss ways to make up the difference. VA benefits, Educational reimbursement through their employer, Pell grants, Scholarships are all possibilities available to a student. The other option is to only take 8 classes a year (prolonging their graduation date) but still maintaining a full-time status with the DOE requirement of 24+ credits per year. This involves taking one week breaks in between classes. For a student transferring in no credits or basically starting from scratch, it would take them five years to complete a degree. Let's take the example above and apply it to an 8 class model across an academic year and the figures would come to $11960 annual. As you can see, the out of pocket is much less for a student at $1880 per year. The way enrollment works starts with a request for information from the student. This request is then qualified through enrollment departments for the type of degree or status of the student. If the student is looking for a Nursing degree then the information request is assigned to the Healthcare division. Once a counselor has your information request, they will try to contact you as soon as possible. They will attempt to answer all your questions. Honestly, I have seen many counselors who were poorly trained and they may say something out of context or even gloss over a subject. This is something UOP is striving to resolve. For my part, I believe in full disclosure. If a student asks me for the cost I tell them. I don't change the subject and I don't throw in any fallacies to mislead them. I work out the expense and time requirements prior to enrolling them. I also try to garner motivation and commitment. I ask them why they would rather go online than a ground school. If the question is money then I ask them, "Be honest with you. Do you really want to go online because of necessity or convenience? Our school is not inexpensive and you will be paying a great deal for that convenience." That's right; I actually try to convince a student to consider a local community college or a state funded school. Only after a student sees the value our online program can offer them do I actually start the enrollment process. I have never lied to any student or misadvised them in any way in the 2 years I have worked in enrollment. I maintain contact with the majority of my students and usually get back to them within 24 hours. They understand I have alot of student I work with and are confident with my ability to get them the information or the assistance they need and I can provide. For those that feel ripped off by UOP, I am sorry for the misunderstandings and I wish I could help you. Email me at arudb (at) hot mail (dot) com with any questions.

I too have been lied to by University of Phoenix. Not only lied to, but manipulated and now put into near poverty by their collection methods. They sent me a letter stating I had to pay full tuition price by June 23, 2005 and on June 17, 2005 they charged me $500.00 (putting me in a negative balance) and then charged me again 8 more time for $100.00 a piece (not to mention a $34.00 NSF fee my bank charges) for a total of -$1,445.91. Its outrageous how these people conducts their business. In the state of Arizona (where I also live) it is illegal to charge more than $25.00 for a returned check. It clearly states on all of their enrollment papers that they charge $30.00 for returned checks and declined credit cards. That is illegal. Furthermore, there isn't a bank in this world that charges a creditor for a declined transaction. Just more evidence of their greed and pettiness They pull you in with the hype and lies and when you finally see through it all they ignore you in hopes you will forget about it. It's appalling! For all of those who have had a good experience with UoP, congratulations. BUT, you are very few within the hundreds of thousands of students currently attending UoP, and as i am finding out - the complaints are far outweighing the praise.

I am currently enrolled at UOP, and so far, I love it! I've had no problems with the university and have refered about 10 members of my family and friends who also love it. All of my teachers have been completley helpful with any questions I have, even If I whine about how hard an assignment is. They lend their support and expert advice. All of the instructrs, on top of having they're Masters in Education, work in the field that they teach. So, anyone else have a rebuttle?

To whom it may interest or amuse: I too am a student at the University of Phoenix online. I have currently completed nearly all of my credit hours for my masters degree in secondary education and will student teach this fall. I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and since graduating in 2003 have worked as a full-time teacher for two years. Although I will not even attempt to be as articulate as Greg, I would like to second his opinions on this school and conclude by adding my own. University of Pheonix, is fast, easy and yes you must be self-motivated to complete your degree there. I have had the ability to teach while also enjoying the social life of an active 24 year old, all the while completing my degree. The classes are simplistic, straight-forward and easy. There are no tests, only essays and if you can stomach APA format (which I happen to detest, but sometimes you just have to play the game...) then it's a piece of cake. In order to find success at Pheonix you must attend class regularly and do some self-teaching, however I feel inclined to say that the University of Illinois was no different. On hung-over mornings or days that I just plain did not feel like attending class I missed tests, quizzes, instruction, even attendance points in my lab classes. No one came looking for me wondering where I was, or held my hand to help me complete my degree. I had to fight for appointments with my advisors and deans, I was responsible for group projects even if the other members were slackers, and I had to pay a whole lot more than I am paying now. I do not like the group work, and sometimes I forget to write essays and have complete a 5 pager in one day but we all do what we have to do to get by. University of Phoenix has aspects that frustrate the heck out of me and have me cursing and clenching my fists. But so did the University of Illinois. When all is said and done, I am going to have my masters degree a short two years after I obtained my bachelors with extremely little work, no stress and minimal frustration. Based on my experience with the MAED-TED program, I highly reccommend Phoenix to anyone who works full-time. Thanks for reading my humble opinion. Now quit surfing the net and get some work done, unless you have a boring office job like mine this summer, then go out and take a two hour lunch.

I have read many of the comments listed. The first one stating that she only had 9 credits and was told she would finish in 2 1/2 years is a joke. That is the problem these days - people don't think for themselves. People need to learn the roles of individuals in any relationship. If you are dealing with an enrollment person is trying to impress information on you to get you to make a choice in favor of their company. They are like a salesman. Salesmen tell you anything you want to hear. A bachelor's degree is a four year degree. Anyone should know this. It is as common knowledge as a mall closing at 6pm on Sunday. If you think you can transfer 9 credits and taking one class at a time, earn a four year degree in 2 years, then you have some critical thinking flaws. Someone made the comment that they earned their BSM degree from UoP and didn't see a big increase in his job attractiveness, but did after earning a Masters degree. He theorized that the most recent degree is what is counted. If you haven't noticed, unemployment has risen across the country. Competition for jobs has increased. Yes, it is good for you to get your Bachelor's degree if you don't have one. You can not obtain a Masters degree without a Bachelors. In today's world, a Bachelor's degree is worth about what a high school diploma was 30 years ago. As things become more globalized and competition for jobs increases, employees must find ways to improve themselves and put themselves ahead of the crowd. A Masters degree (for now) will do that. Years to come you will probably need more. States such as Georgia give everyone the right to go to college if you earn at least a B in high school. That only further waters down your Bachelors degree. As more people have something, the less valuable it becomes. The lady that commented instead of 20 hours per week, she had to spent 40 -50 hours per week - you have time management issues. I have completed three and a half hours of the Masters program so far and I have yet to spent over 20 hours per week - and that includes time that I have had to do the entire team assignment because my partners flaked on me. My GPA right now is 4.0 - so I must be doing something correctly. A point is that the average age of a UoP student is 35. You are not young high school kids anymore - you need to start taking some responsibility for yourselves. The cost is not that expensive when compared to other programs. Sure you may be quoting schools no one has ever heard of, but in comparison to other schools, it is not that bad. The masters program is $1710 per class. 15 classes brings it to around $26,000 - $27,000 for the program. If you want international, call Liverpool Univ. in England. Nearly $30,000. Duke University on ground $50,000 - online nearing $70,000. Emory University over $50,000. Arizona State Univ. over $60,000. In most cases a masters degree represents an increase in salary. You will not get that for nothing. I went to a small college in 1992 for my undergrad. The first two years it was a community college, the second two it was private. The prices of the final two years of that school now compare to the undergraduate prices of UoP. The online program is beneficial in that it teaches you to be self motivated. If you dont want to attend, don't turn on the computer. It is easy to drop out. It is easy to get distracted while doing homework. I am familiar with CLEP and PLAC - those are beneficial ways to speed up a program and complete cheaper. I have used that before at another school. If you spend too much time complaining about prices, whining that it takes 4 years for an undergraduate degree or that it actually isn't as easy as you thought, drop out. It is okay - we need people to serve coffee and Big Macs too.

I am an Active Duty Marine. I started with UOP last September with their Associate's in General Studies program. When I first inquired I asked alot of questions about using financial aid, how much it was going to cost etc. The counselor I spoke to told me he had to ask a few questions of me before he could honestly answer. First Question: How long have I been in the Marines? My answer: 6 years Second Question: What is my rank? My answer: E-4/Corporal Third Question: What is my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)? My answer: 7051 Crash Crew Fourth Question: Do I have any credits from other schools or other college experience? My answer: I have credits from Central Texas College, Saddleback College, and AIU. My total credits were about 24 from various subjects. Last Question: Was I aware of how many credits I had listed on my SMART transcript? My answer: I didn't even know what that was. My counselor guided me online to a website that has all of my military experience that I could use for Elective and Interdisciplinary credits. Things I didn't even know I had like my secondary MOS of Marksman Instructor were even listed there. I had about 20 credits from my military experience. Based on my answers my counselor was able to evaluate my General Education that I had left to complete. He was able to tell me I needed to complete a total of 21 credits or seven classes. He told me it would take less than a year to complete, about 10 months if I took one class at a time and did not take more than a 1 week break. I asked him if there was any way to shorten the time needed to complete. He advised me I should look into CLEP tests. He then sent me an email with links to practice CLEP tests. I ended up CLEPing English Composition. When I asked about financial aid he asked me why I was even considering putting myself in debt if I didn't have to. I told him that not too many schools want to deal with Tuition Assistance. Most wanted me to fill out financial aid paperwork even before I started the admissions application. AIU was one such school that tried to push financial aid down my throat. My counselor at UOP then impressed me with the knowledge he had about Tuition Assistance. He even told me he was a veteran himself. He told me that their whole Military department is made up of people that are veterans. It is actually a requirement to get into that department. I felt I was in good hands and he showed me how I would be able to complete classes and gave me a breakdown to the day for my last class before I finish my Associate's. One of the things that impressed me more than anything was the way the counselor conducted himself. During my first class he called me about once a week. He said he would be monitoring my attendance to be sure I did not falter. I had some problems with the learning team at first and felt overwhelmed. One of the things he told me that I remember vividly was that "Online learning is NOT for everyone. It can actually be harder than traditional classes. The only easy part is the flexibility of the schedule." What he said was true and I took it to heart. As I progressed further on in my classes he called less and less, but he still called to see how I have been doing. Every message I left got answered within 24 hours. Even if I didn't leave a message he was able to see from the caller ID I guess that I had called and promptly called me back. I had a problem with the schedule for one class which my academic counselor promptly resolved. In one of the classes I was in one of the students on my team had a problem and could not get a hold of their counselor to resolve the issue. I had her call my counselor and she was able to stay in class. She even requested to be switched over to him because of the follow-ups he conducted to make sure the issue was resolved (something to do with financial aid). I have now finished my Associate's degree which was looked on favorably in my last review. I picked up my new rank of Sergeant. The Marine Corps also has a program called Enlisted Commissioning which allows elisted personnel the opportunity to become an officer. One of the things that is looked at is just how far along I was in my degree. During my board of review one of the officers commented that I was halfway through my degree and asked where I planned to finish up. I hadn't thought about it but he told me to get back to him. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to continue online with UOP or not. I called my counselor and told him of what I was doing. He was very excited for me. Even though he was trying to enroll me into a Bachelor's I told him that while the online environment suited me at the time, the Marines would actually afford me the opportunity to go to a school of my choice full-time. He understood and then gave me a last bit of advice. He told me that through that program called MECEP I would be discharged and considered a veteran. I would be able to draw my GI Bill benefits. Even though I have 10 years to use those benefits, don't use them until I absolutely had to. Basically he told me to save them for my Master's degree unless I ever came up short on money. Since the Marines were going to pay for the Bachelor's that I decided I would complete at CSULB, I really had no need to use up my benefits. Overall my experience at UOP has taught me a great deal. I have learned how to communicate in even the worst possible environment. I learned there are alot of counselors at UOP who don't do that great a job but I am glad the counselors who were responsible for me did an outstanding job. I never felt lied to or cheated in any way. The counselor I had was knowledgable, friendly and even after he had enrolled me back in September he would still spend time with me on the phone to answer any questions I had. I would definitely recommend UOP to someone who has a tough schedule and just cannot go to school.

I am an Active Duty Marine. I started with UOP last September with their Associate's in General Studies program. When I first inquired I asked alot of questions about using financial aid, how much it was going to cost etc. The counselor I spoke to told me he had to ask a few questions of me before he could honestly answer. First Question: How long have I been in the Marines? My answer: 6 years Second Question: What is my rank? My answer: E-4/Corporal Third Question: What is my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)? My answer: 7051 Crash Crew Fourth Question: Do I have any credits from other schools or other college experience? My answer: I have credits from Central Texas College, Saddleback College, and AIU. My total credits were about 24 from various subjects. Last Question: Was I aware of how many credits I had listed on my SMART transcript? My answer: I didn't even know what that was. My counselor guided me online to a website that has all of my military experience that I could use for Elective and Interdisciplinary credits. Things I didn't even know I had like my secondary MOS of Marksman Instructor were even listed there. I had about 20 credits from my military experience. Based on my answers my counselor was able to evaluate my General Education that I had left to complete. He was able to tell me I needed to complete a total of 21 credits or seven classes. He told me it would take less than a year to complete, about 10 months if I took one class at a time and did not take more than a 1 week break. I asked him if there was any way to shorten the time needed to complete. He advised me I should look into CLEP tests. He then sent me an email with links to practice CLEP tests. I ended up CLEPing English Composition. When I asked about financial aid he asked me why I was even considering putting myself in debt if I didn't have to. I told him that not too many schools want to deal with Tuition Assistance. Most wanted me to fill out financial aid paperwork even before I started the admissions application. AIU was one such school that tried to push financial aid down my throat. My counselor at UOP then impressed me with the knowledge he had about Tuition Assistance. He even told me he was a veteran himself. He told me that their whole Military department is made up of people that are veterans. It is actually a requirement to get into that department. I felt I was in good hands and he showed me how I would be able to complete classes and gave me a breakdown to the day for my last class before I finish my Associate's. One of the things that impressed me more than anything was the way the counselor conducted himself. During my first class he called me about once a week. He said he would be monitoring my attendance to be sure I did not falter. I had some problems with the learning team at first and felt overwhelmed. One of the things he told me that I remember vividly was that "Online learning is NOT for everyone. It can actually be harder than traditional classes. The only easy part is the flexibility of the schedule." What he said was true and I took it to heart. As I progressed further on in my classes he called less and less, but he still called to see how I have been doing. Every message I left got answered within 24 hours. Even if I didn't leave a message he was able to see from the caller ID I guess that I had called and promptly called me back. I had a problem with the schedule for one class which my academic counselor promptly resolved. In one of the classes I was in one of the students on my team had a problem and could not get a hold of their counselor to resolve the issue. I had her call my counselor and she was able to stay in class. She even requested to be switched over to him because of the follow-ups he conducted to make sure the issue was resolved (something to do with financial aid). I have now finished my Associate's degree which was looked on favorably in my last review. I picked up my new rank of Sergeant. The Marine Corps also has a program called Enlisted Commissioning which allows elisted personnel the opportunity to become an officer. One of the things that is looked at is just how far along I was in my degree. During my board of review one of the officers commented that I was halfway through my degree and asked where I planned to finish up. I hadn't thought about it but he told me to get back to him. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to continue online with UOP or not. I called my counselor and told him of what I was doing. He was very excited for me. Even though he was trying to enroll me into a Bachelor's I told him that while the online environment suited me at the time, the Marines would actually afford me the opportunity to go to a school of my choice full-time. He understood and then gave me a last bit of advice. He told me that through that program called MECEP I would be discharged and considered a veteran. I would be able to draw my GI Bill benefits. Even though I have 10 years to use those benefits, don't use them until I absolutely had to. Basically he told me to save them for my Master's degree unless I ever came up short on money. Since the Marines were going to pay for the Bachelor's that I decided I would complete at CSULB, I really had no need to use up my benefits. Overall my experience at UOP has taught me a great deal. I have learned how to communicate in even the worst possible environment. I learned there are alot of counselors at UOP who don't do that great a job but I am glad the counselors who were responsible for me did an outstanding job. I never felt lied to or cheated in any way. The counselor I had was knowledgable, friendly and even after he had enrolled me back in September he would still spend time with me on the phone to answer any questions I had. I would definitely recommend UOP to someone who has a tough schedule and just cannot go to school.

I am an Active Duty Marine. I started with UOP last September with their Associate's in General Studies program. When I first inquired I asked alot of questions about using financial aid, how much it was going to cost etc. The counselor I spoke to told me he had to ask a few questions of me before he could honestly answer. First Question: How long have I been in the Marines? My answer: 6 years Second Question: What is my rank? My answer: E-4/Corporal Third Question: What is my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)? My answer: 7051 Crash Crew Fourth Question: Do I have any credits from other schools or other college experience? My answer: I have credits from Central Texas College, Saddleback College, and AIU. My total credits were about 24 from various subjects. Last Question: Was I aware of how many credits I had listed on my SMART transcript? My answer: I didn't even know what that was. My counselor guided me online to a website that has all of my military experience that I could use for Elective and Interdisciplinary credits. Things I didn't even know I had like my secondary MOS of Marksman Instructor were even listed there. I had about 20 credits from my military experience. Based on my answers my counselor was able to evaluate my General Education that I had left to complete. He was able to tell me I needed to complete a total of 21 credits or seven classes. He told me it would take less than a year to complete, about 10 months if I took one class at a time and did not take more than a 1 week break. I asked him if there was any way to shorten the time needed to complete. He advised me I should look into CLEP tests. He then sent me an email with links to practice CLEP tests. I ended up CLEPing English Composition. When I asked about financial aid he asked me why I was even considering putting myself in debt if I didn't have to. I told him that not too many schools want to deal with Tuition Assistance. Most wanted me to fill out financial aid paperwork even before I started the admissions application. AIU was one such school that tried to push financial aid down my throat. My counselor at UOP then impressed me with the knowledge he had about Tuition Assistance. He even told me he was a veteran himself. He told me that their whole Military department is made up of people that are veterans. It is actually a requirement to get into that department. I felt I was in good hands and he showed me how I would be able to complete classes and gave me a breakdown to the day for my last class before I finish my Associate's. One of the things that impressed me more than anything was the way the counselor conducted himself. During my first class he called me about once a week. He said he would be monitoring my attendance to be sure I did not falter. I had some problems with the learning team at first and felt overwhelmed. One of the things he told me that I remember vividly was that "Online learning is NOT for everyone. It can actually be harder than traditional classes. The only easy part is the flexibility of the schedule." What he said was true and I took it to heart. As I progressed further on in my classes he called less and less, but he still called to see how I have been doing. Every message I left got answered within 24 hours. Even if I didn't leave a message he was able to see from the caller ID I guess that I had called and promptly called me back. I had a problem with the schedule for one class which my academic counselor promptly resolved. In one of the classes I was in one of the students on my team had a problem and could not get a hold of their counselor to resolve the issue. I had her call my counselor and she was able to stay in class. She even requested to be switched over to him because of the follow-ups he conducted to make sure the issue was resolved (something to do with financial aid). I have now finished my Associate's degree which was looked on favorably in my last review. I picked up my new rank of Sergeant. The Marine Corps also has a program called Enlisted Commissioning which allows elisted personnel the opportunity to become an officer. One of the things that is looked at is just how far along I was in my degree. During my board of review one of the officers commented that I was halfway through my degree and asked where I planned to finish up. I hadn't thought about it but he told me to get back to him. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to continue online with UOP or not. I called my counselor and told him of what I was doing. He was very excited for me. Even though he was trying to enroll me into a Bachelor's I told him that while the online environment suited me at the time, the Marines would actually afford me the opportunity to go to a school of my choice full-time. He understood and then gave me a last bit of advice. He told me that through that program called MECEP I would be discharged and considered a veteran. I would be able to draw my GI Bill benefits. Even though I have 10 years to use those benefits, don't use them until I absolutely had to. Basically he told me to save them for my Master's degree unless I ever came up short on money. Since the Marines were going to pay for the Bachelor's that I decided I would complete at CSULB, I really had no need to use up my benefits. Overall my experience at UOP has taught me a great deal. I have learned how to communicate in even the worst possible environment. I learned there are alot of counselors at UOP who don't do that great a job but I am glad the counselors who were responsible for me did an outstanding job. I never felt lied to or cheated in any way. The counselor I had was knowledgable, friendly and even after he had enrolled me back in September he would still spend time with me on the phone to answer any questions I had. I would definitely recommend UOP to someone who has a tough schedule and just cannot go to school.

Here's my perspective on the "team learning" thing. If you took an economics course at UoP you should have encountered the "free rider." If not, let me tell you about him (it's a very simple concept). The free rider is a person who recognizes that, ultimately, he does not have to bear the burdens of a certain activity to reap the benefits. In the team learning conext the free rider is the person who does little or none of the work but still receives the same grade as everyone else. The fact that the team learning system allows for (and rewards) free riders is bad enough on an immediate level: ambitious students must put in more work than would otherwise be necessary, only to receive the same grade as someone who did nothing. There is an inherent unfairness in this. But consider the effects of this system down the road. The UoP line on this problem, I'm almost certain, is that you will encounter free riders in the workforce, so you should get used to them while you're in school. BUT, whereas a "responsible" educational system would seek to deter free riders by weeding them out or depriving them of the benefits, the UoP team learning system perpetuates the problem by granting degrees to the free riders, as well as transcripts that look just like the ones the "good students" earned. The free riders enter the workforce and continue to follow the plan that worked so well in school. People, for the most part, know how to work in "teams" by the time they enter high school. Any additional "teamwork" education can be acheived through other means; it is not necessary to order an entire educational paradigm around the team concept. In fact, it probably does far more bad than good. But it makes things easy on the instructors who have to grade 75% less work. And it allows the university to appear as though it is offering a very unique, business minded education. I would beg to differ.

Aside from its accreditation, as a current student of UOP near completion of my MBA I can say it has been a tremendous learning experience in addition to mostly fantastic instructors and facilitators with more then admirable backgrounds and degrees! Yes, UOP is not a cheap school and the costs were all laid out before I started with them in 2003. The convenience of going to school when I wanted online has been great plus exactly what I needed to fit into my busy schedule. Next, even all of the foreign teachers and students I can understand! --- I have had to drop many classes in the traditional classroom of other schools because I could not understand the badly broken English of the teachers! UOP has the fix for this problem and it has worked great for me. I have had problems a few times with someone screwing up the loan paperwork at UOP ---- but I also did in the traditional colleges and just as often! Patience is something you need anytime you are working through problems whether with a business or school and the results can amaze you. UOP is not a perfect school but like a perfect church let me know when you find it. As for the complaints about the team learning, I did not like it at first. However, industry and big business DOES! Wake up and smell the coffee and quit the whining, big business uses team management more and more with great success. UOP's success stories show they are not only a reputable university but well respected in the business community. A Current UOP Student

As a UOP Online graduate, I can say that there are definitely flaws within the schools structure and how things are handled, but that happens within any large educational institution. I've attended a traditional ground based state college and experienced just as many issues with the various processes there as I did at UOP. It all depends on perspective. Just as at any "real" college, I busted my butt at UOP to obtain my Bachelor's degree. I spent 2 to 3 hours a night focusing on group projects, discussion questions, responding to posts and reading. I spent additional hours as necessary, just as you would at a "real" college, to finish projects, papers, etc. If anyone goes into UOP Online thinking it's going to be a cheap, easy way to obtain a degree, they are mistaken. I worked harder taking classes via the online format than I ever did at the "real" college I attended prior to UOP. I also had to pay for the advantage of being able to do all of my work via home and online, it's not a cheap undertaking at all...but well worth it in my experience. For individuals to refer to UOP graduate and their degrees as not "real" in regards to a college education, I must disagree...not merely because I am a graduate of the school, but because I know personally how much hard work, time and dedication it took for me, and surely for other graduates, to obtain their degree. I have yet to have any employer look down upon the fact that my degree is from UOP, it has always been just the opposite, they are impressed that despite working full time, I have acquired a Bachelor's degree. UOP isn't a "diploma mill", the work put forth by the individuals who attend the school is just as varied as you would find in any ground based college. Some people will do the minimum, some will put forth a great effort...but a "diploma mill" isn't the appropriate term for UOP. For those of you who have had trouble with financial aid, academic counselors etc. I urge you to call the school and find someone who can properly assist you....and continue to call until your issues are resolved. The few hiccups I experienced were taken care of quickly after a single phone call to the appropriate office. It's just a matter of staying onto of the issue until it's resolved. To everyone who has had bad experiences with UOP, I am truly sorry to hear that. Like all experiences in life, you learn more from some than others. Perhaps the online format isn't for everyone, but I know of many people, myself included, have benefitted greatly from it. Discounting all of us and our hard work won't change what has happened to you.

I have bee sitting here quite bored reading these moronic attacks on UOP. So I will now address some issues. First, I am in the military and the military along with financial aid and student loans pays my schooling. The military WILL NOT pay for an unaccredited college and there are unaccredited colleges. So UOP is a legitimate school, and frankly I find it insulting that you people tell me that my degree is not worth anything. I am in my fourth class with UOP and am doing just fine. I don't like the learning team thing but I will manage and also my counselor is awesome. She has NEVER changed and always is there to help. An example of this is when I did not order my book on time, she actually gave me her phone number to her house and READ the material that I needed over the phone, ON HER TIME. Now you tell me that isn't dedication. I know that not all counselors are helpful but you can't categorize all of them. As far as money goes I actually get HUGE checks back for overages after my school is paid. This is a real college with real people that get REAL degrees. If any of you hypocrits have anything further to say, bring it on. When you say that UOP is a sham that is a personal attack on me and I don't like personal attacks.

This is just a personal opinion. Whenever I see a UoP degree listed on someone's resume, my instinct is not about the merit of the degree, but that the person consciously tried to cheat his/her way. Giving the fast the UoP is a legitimate college in the US, I have to admit my 'instinct' is very political incorrect.

After reading the postings here I find it amazing what you people have gone through with a school. I hope you can all find a solution to your individual problems. My experience with pirvate institutions has not been the best. I attended a private Lutheran school when I graduated from high school and it was expensive, over-bureaucratic, and often times clut-like. The degree I went after was basically useless, no employer outside of the community would take it seriously. I left the school and went to a community college. I graduated with flying stars and have never had to put up with the levels of BS at the parochial schools. I would go to a community college again if I needed to. UOP is like many of the other institutions out there; it's a for-profit institution. They will look out for numero uno first: profit. I will probably not consider any for-profit or private school again simply because of the lies and unaccountability of the advisors, professors, and pretty much everyone else. I got a call this morning from some guy at Westwood College in Denver saying he wanted to give me more info on the school. He at first mislead me on the tuition and tried to push loans from the government on me. I was under the impression that the total cost for a Bachelor's in Science of Marketing would cost around $7000 after I transfered credits from my AS degree. Later on I ask him the price again and he says it's actually $69,500, about the price of a house or maybe a Porsche. He tried to pressure me into getting loans and all that jazz and I told him, no, send me a catalog. He says he can't send a catalog because it costs too much. They don't seem to think that grants and scholarships apply to their school, BTW. I got off the phone with him and I did find some complaints of Westwood College, nothing what UOP has here, of course. I would consider a public university or college or just a community college. I would not give my SSN to any school if possible. A public school may not give you that choice, but do not give it out if possible. If any school is adamant on you giving them a SSN, either make one up or consider another school. WHy? Many of these private schools are legal and accredited yet many of them engage in some funny tuition and financial aid schemes that can wreck your credit. It's harder for them to come after you in case they try to pull something on you when they don't have your SSN. They don't need it anyway. If any school has a curriculum like what UOP has, I would not consider such a school. Spending $400 a credit hour just to turn around and put up with some redneck thugs who don't want to learn, a professor who probably got his/her degree at the local diploma mill and wrote a thesis paper on the back of a napkin, and then fail the class because Doofus doesn't show up online, and then have your advisor who is really just a sales associate tell you you have to take more classes than expected just to finish the year off is not my idea of a college education. If you find this at any school, GET OUT OF THERE. Don't get loans made by the school either. This is signs of loan sharking and no reputable school would do such a thing.

I've taken time to read through most of this rhetoric and must say that I am absolutely stunned at some of the comments made. I have degrees and certificates earned from both traditional and non-traditional institutions of higher learning. My bachelor's degree was earned at a HBCU that was regionally accredited by SACS and who's college of business was professionally accredited by the AACSB. I as a Dean's List Scholar and was active in numerous activities on campus. To me, it can't get any better! I graduated in Spring 2004 with an MBA from University of Phoenix's John Sterling Graduate College of Business and Management. The same views I have about the education and experience obtained from my undergraduate alma mater, I also have for UOP. The quality of teaching, in my opinion, is superb. Out of all the institutions I've attended, UOP was the first where I had the opportunity to take a course under the Dean and department chair of my program. As with him, most of the instructors carried credentials earned from REGIONALLY and PROFESSIONALLY accredited programs. They were professionals in their fields and many of them helf tenured professorships at other mainstream universities, even Rutgers. My legal aspects instructor was a former Circuit Court Judge. It cannot get any better. I think the stigma associated with UOP and other schools alike is the fact that 1. people underestimate the value of its products and services due to it's "non traditional" or youthful historical nature and 2. many who enroll in its programs are looking for an easy way out so to speak and find just the opposite after enrolling. I think it's beneficial that UOP does not require entrance exams. However, because of comments like this, it may be necessary to require because many "learners" do not appreciate it. I've taken the GMAT and performed well on it. I could have gone to basically any Business School in the country. I decided to enroll at UOP because of my busy schedule as an Operations Manager for a publicly traded company. It paid off and I am thankful because I was able to travel, spend time with my family and friends, and complete my MBA in 1.5 years without transferring any credit. Regardless of the type of program, it's important for students, new and old, to realize that for every single credit hour, he or she must study three hours per week. Yes this is difficult when having other obligations, but this is the agreement that you make when you sign those documents. I had financial aid and the $30,000 spent for my MBA was done without regret. Enrollment was simple and it was because of a caring staff, REGARDLESS of whether or not they had to meet a quota. I am 26 years old and am in my second quarter of my Ph.D. studies. The knowledge and experience I have gained from UOP is premium because it taught me self discipline, how to compare theory to the practical, and how to produce a scholarly writing. As previously stated I have attended several universities. Just like the ones I've attended, I cannot fathom a single institution in this great world that operates without flaws... especially when dealing with people and numerous personalities. Where ever you are, just make the best of your situation and do not be discouraged by the slightest obsticle. Expect more, but be rational at the same time.

I have to respond to these allegations that UOP advisors are hard to get a hold of and such. That is nonsense my advisor actually calls me all the time. In fact she just called the other day to remind me when class started after holiday break. Then she called BACK the day of class to remind me again. As far as financial aid goes I'm in the military and don't have a that problem. If you can I would suggest that if money is an issue that you join the military active or reserve as they almost all of your school. Not to mention that the cost of school is greatly reduced. Also, as said before there is a contract you must read it there are many factors that you may not. They can put ANYTHING in a contract if you sign your stuck. I personally don't like the class structure I think that it should be individual seeing as how most people aren't in the same country let alone the same area. I however deal with and have a full intention of graduating. Stop making excuses and take a little responsibility.

After 10 courses in UoP's FlexNet option, I decided the last class was the straw that broke this camel's back. The first day of class, one of my new team members went off on a tirade using language that should never come from a true lady's mouth. After this episode, which occurred while the instructor was conveniently taking a coffee break, I approached the instructor to let her know that I felt threatened by this person's anger. The instructor from this class was a gal who I had for two previous classes. I wanted a new team experience and asked to be placed on a new dynamic team. After approached the instructor about this gal's psychotic episode, her response, You asked to be placed on another team. It is as though I was asking for this. During this course, CIS 319, my new team participated only ~ 10% with one team member meandering into the class newsgroup at week four. Seems the instructor told her it was okay. At this point, I asked the other team members to pick up the slack for the work they had not performed. Naturally I received no response to my request. Finally I informed the team that we would not present at our on-ground Week 5 class as none of the team members were able to comprehend the project and they contributed nothing to it. The last class was held on-ground and when it was time for the team to present, the remaining three team members stood in front of the classroom to read from my papers VERBATIM! The instructors sat in the back of the room listening to these folks plagiarize my work. She did nothing to stop this farce. After the class I informed this instructor that these three lazy individuals read my papers word for word. Her response, I'll deal with it. Since she did nothing to become involved in the issue of lack of team participation from the get go, my take is that these people will receive a grade for completing a presentation. Needless to say, I am greatly disappointed in the lack of structure in each of these UoP modules and have decided to pursue a real education at Golden Gate University. At least at GGU, I will be learning something.

Ivek, I know exactly where you are at....and at that point I was thinking this was an answer to prayers! But then I watched $4000 in Pell money be virtually ignored until it expired in June, and I face a $1400 bill every month, with DAILY phone calls from their collection agency. I had no gripe with the classes I took, at least none that would differ from a brick and mortar class, (such as a prof that's a jerk, or even the "team work" thing...)but the changing of the advisors marked the downfall of my education. I, too, had the assurance that between the Pell Grant and the various loan monies I was approved for, that this would be paid in full...and indeed it should have been. But incompetence abounded, and my hands were tied. All my phone calls and begging and pleading did me not one bit of good. So what did I get for the three classes I took? Some credits that will never be "mine" until I "pay-up", but who needs them, because they were all repeats of credits I already HAD! How many English credits does one need?? I came in with 6, (and a 4.0 at that...) and I STILL had to take 6 with UOP. That was just another little surprise. I was told I would only have to take this many credits of English, so many of math, because I had 14 credits transfer in. But, surprise, surprise, when it came down to it, I STILL had to take all the "weed 'em out" classes over. Yes...there are people successfully getting advanced degrees from this joint, but I will never be one of them. They screwed up my credit, told me to go ahead and take classes, assuring me that they were paid for, and then billing me anyway, and NEVER explaining to me why they did not tap my Pell money. If I were you, I would get out and find another option for your education. I have chosen a local community college, and they actually offer many of their classes on line, and are infinitly more user friendly that UOP. And I've not had to come up with one dime of my own money so far...(I'm a single Mom with 7 kids whose father's no longer here.)I am grateful for the local support, and UOP was not only unsympathetic to my quest for a higher education, they were unfair and downright cold. Perhaps at one time this institution was reputable and fair, but from where I sit and from what I have experienced, they have succumbed to the almighty dollar, and that is all that matters to them. I wouldn't give them another penny. Best of luck to you...I am sure some of the readers of this forum will have other suggestions for you!

THis comment is to Elizabeth, from Rockford, Illinois. I am a new student to UOP. I am married and have 3 children. I chose UOP because of their commercials and ratings. However, after reading all these comments, I am freaking out. I am not having any problems right now and the advisors ahave been great. However, I have a Pell Grant and I was approved for Student Financial Aid and the Financial advisor says not to worry about anything that they will take my tuition from my Aid. Basically, what I asking is if their was a possibility that I can get the source or even the name of the University you are attending onling right now that offers you much more than UOP.

I have read everyone's report that states UOP is not a college, they rip people off etc. etc. etc. The fact is they are a college and fully accredited. They are owned by the Apollo group that is indeed very wealthy. I have been in their Master's program for one year now and there is an occassional hiccup. For example, I had the worst instructor....the type everyone has complained about. That was my second in one year. The first was just average or maybe below but this one was simply terrible. The fact is, I had some of the same type of instructors when I attended courses on campus. The solution is to give them a nasty critique. Most of you probably have had the same uneasy feeling I had initially. The advisors you first talk to are basically telemarketers. Once you get into the program, it is much better. This is UOP's downfall but don't let that be a reason to not complete your degree. Online studies are meant to be independent. This requires a lot of self-confidence in your abilities. I have dealt with them less than a handful of occurrances since the program began. The idea of completing a degree in 2 1/2 years is nothing more than marketing. If you believe this, you are looking for a diploma mill and an easy way out or just naive. It can be done. I completed by Bachelor's at an actual campus in three years but I also took 21 classes in one year. Lastly, financial aid can not be granted unless you are an enrolled student. Universities that give you money up front are generally loaning you the money until your aid actually shows up. For example, my wife attended University of Alaska-Anchorage, and we had to pay nearly $5,000 at enrollment until her aid finally showed up. It ultimately comes down to the efficiency of you completing your FAFSA in a timely manner and getting paperwork turned-in. In addition, the financial aid counselor can be slow as well. This is common at many schools. Welcome to reality. UOP employees are just like the ones we hire and fire each day. Some are great while others probably deserve the minimum wage jobs they can barely keep as they job skip on a regular basis. I am not saying UOP is the best but merely stating you should really consider what is opinion versus facts and also take into consideration they are the largest University when considering enrollment numbers. Try to manage 200,000+ students with no problems! Oh yea, if I mispelled anything so sorry. I am typing fast and not overly concerned about it. Those that are still finding excuses as to why they have not started on their degrees. In the meantime, I will be using my time to complete more assignments.

I accidently found this site today. I am a full time registered nurse, wife and mother. I just recently enrolled in online class for BSN to UOP. After I read all these articles, I am leary and ambivelant to continue the enrolment. I chose UOP to help me juggle with work and family time without going to classroom. I have researched this company and they had 75% graduation rate and number #1 online education to finished undergraduate studies. yes, classes are very expensive for 2years ($18,500). Therefore, I will cancel the enrollment on Monday and just pursue CSU distance learning for 3yrs with 1day a week class. thanks.

Van, since you ran a Fortune 500 company, or so you say, answer me this: would you hire somebody with a University of Phoenix degree if you had a choice between that person and someone with a degree from a REAL university? Of course, you're going to say that you would, just to be contrary, so we still won't get anywhere with these exchanges. By the way, Nicole, if you really "don't spend my time playing with pseudo-intellectuals," why are you posting here, much less reading the reports? And, Nicole, since you brought up Mensa, please name three living Mensans who ever amounted to anything (yourself excluded, of course). Yes, I was a member about 30 years ago and I soon lost interest because I started to notice that Mensa consisted mostly of poseurs, assorted losers, and legends in their own minds. Van, I agree, the sniping and vindictiveness are getting us nowhere but, if you'll notice, I wasn't the one who started the ad hominem attacks. I merely asked a simple question about why someone would pay more to attend U of P than, say, a state university (ANY state university), to get a degree that most employers don't take very seriously. U of P is designed for people who already have jobs and want the piece of paper so they can advance within their employer's hierarchy. That's a lot different from an unemployed person with a U of P degree pounding the pavement in search of a job. A U of P degree might do something for you after you're on the inside but it won't get you in the door in most places. Attendance at a traditional brick-and-mortar university (one where you actually have to sit in the same room with the instructor) is considered by most people to be much more "legitimate" than anything associated with distance learning. This belief may or may not be justified, either in general or in particular, but like it or not that's how it is. You can shoot all the messengers you want but that won't change the message. I didn't make the rules. Oh, by the way, Van, it isn't "calibur," it's "caliber" or, if you're an Anglophile (go look it up), "calibre." Well, we might not be resolving anything here but we are definitely having fun.

I am amazed that when I posted a response to some of the former or current UOP students who have had bad experiences that it was automatically assumed that I was dismissing their experience or blaming them for it. Never once do I feel that this was my wording nor my intent. I simply stated that I was shocked because I have had such a good experience with UOP. In my short life I have learned that if you disagree with someone's else then they become defensive. I was just amazed at how I was attacked and misinterpreted. Just for the record, I contacted UOP administration and directed them to this site because of the fact that I felt compassion for all those who had difficulties with the school in hopes of improving the experience for everyone. I apologize for any mis communication and hope there everyone's future experiences are better than their past! Don't give up on education because of one bad experience! Good luck to each of you,

Ok, Nicole and Frank, for all the intelligence you both obvioulsly possess, you have evidently forgotten some of those things we learned in Kindergarten. Play nice, now. It is alomst embarrassing to "hear" you in your direct, personal attacks on one another, all based upon less than 500 words of opinion. If this is a reflection of the calibur of person who has a degree from LSU and one who represents a Fortune 200 company, I shudder to think what this says about the direction of this nation. Kiddos, I RAN a fortune 500 company, retired from same and am enjoying my life in the country, and I will tell you that the attitude that both of you displayed here in your juvenile tit for tat would have earned you disciplinary action in my firm. Surely, with Mensa credentials to spout, you have not forgotten the word "diplomacy"? The mentally challenged kids who work in my stables seem to have a far better grip on understanding that while we all may not agree, we can all get along without mudslinging and personal insults. Shame on you both. Let's grow up now, shall we?

Frank, First off your LSU education didn't help much if you think with a name like Nicole that I'm a man. As far as having a battle of wits, I'm afraid I don't spend my time playing with pseudo-intellectuals like yourself. You took it upon yourself to speak for "larger companies," and when I pointed out that you obviously didn't work for one you got upset. Please don't put down an institution that is worth more than 175 Billion dollars. You aren't qualified to do that. From you lack of maturity, I don't believe you are qualified for much besides cheerleading for LSU. Are you upset because you hate UOP so much and my employer likes their educational approaches? My guess is you are upset because a "larger company" like the one I work for turned you down for employment. With your attitude and lack of maturity, I am sure that is why you aren't qualified for a real job. You wouldn't make it for a day where I work with you arrogant wanna be personality. They would eat you alive and send you home crying. Just some advice; stay in New Orleans and leave corporate America to the big dogs, because you aren't ready and you don't have what it takes. Also, the brothers that own the financial institution where I work wouldn't have someone like you working in their mailroom much less a job that required any real skill. I will add in closing that you say that I'm a reflection of the kind of degree UOP offers. I'm proud of that because unlike you I belong to such organizations as Mensa. I'm sure that is another institution you could never obtain entrance in. I'm willing to bet I made more money last year than you have in your life time (oops that isn't saying much is it).

I'm really glad that you work for a company that doesn't care about the quality of people who work for it as long as they sell themselves cheap. You'll find that your pay is a direct reflection of what they think your degree's worth. I thought about engaging in a battle of wits here but it's manifestly unfair to attack an unarmed man.

If I offer to sell you a bag of gold for $100 and instead hand you a bag full of dirt, are you an unsophisticated consumer for not looking in the bag before you handed me the money? Sure. But does that mean I didn't rip you off? Bill, your comments have merit, but I'm not buying it, and here's why: 1) First of all, to say that somebody should have done their research has two different connotations depending on what the underlying complaint is. If the underlying complaint relates to the procedural aspects of the education, then research may be warranted. In other words, if the complaint is something along the lines of "I didn't know that I had to have at least 256 mb of RAM to run the programs and I only had 32, so I feel like I got ripped off" then a failure to do research could be a fault on the part of the student. I don't entirely buy that, however, because the school should fill the student in on that info (any procedural aspect) without the student needing to do outside research. The other type of complaint is substantive, where the student feels that the quality of the education as a whole, or a certian aspect of it, is subpar. In this case, I cannot for one second accept the notion that the student is at fault for not doing research. Let's say you buy a product that is defective, and there is an abundance of inforation out there saying that this product is a piece of junk but you failed to do your research. That you failed to research is no doubt a bad thing, and hopefully you'll learn from your experience, but it does nothing to vitiate the culpability of the person who marketed the shoddy product. 2) Reliance and duty. When a school advertises itself as the largest private university in the nation, and charges a tuition that rivals the Ivy Leaguers, the consumer/student has every right to rely on that information and, yes, ASSUME that he will be getting a quality education. The principle of reliance, which is really based on assumptions, is such a fundamental of consumer law that it can even be used to enforce promises of gifts (which would otherwise be invalid contracts). This principle has stood the test of time, and comes from people with far greater reasoning capacity than myself. Additionally, when a school charges a massive tuition rate, and actively recruits students with expressions of quality, they have an ethical (if not legal) duty to deliver an education commensurate with the high tuition and expressions of quality. 3) Many of these complaints are based on administrative failures. I fail to see how any research, aside from reading these complaints, would apprise the student of these alleged shortcomings. Yet the UOP defenders continually urge potential students to ignore these complaints and do some "real research." In fact, if you want to find out if some people are unhappy with the school you plan on attending, your only source is consumer forums, but again, potential students are told to ignore this information. The bottom line is that the students should not be faulted for failing to recognize before hand that they were entering a sub-par institution (if UOP is in fact sub-par - I'm not making judgments here, just relaying principles). Instead, the fault is on the institution for failing to live up to its cost of enrollment and statements made in the active recruiting process.

I am currently a student at UOP in a Master's program, and I'm replying to the person from Louisiana who said that a degree from UOP was worthless. I have responded before about my positive experience and feel bad for those of you who have had a bad experience. However, this isn't about good or bad experiences. This to Frank of New Orleans who places LSU so far above UOP. Let me set you straight Frank because you obviously know nothing of these "larger employers" that you speak of. I work for a Fortune 200 financial institution. I work as a financial analyst and am financially secure because of my position. The financial institution I work for promotes UOP. Obviously Frank doesn't work for the corporate America or he wouldn't say such out and out lies. My guess is Frank wants to work in a Fortune 500 company but doesn't have the ability so he wants to blame it on an educational organization. Frank, I have seen people from all different universities come and go through where I'm employed, and to them a piece of paper is a piece of paper. They don't want someone from Yale when they can find someone just as capable for less money. You obviously don't realize that it's all about money to these people not who issued your degree. However, thanks for the laugh. If you came to work for my company and started spouting the "rah rah LSU" crap they would laugh you right out the front door. I apologize to everyone else for sounding hostile, but I can't stand for someone to talk about things they don't know anything about.

I am currently a student at UOP in a Master's program, and I'm replying to the person from Louisiana who said that a degree from UOP was worthless. I have responded before about my positive experience and feel bad for those of you who have had a bad experience. However, this isn't about good or bad experiences. This to Frank of New Orleans who places LSU so far above UOP. Let me set you straight Frank because you obviously know nothing of these "larger employers" that you speak of. I work for a Fortune 200 financial institution. I work as a financial analyst and am financially secure because of my position. The financial institution I work for promotes UOP. Obviously Frank doesn't work for the corporate America or he wouldn't say such out and out lies. My guess is Frank wants to work in a Fortune 500 company but doesn't have the ability so he wants to blame it on an educational organization. Frank, I have seen people from all different universities come and go through where I'm employed, and to them a piece of paper is a piece of paper. They don't want someone from Yale when they can find someone just as capable for less money. You obviously don't realize that it's all about money to these people not who issued your degree. However, thanks for the laugh. If you came to work for my company and started spouting the "rah rah LSU" crap they would laugh you right out the front door. I apologize to everyone else for sounding hostile, but I can't stand for someone to talk about things they don't know anything about.

I completed my B.S. in Business Administration and went on to earn a M.B.A. This was a learning experience in more than one way. I had 2 yrs+ college education when I entered the UoP program and I asked tons of questions about their program, tuition, and financial aid. Some of their advisors were less than clear or even honest. I found that escalating the questions up the channel of command was best until I was satisfied with their answers. I then made it a practice to repeatedly ask for my status toward graduation. Classwork was different than other college classes and the group study method was vastly different for me. Keeping on top of what was expected, researching continually, and gently persuading my fellow students to excel put me in the top of my class. There were some instructors that would seem less than a perfect match to teach the subject matter. And there were times when we had to speak with the academic counselor about the faculty. But this too was a learning experience. I didn't expect UoP to allow me to learn just whenever I wanted to, even in the two courses I opted to take on-line. All work, papers, tests, and studying was something I wanted to increase my knowledge by doing. No one handed me my grades, milled me a degree, or otherwise lessened my knowledge in a cheap or shoddy way. I got what I paid for--an education. The learning part was my responsibility. They are a business, and I tried to remember that, so it was up to me to ensure that my relationship with them was on the up and up. I did my part and reminded them frequently it was up to them to do the same. If an instructor seemed too lax in leading discussion groups, I was one of the people in our group that asked he participate more. Afterall, if I was to be learning from his experience, he needed to impart that knowledge to me. Most felt that was a reasonable request. I was only sad that I needed to request it at all. Teachers in general are underpaid, UoP teachers are no exception. I have recommended the UoP to many people since my graduation. My advice to anyone reading this is to know that this style of education is expensive, and you must want to learn to participate in this style. You must ask questions both in class and to their offices until you receive adequate answers. And if you do not receive answers from the office, go directly to their main office in Arizona. It worked for me.

Tim, In your comments you asked why would anybody have to do research into a college and you said you should be able to assume the college has high quality education. Here's my take on your comments. 1. Anybody going to any school should take a close look to be sure its got what they want and to be sure they can get a quality education. 2. You know what they say about assuming.

Wrong, wrong, wrong Toni. First of all, I went back through and read several of the rebuttals and can find no hints of animosity based on other peoples' positive experiences. Here is what actually happens: somebody presents a legitimate complaint about their poor experience with UOP, and then a satisfied student counters that complaint by either completely dismissing it as improbable or placing the blame on the complainant. Then, most of the time, the ensuing re-rebuttal is something along the lines of "it's good that you are having a positive experience, but..." Here are a few things that I find "small minded." 1) Dismissing another person's complaint as illegitimate simply because you're experience has been different. 2) Blaming the victim of a rip-off because they failed to do enough research before-hand to prevent themselves from being scammed (and then telling other readers to do "real" research, which usually entails reading brochures and listening to sales pitches, rather than listen to the tales of people who have already been through the process). 3) Failing to actually read the comments of other people and opting instead to assume they said what you wanted them to say, and then calling them "small minded" for being upset about that. And may I ask why potential sutdents should have to perform exhaustive research on an institution of higher learning in the first place? Shouldn't students be able to assume that the largest private university in the nation is going to offer a quality education on favorable terms? And may I ask why the outcome of an alleged scam is the fault of the scamee simply because he failed to recognize that he was being scammed? Isn't that the whole idea behind a scam? If you have any legitimate rebuttals then please post them. This is an excellent forum for reasoned discussion, whereby the truth may be eeked out in an adversarial process. Thus far you have only shown how small minded you yourself are.

I am so sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with the school. However, your hostility towards those who have had or are having good expeiriences with the school only shows how small minded you are. You people act like it is someone else's fault that you have had a bad experience but maybe it's your own fault. Maybe if you had done your homework before enrolling then you would have not been without so much information. I researched the school for at least 6 months before I even contacted them to enroll. I knew exactly what I was getting into and that makes me a smart consumer. I hope your next educational expeirences are better than the previous so that you will not lash out at those who have succeed where you did not.

If you want to crticize the language skills of your fellow reporters/rebuttalists, I would suggest that you learn how to spell "grammar." A period at the end of your sentence would probably boost your credibility a bit as well. If poor grammar is relevant to the issue at hand, as it may be considering that the issue relates to an educational institution, then by all means point it out. Just be sure to explain why a lack of proper grammar is relevant (i.e. your poor grammar is indicative of UOP's practice of recruiting unqualified students). Otherwise you're just insulting people, and contributing nothing to the discussion.

I only hope your grammer improves along with your grades

I am currently a UOP online student. When I first contacted UOP I was instructed that the length of time to earn my BS degree would depend on the amount of credits that I would be transferring in. I was also told up front what the attendance policies were and how most instructors conducted classes. I have found that my grades have largely improved wit the online experience and look forward to graduated in a year. It is sad to know that there are so many who have had bad expriences due to unclear information or out right lies.

I am currently a student at UoP. I am in my last two classes of the program and feel that this was one of the best decisions I have made for my future. I began 3/03 and will complete all requirements 2/05. Approximately 2.5 years. UoP provided me with the flexibility, knowledge, skills and ability to continue in the workforce and compete for jobs with any man or woman. I have read all of the comments regarding, being lied to, cheated out of money, the degree not worthy, the professors, the amount of postings...blah...blah...blah... Eveyone's experience is different. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Take responsibility for your actions in the partnership between UoP. I stumbled upon this website looking for research for a DQ(that's discussion question for those of you who dropped out)and I am glad I did so that my voice could be heard. Remember November 2...VOTE OR DIE!!!

I spent a few minutes reading over posted comments. I think what amazes me the most is that people seem to think obtaining a degree (of any sort) is and should be painless and easy. I went to the Univ. of Oregon for my BA and the private (yes, for-profit U of P) for my MA. School (regardless of where you go) is filled with miscommunication, tons of paperwork, sometimes lack-luster instructors, motivated students, unmotivated students, financial aid headaches, wonderful instructors, great learning teams, headache learning teams, those who ride on the tails of others....etc.....you name it. I will tell you at the brick and mortar school I had some read idiot instructors. I also had instructors that rocked. You will find this at the U of P as well - both onlin AND offline. (I was an off-line student). All of the so-called "better" schools that other posters have mentioned....guess what, look around and you will find complaints about them too. No school is without complaints, lawsuits and someone advising how they can be better. If the learning team environment doesn't fit your needs or your lifestyle, it's a free country - change your environment. If the online situation sucks and you are getting poor service, change it. That's okay. You have a right to be treated like an important individual. I will say in closing that I do not doubt the veracity of the postings when it comes to discussing the frustrations some of you have had. However, I will state that for many people, the U of P environment works - it worked for me. Of the 21 people who started in my "pod", the U of P flunked approximately 5 of them. Others moved on for personal reasons, major changes, etc. We finished with 8 orignal "pod" people when it came to graduation day. I have heard from numerous people, both on this site and off, complain (uh, comment) as to why it takes so long to get a degree. People, you cannot get a four year degree in 1.5 years if you are coming in "naked." A typical BA at a four year college will take approx. 186 credits (I know). So many people want their degrees NOW that they hear what they WANT to hear and read what they WANT to read. Yes, if you are skipping a year or so of college, and you want the same degree I hold....then you SHOULD take a CLEP exam (or whatever it is that takes so long). There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor a perfect school. You can only do what matches your lifestyle and your needs - and nothing else.

One thing I haven't seen in these reports is any discussion of why someone would pay more than the tuition at most state universities for a degree that reputable employers (read: good-paying) consider to be at best worthless and at worst, fraudulent. A U of P degree ranks right up (actually, down) there with a diploma from an inner-city high school. A U of P degree might minimally function as evidence that you learned something but it won't be treated seriously by any large employer and you probably won't get past the personnel screeners with that on your resume. If an employer has a choice between two candidates, one with a U of P degree and another with a degree from, say, Louisiana State University, it's no contest; the LSU man gets the job 10 times out of 10. You can argue fairness or lack of it as much as you want but the reality is, simply, that merely having a degree is meaningless unless you consider both the field in which it was earned and the institution that granted it. What good is a degree if employers don't believe it has any value?

Elizabeth, FYI I returned to local traditional college at 37 graduated at 41 with a BS in Education and a 3.3 GPA. I did this while working 2 part time jobs, seeing to the interests and needs of my then 2 teen aged sons. My wife also worked and still works. I am certified in Elementary Ed., Special Ed, and Social Studies up to 9th grade. Yes I meant I started UOP in Dec 2003. I am not sure what to repsond to next but I guess the issue of group projects is as good as any. Like I said so far all my team mates have pulled their weight. Let me tell you that if they did not I would have absolutely no problem telling my instructor about it. And I think that of the instructors I have had so far all of them would take action to rectify the situation of grades and of slackers. I am not worried about the "what ifs" because I as a responsible adult have accepted and will accept the consequences of my actions,,,, good or bad. As far as the money goes no I don't have a unlimited funds but I will meet my goals whatever it takes,,,,thats my style and my strength. My Masters will be in Education. I understand that some of the people who have posted have had problems but to be honest I have heard similar stories of traditional colleges. I do believe that some of the people who posted may not have what it takes to do "online education". Thats not a critism,,,,we all have strengths and weaknesses.

Bill I am happy that UOP is working for you. You do need to understand that the format that they are using is outdated, to say the least. You are one of the lucky ones to have an instructor to respond in that short of time. Some of my instructors did respond in a timely manner but the one that provided the class with her home and business number then when you called her she stated that she only helped when a question was posted, I felt let me down. I do not know what you are going for in you masters degree but the class that I am talking about was an advanced accounting class that required the understanding of some very complicated formulas. As for you team experience that's great for you also. But remember there are some people out there that do not contribute and still get the same grade as you do. Now I ask you do you think that it is fair for you to do your part of the work and someone else not and still get the same credit as you? For most people who are taking classes online there is a lot of reading and self study. Yes it does save time for driving. That is why this format of learning is ideal for the working person to get their degree. Just a reminder that there are other colleges that offers the same classes online but in a better format. Also you would be surprised to learn that they do not cost the same as UOP. Their cost for each class is higher. But again I am happy that UOP is working for you and hope that you continue to have great success. Keep us posted as to your progress. Oh by the way if you started in Dec 2004 how would you really know about the classes? Do you mean that you stared last Dec in 2003? I hope that you are not depending on student loans to pay for your classes because they only cover so many in a year and if UOP has you taking classes back to back with only a one week break you will be paying for those extra classes out of your pocket. So if that happens good luck on getting them to accept payments. But then again you just may have extra money to throw around. Most people do not.

Bill I am happy that UOP is working for you. You do need to understand that the format that they are using is outdated, to say the least. You are one of the lucky ones to have an instructor to respond in that short of time. Some of my instructors did respond in a timely manner but the one that provided the class with her home and business number then when you called her she stated that she only helped when a question was posted, I felt let me down. I do not know what you are going for in you masters degree but the class that I am talking about was an advanced accounting class that required the understanding of some very complicated formulas. As for you team experience that's great for you also. But remember there are some people out there that do not contribute and still get the same grade as you do. Now I ask you do you think that it is fair for you to do your part of the work and someone else not and still get the same credit as you? For most people who are taking classes online there is a lot of reading and self study. Yes it does save time for driving. That is why this format of learning is ideal for the working person to get their degree. Just a reminder that there are other colleges that offers the same classes online but in a better format. Also you would be surprised to learn that they do not cost the same as UOP. Their cost for each class is higher. But again I am happy that UOP is working for you and hope that you continue to have great success. Keep us posted as to your progress. Oh by the way if you started in Dec 2004 how would you really know about the classes? Do you mean that you stared last Dec in 2003? I hope that you are not depending on student loans to pay for your classes because they only cover so many in a year and if UOP has you taking classes back to back with only a one week break you will be paying for those extra classes out of your pocket. So if that happens good luck on getting them to accept payments. But then again you just may have extra money to throw around. Most people do not.

Many people have asked for it and now it is here. The parent company Apollo Group (APOL) was given notice that a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona on behalf of all who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Apollo Group, Inc. The complaint charges Apollo failed to disclose and misrepresented the following material adverse facts which were known to defendants or recklessly disregarded by them: (1) That the Company improperly based recruiter's compensation on enrollment figures, in violation of U.S. regulations that forbid schools whose students receive federal financial aid from tying pay directly to enrollments; (2) That as a consequence of the foregoing, defendants were able to demonstrate dazzling growth at schools such as the University of Phoenix, even though recruiters bolstered their numbers by signing up unqualified students; (3) That as a result of the illegal practices, the Company's earnings and net income were materially inflated at all relevant times. For your information the UOPX has not been posting stock trading on the stock exchange since August 27 this year. The APOL and UOPX stocks are falling fast. There is a storm coming; for more information on this see Yahoo Finance Stock Report.

Many people have asked for it and now it is here. The parent company Apollo Group (APOL) was given notice that a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona on behalf of all who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Apollo Group, Inc. The complaint charges Apollo failed to disclose and misrepresented the following material adverse facts which were known to defendants or recklessly disregarded by them: (1) That the Company improperly based recruiter's compensation on enrollment figures, in violation of U.S. regulations that forbid schools whose students receive federal financial aid from tying pay directly to enrollments; (2) That as a consequence of the foregoing, defendants were able to demonstrate dazzling growth at schools such as the University of Phoenix, even though recruiters bolstered their numbers by signing up unqualified students; (3) That as a result of the illegal practices, the Company's earnings and net income were materially inflated at all relevant times. For your information the UOPX has not been posting stock trading on the stock exchange since August 27 this year. The APOL and UOPX stocks are falling fast. There is a storm coming; for more information on this see Yahoo Finance Stock Report.

I am currently enrolled at UOP working on my masters degree in education. I have not experienced any of the problems that have been discussed. The instructors reply in a timely fashion (12 hours at the most, usually within 1 to 3 hours. I am not a big fan of team projects but the teams I have been on so far have been great, with everyone pulling their share of the load and then some. I spend about 2 hours a day average doing my work (including getting online) and currently have a 3.5 GPA after taking 7 classes. I started in Dec 04 and will be done Sept 05. I save 2 hours of driving time minimum when I log on instead of driving to classes. If I had a complaint it would be that there is a lot of reading (not my favorite thing to do).

Well I've read many of the complaints on this board, and I simply must say to those of you out there that berate others for ATTEMPTING to return to some form of education....SHAME ON YOU! At least people are TRYING to get an education, how many others don't do anything at all? So please stop the nonsense and belittling. Perhaps it is a paper-mill, but so what? There are so many out there that don't even TRY to better themselves. Besides, that still does not give UOP the right to give fradulent information nor incomplete information. No matter which way you slice it, it's still WRONG. First of all, I was a prior student of UOP. Needless to say, it was a complete waste of my time and effort. Their team aspect is ludacris to say the least. I was involved in two teams, both of which had members either in the UK or on the west coast. That made for a three to 6 hour time difference. Kind of hard to conduct study sessions for total cooperation, wouldn't you say? Especially when I clearly pointed out that I get up for work at 5am every morning, STILL I was teamed with individuals from both those regions. Not to mention the fact that I was teamed with other individuals that definately did NOT have the competency nor drive to be in an academic environment. Many of them could barely form a coherent sentence, let alone understand the course work. Who did that burden fall on? The ones that actually WANTED to learn...people like ME. When I made my concerns known to the counselors and absentee "instructors", I was point blank told by the counselor that perhaps since I had earned A's in my courses I should settle for perhaps a B. NO counselor worth thier weight in salt would EVER tell a student to strive for a lesser grade. Second, as was stated by another poster on this thread, I did not recieve any contract until AFTER I had already enrolled and had started the first course. Then came all the "changes" that I most definately would NOT have agreed upon, had I been notified before hand. The only paperwork I was given prior to starting that first class was a cut and dry "sign me up" document. Two pages, one of which was a header sheet. Third, let me discuss the course material. I'm sorry, but the so called "team building" classes are a waste of not only money, but time. Teamwork is something that CANNOT be taught in a book, or an online course. Teamwork is a practical skill that either you learn early in life, or you don't at all. UOP certainly has no business even attempting to teach such a thing. However, they make this a course requirement. Fourth, the cost of UOP is exponential in comparison to traditional institutions. $1,500 for one course? A little extreme, especially since the course material is presented in an OUT DATED mode. Yes, I am fully aware that college is a money making institution these days, however I wouldn't mind forking out that kind of money, had the courses been worth it. Instead, I found myself in an environment that was akin to a kindergarten romper room. Oh, and let's not forget the "instructors". Honestly, to use that term to describe the so called teachers is a disgrace to every PhD that I know. Most of the time, it would be DAYS before an instructor would even reply to an email that was pertinent to an assignment. By the time they DID respond (if they did at all) the assignment's due date would have passed. If I'm paying for a class, the bottom line is that it's MY money, NOT the instructors....they're on MY time and MY DIME. Not to mention, half of them seem to have only a Bachelors degree. This isn't mentioned when you enroll either. Then there's the matter of what happens when you withdraw. UOP's tuition is so high, that most financial aid doesn't cover the cost of thier classes. That leaves the consumer owing UOP a lot of money. And what happens when you drop??? You get nasty-grams telling you to pay a thousand dollar balance all at once. Then they huff and puff and set you up with a payment arrangement of about 200 dollars a week. I don't know about you, but the average person cannot fork over 200 a week, without taking the food out of their kid's mouths. Finally, UOP claims to be geared toward the working adult, making it convenient for the working adult. This clame is false at best. In order to achieve an A in my class, I was spending a MINIMUM of 6 hours a night on the reading materials and the postings. That is not counting the time it would take to even attempt to communicate with the students in the other time zones. When I attended a regular university, ... the course work was tougher, there were actual assignments....and I still spent much less time on the material and I still got A's. I've attended both the traditional universities as well as this supposed "online university" and will be the first to steer students AWAY from UOP. Got it? Get it? Good!

I have read through the comments, and unfortunately, I can relate to most of them. I am a U o P graduate, and that doesn't mean much these days. I am very disappointed in the program, the administration, and the thousands of dollars I will pay for all of the frustration. I am not stupid, as most of you are not; I read the fine print, I asked questions, I worked hard, I expected to give 100% to the program, but they did not hold up their end of the bargain. I did not get what I paid for. I was ripped off. Some made the comment about what the world is coming to. I agree. What is the world coming to when you do not get the services you paid a lot of money for and it is ok. You are expected to consider it a "learned lesson" and just move on. I will not just move on. I took several years out of my life for a degree, a lot of blood sweat and tears, and a lot of dedication. I was done wrong, and I will not let that go. I bought my degree, as most of youhave or are doing. Don't be fooled, you are buying your degree! I am up for a law suit!

I have taken the last three hours to read through all the remarks and comments made above, due to an email I received earlier today. I must admit, the email that I received which led me to this website had me skeptical at first, and I began to research further by entering all recommended websites to find out why U of P is a school that scams it students and faculty members. I believe all of you who are frustrated and angered with U of P have every right to be, and in some way, maybe you all were scammed. However, before I enrolled at U of P, I was attending a community college, which was very reputible. When I felt that I was ready for the University environment, I found that work and school really didn't mix well. To make a long story short, I called U of P, along w/Regis, CU, Metro etc., and like most of you, I also felt the admissions advisor was a bit pushy at getting me to come in for a one on one meeting. However, after a simple, "no, please just send me your school catalog, and all information available", I was able to end the conversation. I realized when making my selection for a college that by choosing U of P, I most likely would not receive the high quality education that I would by attending Regis, CU, or another university. However, that can easily be compared to the high school student making the decision to attend CU or Harvard. It is evident that Harvard would make CU look like an inferior school as well. Per the gentleman's comment above who stated that he would fire anyone with a degree such as the one we receive here at U of P, he again has the choice, just the same as the employer who chooses to hire only Harvard graduates. As far as it goes with the financial issues. I have found my student loan papers that specifically state that I can give the school written request to cancel the loan OR write to the lending bank to have them stop the funds from being dispursed to the school at all. I know that others of you probably do not have the same lender that I have; however, I chose my lender, and I gave the okay to have thousands of dollars dispursed to this school of my choice. Something that I haven't noticed are any comments made referencing any U of P graduates. I will reference someone I know who graduated from U of P, and has tripled her income. She graduated with 2 degrees from U of P, and although she was naturally smart, she now had the degree she needed to get to the point where she wanted to be in life. (She was my inspiration to join U of P just one year ago). I am not asking any of you to make decisions based on my experience with U of P. I did my own personal research to find out what school would be the right choice for me. I just find it offensive-(only to the person that sent the email to all U of P students)-that someone would cause such an uproar, and waste the time that everyone agrees is not available while attending school. I truly hope that the students that are upset with U of P find an online program that suits their needs. As for me, I realize that my program of choice requires that I have 120 credit hours before I graduate. Transeferring in 25 credits, and only receiving 3 credits per 5 week course, I quickly realized that 2 years was not going to be the case for me. So, although I may be in debt when I get out, I knew that going in, and I am prepared to reep the benefits upon graduation. As per my research that began a year ago, below are schools that offer online programs that have great reputations. Schools w/online programs for BA degrees: University of Colorado (CU) Regis University Metro offers adult learing-(I am unsure if its online).

I have reviewed the U of P comments thus far and would like to post my own comments. I have not experienced the complaints listed other than that of an unqualified instructor who was let go by the University recently. The bottom line is that you get out of it what you put into it. I have had experience with community colleges and a state university. The education at U of P is accelerated and fairly comparable to other instruction I've received. The team concept is not a bad idea - most work environments expect team collaboration. As for the recruiting practices problems as of late, I can't comment other than to say U of P is a business first, educational institution second. Their priority is to make money. Period. In turn, students benefit from the accelerated curriculum. If this business/education model is not for you, go somewhere else. I am almost finished with my degree. I'll comment again when it's over. Good luck to all.

From The WBALChannel: Video available at this link: http://www.thewbalchannel.com/education/3737466/detail.html Critical Federal Report On Univ. Of Phoenix Leads To $9.8M Fine For-Profit University Fined For Accepting Unqualified Students, Pressuring Recruiters POSTED: 6:18 PM EDT September 16, 2004 UPDATED: 7:51 PM EDT September 16, 2004 TIMONIUM, Md. -- The nation's largest for-profit university was fined $9.8 million by federal regulators who concluded it was so focused on boosting enrollment that it pressured recruiters to accept unqualified students. The fine against the University of Phoenix was the largest ever imposed by the Department of Education. The federal investigators' 45-page report detailed several examples of compensation and sales practices that the government said were illegal or unethical, according to Tuesday's editions of The Arizona Republic, which obtained the report. The Department of Education oversees federal financial-aid programs and has strict rules against paying recruiters based on the number of students they enroll. It found the school evaluated recruiters and set salary incentives for them based on how many people they signed up and then tried to hide those practices from the government. An employee who spoke with WBAL-TV 11 News based on a condition of anonymity believes he works in an illegal environment every day. The employee's official title is "enrollment counselor." But the employee said a more accurate description would be "get-them-any-way-you-can salesperson." Because the University of Phoenix accepts federal aid, it cannot pay recruiters based on the number of students they enroll, WBAL-TV 11 News reporter John Sherman reported. "We're constantly pressured to enroll anyone who can pay, regardless of whether they're ready to handle the courses," the employee said. About 60 percent of the school's tuition revenue comes from financial aid. Enrollment counselors interviewed by regulators told of a glassed-in isolation room where under-performing students were put on display to work the phones under intense management supervision, according to the report. "There's no qualification. If [potential students] have the money, if they have the ability to get financial aid or if they have tuition reimbursement with their company, then those are pretty much the qualifications that we look for -- and most importantly, if they can start now," the employee said. The employee said that university officials directed recruiters not to worry if students are under-qualified for courses. "Some people are blown away and are overwhelmed by what's going on, but once they get past the first class, it's not a problem anymore," the employee said. "Your job is constantly on the line. We're constantly enrolling new classes every month, and their only objective is to get that class filled. We're constantly pressured to call students over and over again to get them into the class," the employee added. The employee said that recruiters can include in their "start" count students who return for a second class. The employee said their pay is related directly to the number of starts. "You can potentially receive up to a 20 percent increase on your salary, based off your performance, and performance is basically the number of enrollments," the employee said. "The No. 1 factor in evaluating my job performance is the number of students [I] enroll. That's how we're compensated, that's what our raises are based upon." The Apollo Group, the publicly traded parent company of the University of Phoenix, had announced last week that it agreed to pay $9.8 million to settle a year-old inquiry by the Department of Education. It did not admit any wrongdoing. Todd Nelson, Apollo Group chairman and chief executive officer, called the regulators' criticism of the university's recruiting practices "very, very unfair" and inaccurate. "That's not how we do it," Nelson said. University officials told 11 News that the criticism is unfair and inaccurate. But the criticism level offered by the employee with whom 11 News spoke matches almost exactly what's contained in the Department of Education report, Sherman said. The employee told 11 News that, even after the fines, officials told workers, "We're a $14 billion company and it's just a cost of doing business." "It's been very business as usual, we must go on and 'So what?' " the employee said. The University of Phoenix, founded in 1976, offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, focusing on business and management, for working professionals. It has 151 campuses in 30 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, according to its Web site. As of May, it had 213,000 students, including nearly 110,000 attending its online campus, the Web site said. The regulators said their report was based on site visits and interviews with more than 60 university employees and former employees. It did not address the school's educational quality. Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and WBAL-TV 11 News for the latest education news updates.

I recently graduated from the MSN (nursing) program and have been extremely pleased. There were many times I was discouraged, angry, and "whiney". However, compared to my BSN program from a local State University (also partially long-distance), the "Ivory Tower" syndrome of my nursing instructors was not evident. In my BSN program I had only two instructors, I believed knew more than the class of returning registered nurses, and did not have a superior "Ivory Tower" attitude. In this nursing program I have been impressed that I only had two instructors that were esconced in Nursing Education "Ivory Tower" and treated professional nurses as subordinates. Most nurses believe that a very main problem among nurses is a pervasive feeling that higher level educated nurses are aiming nursing in a wrong direction. Nursing needs to be more focused on business and economics. Theories of nursing will not matter if there is no longer "nursing". U of P instructors were not offended by nurses already practicing independently or believe in entreprenuerism. Believe me, the state college never encouraged this idealism. I paid for every single class with my own money and also was able to take up to 6 months off due to illness and work. Classes were difficult and many times the 5 days was unrealistic with work schedules, but I never had one instructor in four years who wasn't approachable by phone and accomodating. Afterall, these instructors were also working nurses. In fact, I was always amazed at how timely and thorough their online responses were. I agree about group participation. It was my least favorite. However, because of group participation, I did learn to work online with personal professional projects with nurses all over the world. I would not be able to do that without gaining online group skills from class expectations. I have done just about every form on education that is available during my life and I thrive on programs that direct and guide. I suppose I was never looking for a traditional instructor and adult learning was what I put into it. If I had a project that I wanted to pursue in my professional environment I had no problems being granted and assisted with deviating from standard curriculum if the objectives were met. I found this an encouragement for self-instruction, which is what online campuses are all about. I believe that I was and am still, accountable for achieving quality education and learning. I can only speak of the nursing master's program and found it not perfect, but above workable. In fact, many times, instructors and classamates were my biggest supporters of my personal professional efforts. One note about the counselors, I went through a few of those, as well. What I found interesting was that they got ahold of me to inform me of the changes and also seemed to pick up easily where the previous one left off. With my complaints or concerns I was given timely and personal involvement by these counselors. In fact, many times they helped me file grievances that were handled professionally and to my satisfaction. For those of you unhappy with the University of Phoenix, I can relate to your frustration, I had a very bad experience with the university for my bachelors. I had a choice. In fact, the very day I was picking up my MSN application on campus, the dean helped me make up my mind when she treated me as a student not a professional nurse. U of P may not be for everyone, I encourage adults to be accountable for pursuing quality of education, just remember that oftentimes (even in today's public schools), self-educators and independent learners can gain experience and knowledge within a deficient system. Good luck to everyone in your search for your education. One piece of advice, written and formalized complaints and concerns with multiple CCs seem to get the best results. (after months of complaining from various nurses regarding our BSN pharmacology instructor with no results, one email with a cc to head legislators and the state superintendent brought immediate results). Just an idea. This really works well for state funded schools.

I recently graduated from the MSN (nursing) program and have been extremely pleased. There were many times I was discouraged, angry, and "whiney". However, compared to my BSN program from a local State University (also partially long-distance), the "Ivory Tower" syndrome of my nursing instructors was not evident. In my BSN program I had only two instructors, I believed knew more than the class of returning registered nurses, and did not have a superior "Ivory Tower" attitude. In this nursing program I have been impressed that I only had two instructors that were esconced in Nursing Education "Ivory Tower" and treated professional nurses as subordinates. Most nurses believe that a very main problem among nurses is a pervasive feeling that higher level educated nurses are aiming nursing in a wrong direction. Nursing needs to be more focused on business and economics. Theories of nursing will not matter if there is no longer "nursing". U of P instructors were not offended by nurses already practicing independently or believe in entreprenuerism. Believe me, the state college never encouraged this idealism. I paid for every single class with my own money and also was able to take up to 6 months off due to illness and work. Classes were difficult and many times the 5 days was unrealistic with work schedules, but I never had one instructor in four years who wasn't approachable by phone and accomodating. Afterall, these instructors were also working nurses. In fact, I was always amazed at how timely and thorough their online responses were. I agree about group participation. It was my least favorite. However, because of group participation, I did learn to work online with personal professional projects with nurses all over the world. I would not be able to do that without gaining online group skills from class expectations. I have done just about every form on education that is available during my life and I thrive on programs that direct and guide. I suppose I was never looking for a traditional instructor and adult learning was what I put into it. If I had a project that I wanted to pursue in my professional environment I had no problems being granted and assisted with deviating from standard curriculum if the objectives were met. I found this an encouragement for self-instruction, which is what online campuses are all about. I believe that I was and am still, accountable for achieving quality education and learning. I can only speak of the nursing master's program and found it not perfect, but above workable. In fact, many times, instructors and classamates were my biggest supporters of my personal professional efforts. One note about the counselors, I went through a few of those, as well. What I found interesting was that they got ahold of me to inform me of the changes and also seemed to pick up easily where the previous one left off. With my complaints or concerns I was given timely and personal involvement by these counselors. In fact, many times they helped me file grievances that were handled professionally and to my satisfaction. For those of you unhappy with the University of Phoenix, I can relate to your frustration, I had a very bad experience with the university for my bachelors. I had a choice. In fact, the very day I was picking up my MSN application on campus, the dean helped me make up my mind when she treated me as a student not a professional nurse. U of P may not be for everyone, I encourage adults to be accountable for pursuing quality of education, just remember that oftentimes (even in today's public schools), self-educators and independent learners can gain experience and knowledge within a deficient system. Good luck to everyone in your search for your education. One piece of advice, written and formalized complaints and concerns with multiple CCs seem to get the best results. (after months of complaining from various nurses regarding our BSN pharmacology instructor with no results, one email with a cc to head legislators and the state superintendent brought immediate results). Just an idea. This really works well for state funded schools.

I recently graduated from the MSN (nursing) program and have been extremely pleased. There were many times I was discouraged, angry, and "whiney". However, compared to my BSN program from a local State University (also partially long-distance), the "Ivory Tower" syndrome of my nursing instructors was not evident. In my BSN program I had only two instructors, I believed knew more than the class of returning registered nurses, and did not have a superior "Ivory Tower" attitude. In this nursing program I have been impressed that I only had two instructors that were esconced in Nursing Education "Ivory Tower" and treated professional nurses as subordinates. Most nurses believe that a very main problem among nurses is a pervasive feeling that higher level educated nurses are aiming nursing in a wrong direction. Nursing needs to be more focused on business and economics. Theories of nursing will not matter if there is no longer "nursing". U of P instructors were not offended by nurses already practicing independently or believe in entreprenuerism. Believe me, the state college never encouraged this idealism. I paid for every single class with my own money and also was able to take up to 6 months off due to illness and work. Classes were difficult and many times the 5 days was unrealistic with work schedules, but I never had one instructor in four years who wasn't approachable by phone and accomodating. Afterall, these instructors were also working nurses. In fact, I was always amazed at how timely and thorough their online responses were. I agree about group participation. It was my least favorite. However, because of group participation, I did learn to work online with personal professional projects with nurses all over the world. I would not be able to do that without gaining online group skills from class expectations. I have done just about every form on education that is available during my life and I thrive on programs that direct and guide. I suppose I was never looking for a traditional instructor and adult learning was what I put into it. If I had a project that I wanted to pursue in my professional environment I had no problems being granted and assisted with deviating from standard curriculum if the objectives were met. I found this an encouragement for self-instruction, which is what online campuses are all about. I believe that I was and am still, accountable for achieving quality education and learning. I can only speak of the nursing master's program and found it not perfect, but above workable. In fact, many times, instructors and classamates were my biggest supporters of my personal professional efforts. One note about the counselors, I went through a few of those, as well. What I found interesting was that they got ahold of me to inform me of the changes and also seemed to pick up easily where the previous one left off. With my complaints or concerns I was given timely and personal involvement by these counselors. In fact, many times they helped me file grievances that were handled professionally and to my satisfaction. For those of you unhappy with the University of Phoenix, I can relate to your frustration, I had a very bad experience with the university for my bachelors. I had a choice. In fact, the very day I was picking up my MSN application on campus, the dean helped me make up my mind when she treated me as a student not a professional nurse. U of P may not be for everyone, I encourage adults to be accountable for pursuing quality of education, just remember that oftentimes (even in today's public schools), self-educators and independent learners can gain experience and knowledge within a deficient system. Good luck to everyone in your search for your education. One piece of advice, written and formalized complaints and concerns with multiple CCs seem to get the best results. (after months of complaining from various nurses regarding our BSN pharmacology instructor with no results, one email with a cc to head legislators and the state superintendent brought immediate results). Just an idea. This really works well for state funded schools.

I understand everyone's concerns. I have been a student at UOP for almost a year now. However, I must be lucky in my program, MAED, because I've had some excellent instructors. They have always responded to my questions, and have been active in the group discussions. I've had some issues with teammates slacking. However, I had the same experience in the traditional University setting. You will always run into slackers in college. I'm working on a master's degree and I would have thought those type of people would have been weeded out in undergraduates studies. I am working on getting my certificate in Special Education, and after talking to Missouri and Illinois board of education I found that they have worked with UOP quite a lot in the past. They seemed to think they had an excellent program. I am not discounting everyone's concerns. I'm just stating that some people have a positive experience. I don't know what those of you are studying that are having a negative experience, but perhaps that has something to do with it. The Master of Art's in Education department seems so be on track. I will say that I had an excellent entry counselor and academic counselor, but my financial aid counselor was inept and I ended up fixing some issues on my own. Nevertheless, as an adult I take responsibility for my education and don't place it in other's hands. I wish you all the best of luck and hope you complete your goals in a better suited learning environment.

Here's the type of school your dealing with here, all they care about are profits $$$ they don't care a wit as to if you actually are getting a real education or not! ______________________________________ U. of Phoenix fined for using pressure sales September 15, 2004 The nation's largest for-profit university has been fined $9.8 million by federal regulators who concluded it was so focused on boosting enrollment that it pressured recruiters to accept unqualified students. The fine against the University of Phoenix, which opened classrooms in Indianapolis this year, was the largest ever imposed by the Department of Education. The federal investigators' 45-page report detailed several examples of compensation and sales practices that the government said were illegal or unethical, according to Tuesday's editions of The Arizona Republic, which obtained the report. The Department of Education oversees federal financial aid programs and has strict rules against paying recruiters based on the number of students they enroll. It found the school evaluated recruiters and set salary incentives for them based on how many students they signed up and then tried to hide those practices from the government. Enrollment counselors interviewed by regulators told of a glassed-in isolation room where underperformers were put on display to work the phones under intense management supervision, according to the report. The fine is the latest in a string of troubles besetting for-profit educators this year. In February, federal agents raided the Carmel, Ind., headquarters of ITT Educational and 10 of its campuses. The company now faces a probe by the Department of Justice for possible falsification of student grades and attendance, enrollment and post-graduate placement data. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the California attorney general also are investigating. Rene Champagne, ITT Educational's chief executive officer, said Tuesday at an investment conference in New York that the company continues to cooperate with the Department of Justice investigation. Similar allegations have put Career Education Corp. under investigation by the Department of Justice and the SEC. In June, the Department of Education cited a school operated by Corinthian Colleges Inc. for violating student loan application rules. Government investigations are particularly threatening to for-profit educators because they receive 60 percent to 70 percent of their tuition revenue from government financial aid. The Apollo Group, the publicly traded parent company of the University of Phoenix, had announced last week that it agreed to pay $9.8 million to settle a year-old inquiry by the Department of Education. It did not admit any wrongdoing. Todd Nelson, Apollo Group chairman and chief executive officer, called the regulators' criticism of the university's recruiting practices "very, very unfair" and inaccurate. "That's not how we do it," he said. The University of Phoenix offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, focusing on business and management, for working professionals. It has 151 campuses in 30 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, according to its Web site. As of May, it had 213,000 students, including nearly 110,000 attending its online campus, the site said.

I have been attending UOP for 2 years now. When I first enrolled as an online student, I was told that I would receive my degree in 2 1/2 years. Come to find out later that it is actually 4 years. My online financial advisor would let me know ahead of time what I would owe out of pocket. Few weeks later, she would call me and tell me that I actually owe more than what she told me. I was sick of it!! Due to the rising cost in tuition, I decided to transfer to campus. After transfering from online to ground campus, my financial advisor had me fill out all the FAFSA documents and Apollo documents. After my first ground class, I was receiving bills from UOP's corporate office in Phoenix. I informed my financial advisor about the bill and her response was, "Don't worry about, just disregard it." Every month since then I have been receiving bills from UOP. I would check my payments/receipts section of my student website, come to find out, none of my bills were being paid from my financial aid! I called my financial advisor several times addressing my concerns in regard to my bills not being paid. She assured me every time that everything was fine and that my financial aid hasn't kicked in yet. A couple days ago, I logged on to my student web to see when my next class is. My entire schedule was gone! I notified my academic advisor and he was able to restore my schedule. After speaking with him, my financial advisor called me telling me that the University sent my account to collections and that I need to pay a large sum of money in order to reinstate my account to campus level. I was livid!! I told her that I won't be paying for anything and that UOP will take care of the payments, since this whole issue was caused by a re-coding error and poor administration practices within UOP. I informed her and her boss that UOP is going to be accountable for their actions and will take care of my account immediately. I informed them that if it is not done, then I will turn them over to the State of Colorado Attorney Generals Office Department of Education. After reading these responses, knowing that the situations are very similar to mine, I am going to forward my complaints to the Attorney Generals Office first thing tomorrow. I am very interested in pursuing a class action suit! Thanks for reading my complaint and your support.

Where I come from U of P means University of Pennsyvania, a place none of you folks are ever going to see. The U of P that is mentioned here is for people looking for and easy path to a degree, not people looking for an education. In the real world, you will all be exposed. Have fun with your classy new degrees!

I took one class at UOP for the Human Services program 5/20/04 and completed it with 98 out of 100 points. I called my academic councilor to withdrawal and he did not get back to me in a timely manner. So, I had to get a hold of my financial caseworker to get an official withdrawal form. I faxed it back to the financial aid office and I faxed it to my admissions and academic advisors. I also called to confirm they got the form and withdrew me from the school before I was charged for the next class. If you plan on withdrawing do it before any classes starts. I have a co-worker who is doing great at UOP and she loves it. I just did not feel that any employers would hold much respect in a degree from UOP and when I talked to other people about getting a degree from UOP they did not seem to have much respect for the school. In addition, the classes and supplies at UOP are very expensive and the team learning is a whole other subject I disliked. ( I love team learning in ground classes and it works great at my employment, just not in an online class) UOP sent back my student loan ($5500), an refund check UOP issued me ($571.00), and financial aid package ($750.00) all back to the intuitions that issued them (mind you they already have applied the amounts to my account and sent me statements showing a credit). About a week after receiving the check for $571.00 a financial aid advisor called to tell me (at my employment for a county office) that I needed to send refund check back and I owed them $1142 and $571.00= $1713.00 in full or three equal payments. The payment break down that was offered to me: one in this week for 1/3, one in two weeks for1/3 and the last 1/3 four weeks after the second payment or they send it to collections and collections would not take payments according to her. It was a shock when my records on my UOP account page still showed everything was paid. But anyway all the funds were sent back. I have paid this account in full before it made it to collections. I was accepted into a California State University for my Bachelors of Social Work so I have started this program and going great. The only good thing about any of this is I have my whole student loan for my CSU BSW Program. I still believe whole heartily that UOP needs to have a lawsuit started against their practices. I felt very deceived and mislead by all the advisors I encountered and trust me I asked questions the whole way. I also think an investigation by 60 min or 48 hours would be very interesting to watch on TV for others and myself to see what others people encounter.

I took one class at UOP for the Human Services program 5/20/04 and completed it with 98 out of 100 points. I called my academic councilor to withdrawal and he did not get back to me in a timely manner. So, I had to get a hold of my financial caseworker to get an official withdrawal form. I faxed it back to the financial aid office and I faxed it to my admissions and academic advisors. I also called to confirm they got the form and withdrew me from the school before I was charged for the next class. If you plan on withdrawing do it before any classes starts. I have a co-worker who is doing great at UOP and she loves it. I just did not feel that any employers would hold much respect in a degree from UOP and when I talked to other people about getting a degree from UOP they did not seem to have much respect for the school. In addition, the classes and supplies at UOP are very expensive and the team learning is a whole other subject I disliked. ( I love team learning in ground classes and it works great at my employment, just not in an online class) UOP sent back my student loan ($5500), an refund check UOP issued me ($571.00), and financial aid package ($750.00) all back to the intuitions that issued them (mind you they already have applied the amounts to my account and sent me statements showing a credit). About a week after receiving the check for $571.00 a financial aid advisor called to tell me (at my employment for a county office) that I needed to send refund check back and I owed them $1142 and $571.00= $1713.00 in full or three equal payments. The payment break down that was offered to me: one in this week for 1/3, one in two weeks for1/3 and the last 1/3 four weeks after the second payment or they send it to collections and collections would not take payments according to her. It was a shock when my records on my UOP account page still showed everything was paid. But anyway all the funds were sent back. I have paid this account in full before it made it to collections. I was accepted into a California State University for my Bachelors of Social Work so I have started this program and going great. The only good thing about any of this is I have my whole student loan for my CSU BSW Program. I still believe whole heartily that UOP needs to have a lawsuit started against their practices. I felt very deceived and mislead by all the advisors I encountered and trust me I asked questions the whole way. I also think an investigation by 60 min or 48 hours would be very interesting to watch on TV for others and myself to see what others people encounter.

I took one class at UOP for the Human Services program 5/20/04 and completed it with 98 out of 100 points. I called my academic councilor to withdrawal and he did not get back to me in a timely manner. So, I had to get a hold of my financial caseworker to get an official withdrawal form. I faxed it back to the financial aid office and I faxed it to my admissions and academic advisors. I also called to confirm they got the form and withdrew me from the school before I was charged for the next class. If you plan on withdrawing do it before any classes starts. I have a co-worker who is doing great at UOP and she loves it. I just did not feel that any employers would hold much respect in a degree from UOP and when I talked to other people about getting a degree from UOP they did not seem to have much respect for the school. In addition, the classes and supplies at UOP are very expensive and the team learning is a whole other subject I disliked. ( I love team learning in ground classes and it works great at my employment, just not in an online class) UOP sent back my student loan ($5500), an refund check UOP issued me ($571.00), and financial aid package ($750.00) all back to the intuitions that issued them (mind you they already have applied the amounts to my account and sent me statements showing a credit). About a week after receiving the check for $571.00 a financial aid advisor called to tell me (at my employment for a county office) that I needed to send refund check back and I owed them $1142 and $571.00= $1713.00 in full or three equal payments. The payment break down that was offered to me: one in this week for 1/3, one in two weeks for1/3 and the last 1/3 four weeks after the second payment or they send it to collections and collections would not take payments according to her. It was a shock when my records on my UOP account page still showed everything was paid. But anyway all the funds were sent back. I have paid this account in full before it made it to collections. I was accepted into a California State University for my Bachelors of Social Work so I have started this program and going great. The only good thing about any of this is I have my whole student loan for my CSU BSW Program. I still believe whole heartily that UOP needs to have a lawsuit started against their practices. I felt very deceived and mislead by all the advisors I encountered and trust me I asked questions the whole way. I also think an investigation by 60 min or 48 hours would be very interesting to watch on TV for others and myself to see what others people encounter.

I took one class at UOP for the Human Services program 5/20/04 and completed it with 98 out of 100 points. I called my academic councilor to withdrawal and he did not get back to me in a timely manner. So, I had to get a hold of my financial caseworker to get an official withdrawal form. I faxed it back to the financial aid office and I faxed it to my admissions and academic advisors. I also called to confirm they got the form and withdrew me from the school before I was charged for the next class. If you plan on withdrawing do it before any classes starts. I have a co-worker who is doing great at UOP and she loves it. I just did not feel that any employers would hold much respect in a degree from UOP and when I talked to other people about getting a degree from UOP they did not seem to have much respect for the school. In addition, the classes and supplies at UOP are very expensive and the team learning is a whole other subject I disliked. ( I love team learning in ground classes and it works great at my employment, just not in an online class) UOP sent back my student loan ($5500), an refund check UOP issued me ($571.00), and financial aid package ($750.00) all back to the intuitions that issued them (mind you they already have applied the amounts to my account and sent me statements showing a credit). About a week after receiving the check for $571.00 a financial aid advisor called to tell me (at my employment for a county office) that I needed to send refund check back and I owed them $1142 and $571.00= $1713.00 in full or three equal payments. The payment break down that was offered to me: one in this week for 1/3, one in two weeks for1/3 and the last 1/3 four weeks after the second payment or they send it to collections and collections would not take payments according to her. It was a shock when my records on my UOP account page still showed everything was paid. But anyway all the funds were sent back. I have paid this account in full before it made it to collections. I was accepted into a California State University for my Bachelors of Social Work so I have started this program and going great. The only good thing about any of this is I have my whole student loan for my CSU BSW Program. I still believe whole heartily that UOP needs to have a lawsuit started against their practices. I felt very deceived and mislead by all the advisors I encountered and trust me I asked questions the whole way. I also think an investigation by 60 min or 48 hours would be very interesting to watch on TV for others and myself to see what others people encounter.

Daniel What you need to do is contact the advisor if she/he does not provide you with the withdrawal form then contact the person who signed you up with U of P. Since you need a email address to be part of their program then advise them to email you the withdrawal form. If this does not work then call the campus direct and advise them that your advisor will not provide you with the form and ask if there is a supervisor that you can contact to get this done. Any more questions please let me know. They cannot refuse to let you withdrawal and there is a set time that you can without incurring any cost for the class. Good luck. Are you planning on looking into other online programs? If you are make sure before you sign up that you completely check them out and how their programs work.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort UoP is a wonderful program. I started getting my Bachelors in Marketing in 1999. I did take several 29 day breaks in there so I was a little slower than normal to get my degree but I did get it. Within 6 months of finishing I got a huge promotion at work into the Marketing Department. Who ever thinks UoP isn't going to be a lot of work because it is an online or weekend school has not done their homework on the school. With the online section you have to contribute 4 to 5 days, this is on top of your homework. You have discussion questions, papers, simulations, and group work, which is usually another paper and possibly a Power Point presentation due every week. The benefit is, you fit it in when you can. I have done work on my lunch hours, after the kids have gone to bed, right after dinner, first thing when I get up in the mornings...it depends on when is the best time for you. I went to a "ground" school for 2 years, I have learned more through UoP than I ever did there. I have had more interactions with the people teaching the class at UoP than I did with a class instructor who didn't even know my name. Look at the requirements to be an instructor at UoP. They have to have several years of industry experience and have had their Masters for 2 years before they will even be considered. The local colleges around here will consider you as long as you have your Masters, nothing else needed. I have gone back to UoP to get my Masters, I have been told by my boss that once I complete it I am in line for another promotion. UoP works, you just have to be willing to put the work into it. Just another comment to those who say UoP is a degree mill, companies will not pay tuition reimbursement for degree mills. The company I work for is the world's largest in its field and they pay happily for me to finish my degree.

I was a student of the UOP. I admit that I had some difficulty with the class structure and the concept with the team format. This in my opinion was due to the fact that I had last attended school in 1983. Quite a long span of time and my how things have changed. My problem with the school was like most of the others here as well. I first contacted the college in Oct. of 03. When I told the counsler of my lack of computer and the decision I made to wait to enrole only after I had purchased the computer, she was friendly and encouraging, but annoyingly persistant. From Oct untill I enrolled in Feb. I was contacted by her in e-mail, snail mail and by phone at least three times per week. I am a single mom of two small children and I work full time so the option of getting my education in the evening or weekends without having to find a sitter was the most attractive part. I recieved a Pell grant and a Stafford loan. I was thrilled. I can NOT afford to pay for these classes on my own so the grant and loan were a huge help. The classes got progressively harder. No complaint, mind you, an observation. I also had the problem of non-participation with team members and the frustration that goes with doing their work for them. No change from the real world. The problem started when I was reviewing the first year class scedule and the timing of the loan disbursements. The two didn't mesh. I had classes through the year 2005. But the loan amount for August disbursement was over 2500 dollars short of the cost to complete a year of the school. I called the financial advisor and was assured that I will have enough aid to cover all but $250.00 of the tuition. It was not adding up. I called the Federal Student Loan place and told them my concerns. They agreed that there was not going to be enough to cover tuition. I e-mailed the financial aid rep at UOP and demanded a detailed list of exactly when and how much the aid covered the class tuition. Lo and behold there was a discrepancy, $2300.00 that I would have had to pay ..before I could continue with my education. My saving grace? I had caught this BEFORE I had used up all my financial aid. I finished the classes that were covered, 60% that is required to have no repayment to the UOP. I could not afford to pay the $2300.00 to finish the year so I withdrew. I filed my withdrawl early and have kept all documents in relation to this mess. As yet the only money I owe will be to the student loan. A burden I accept as part of my education. My advice, be smart, read the contract, read the policies for students and financial aid. When you don't get the answer you need, find someone who will give you one that will satisfy you. Withdraw BEFORE you start classes. The UOP will return money to the lender or grantor if you withdraw prior to attending classes. File the withdrawl form NOW. FedEx or certified mail or fax it. If class starts and you haven't withdrawn, you WILL owe the UOP some money if you wait. I had some classmates that were thrilled to be going to UOP. It may not be for everyone. Be an educated consumer. This is your money, use it wisely.

After reading these reports and others on the internet about University of Phoenix Online (Consumer Reports), I am concerned. I do not think I will get enough financial aid to pay for the courses and I can not afford to pay for them out of pocket. I know I might get a Stafford loan, like my advisor told me but I have read that the maximums $2625 subsidized or $4000 unsubsidized for the freshman year will not be enough to pay for the first year ($11,000). I have already paid the $110 registration fee which I understand is not refundable, but I want to know how to avoid incurring any other obligations. I have not started any classes as of yet but was scheduled to start next week (I asked my advisor to cancel this but he did not confirm that he did). I never received an award letter or any financial counseling. How do I cancel? There is an official cancellation form but it seems to be only for those that have already attended classes. Do I need to do a withdrawal form? If so, where can I get one? There is no link for this on the UOPO webiste. IF anyone can help me with advice, I would appreciate it. -Concerned and wanting to cancel before I owe thousands I can not afford to pay back!

Scott you state that the U of P is improving. Well I am happy to hear that but they are really behind the times. I went there for over a year and left to go to Ellis College and have found a much better learning enviorment. Lets see where to start, I guess it would be with the instructors. My insturctors have a seprate location to post questions and receive answers. They respond within less than 24 hrs. U of P does not or rather did not have that in place when I went. The learning team enviroment encouges each member to post their response or assignment individually. If there is no posting by a team member that person will receive an incomplete. So there is no riding on other team members coat tails, so to speak. From the very first day that I contacted Ellis college I have never had to leave a message for anyone to call back. There is always someone available to answer any question a student may have wheather it be finacial aid or course material. The learning enviroment also provides video lectures and tips about where to go to research for more information if a student wants. So Scott maybe you should check out some other online programs and see if there is a college that can better meet your expectations. I know I did and now I am only six classes from finishing by degree. So for all of you that have experienced the U of P learning I say there are better online programs and you do not have to put up with unsatisfactory instructors, advisors, and learning enviroment.

Well I have no sympathy at all to the people that have signed up to do any of the UoP courses. You complain about Admissions Advisors that dont know anything. You complain about tutors that cant help, you complain about supposed support that is not there when you need it. I have no sympathy because you have signed up to an 'online university' aka papermill aka business out to make money. You have not been spoken to by admissions advisors, but sales people. Sales people that have enrolment targets and work on a commission basis unlike a traditional university admissions advisor. Sales people that will only deal with you for 3days and if you dont enrol within that time, then they strike you off their contact list looking for the next sucker to enrol so that they can get a commission. These sales people are on about $50000 a year plus commission, they are the best in the business. Which is why the UoP has over 500,000 students. Picture the amount of commission being made!! I have no sympathy for you people because it was far easier to go to UoP who accept anybody onto their course and now you want to complain about other students who dont know anything, or tutors that wont help out, people you cant get in contact with for support. Next time you will think a little more closely and decide not to go to a papermill.

I've been a UOP student since 2002 and have been a UOP online student since 2003 in their BSIT degree program. Most of the instructors have been more than adequate. I am, however, pursuing a degree in the field in which I have worked for over 10 years. Often, I feel that the material is covered too tersely for neophyte students. Many students new to the subject matter have also expressed this, and when I have time, I help these students out, to the best of my abilities and time. However, one of the major problems with UOP classes is students who try to ride of the coat tails of their learning teammates or classmates. I decided to directly confront a student this past weekend regarding this. He has consistently underperformed, failed to contribute anything meaningful to his learning team, and seems to possess a fifth grade understanding of grammar and study skills. This past weekend he answered a discussion question very articulately and verbosely. (Unfortunately, the answer he provided did not match the question asked.) After performing a little research (Google) I found that he had plagiarized his entire answer from a website. I called him on this and he complained loudly and publicly that I was jeopardizing his degree. (This student is only a handful of classes away from completion.) I was also chastised by the instructor, not to make such comments in the public newsgroup. I have seen a dozen or so students who exhibit this behavior at UOP. Nearly a year ago I had been evacuated during one of California's wildfires and called UOP to get a leave-of-absence. Because of the length of the absence, my loan funds were sent back. It took UOP several months to rectify the situation, and I had to pay a few classes out-of-pocket. It was very, very difficult to get in touch with my financial advisor. I sent emails. I faxed letters. I left voicemail messages. Not too long after my struggles, that advisor was "no longer employed" by UOP and I've had very responsive service. In fact, most issues are now resolved in a single phone call. With all of its problems -- chiefly, underachieving students and poor internal communications -- UOP is improving. I have had no problems with advisors in the past 8 months, and I've decided to start policing the classes for students who might jeopardize the value and integrity of the degree I'm pursuing.

I've been a UOP student since 2002 and have been a UOP online student since 2003 in their BSIT degree program. Most of the instructors have been more than adequate. I am, however, pursuing a degree in the field in which I have worked for over 10 years. Often, I feel that the material is covered too tersely for neophyte students. Many students new to the subject matter have also expressed this, and when I have time, I help these students out, to the best of my abilities and time. However, one of the major problems with UOP classes is students who try to ride of the coat tails of their learning teammates or classmates. I decided to directly confront a student this past weekend regarding this. He has consistently underperformed, failed to contribute anything meaningful to his learning team, and seems to possess a fifth grade understanding of grammar and study skills. This past weekend he answered a discussion question very articulately and verbosely. (Unfortunately, the answer he provided did not match the question asked.) After performing a little research (Google) I found that he had plagiarized his entire answer from a website. I called him on this and he complained loudly and publicly that I was jeopardizing his degree. (This student is only a handful of classes away from completion.) I was also chastised by the instructor, not to make such comments in the public newsgroup. I have seen a dozen or so students who exhibit this behavior at UOP. Nearly a year ago I had been evacuated during one of California's wildfires and called UOP to get a leave-of-absence. Because of the length of the absence, my loan funds were sent back. It took UOP several months to rectify the situation, and I had to pay a few classes out-of-pocket. It was very, very difficult to get in touch with my financial advisor. I sent emails. I faxed letters. I left voicemail messages. Not too long after my struggles, that advisor was "no longer employed" by UOP and I've had very responsive service. In fact, most issues are now resolved in a single phone call. With all of its problems -- chiefly, underachieving students and poor internal communications -- UOP is improving. I have had no problems with advisors in the past 8 months, and I've decided to start policing the classes for students who might jeopardize the value and integrity of the degree I'm pursuing.

I was under the impression that you did not entertain nonsense rebuttals of no substance. Responses like this one from Bill take away from the credibility of your site as anything more than a forum for people to vent their spleen. I feel that I, and many others in my situation, have a very legitimate gripe against an institution that is ripping people off in more ways than one. This "rebuttal" was immature, and lacked anything resembling integrity and true substance, not to mention literacy. Just curious as to how this one slipped by the editors.

FYI: Just so there is no misrepresentation of the facts, the old woman WAS awarded 2 million in the "MickeyDzz" coffee in the lap case BUT she (boo h*o) never recovered any money!! ANSWER: The case was lost in appeal. LOL, Know your facts before ATTEMPTING to state the obvious. Funny, this kind of takes us back to having to be responsible for OUR OWN ACTIONS, HUMM? Thank you for helping the few intelligent people here prove that very point. For the Class Action Suit wannabes. Do yourself a favor and read the contracts, just make pretend your an adult, you know all grown up? Have a nice day, you'll get my bill in the mail, which you probably can't afford anyway.

It's been interesting to note that the responses here that are "pro" UOP, and chiding those who would like to be involved in a Class action suit had nothing to say about my previous post here. Because I would never complain about the hard work it takes to earn a degree. I would never whine about a lousy professor, or expect that an inferior instructor is reason for litigation. What I am suggesting, as well as a myriad of others, is that UOP is making big promises that they aren't keeping. In my case it was allowing me into the classes, assuring me that my financial aid was in order, and then surprising me with the bill, and subsequently ruining my credit. It's about student rights that are non-existent - because the chain of command there is broken beyond belief, and greivances are "lost" or "invalid" without an appeal. Here's a challenge for ANYONE: Go to the UOP student site and find the greivance and appeals process. Hope you haver LOTS of time. Once you find it - great! Now find out WHO - (as in human being -person in charge - VIP) - will be entertaining your greivance. Find out WHO is at the head of any given department. Ask for a supervisor - and then ask for ANOTHER on on top of that. You will find that at one point, no one can tell you just who is in charge, or where someone who might know can be found. It is, indeed, like trying to find the Great and Powerful Oz...and trust me, when you find him, you will only be told that you lack the witches broomstick, so you're out of luck. This is America, and this school can charge whatever suits them to keep ther invisible elite in golf outings and yachts forever, however I don't believe it's their "free will" to make promises - and not take responsibility for the staff that does - and not only NOT keep them, but break them to the severe financial hurt of those who trusted them. I read my find print, I acknowleged that I was the one getting the education, and would therefore bear the financial responsibility. A BIG part of that responsiblity was to apply for financial aid. After that, it is the SCHOOLS RESPONSIBILITY to acquire the dispersements. Wouldn't we all love to say, "Hey, Uncle Sam, just cut me that check and I"ll make sure the good ol UOP gets it, eh?" I wish. No - we trust the financial aid department to procure the funds that we applied for and were approved for. When they FAIL to request or access the funds due to incomptent financial aid "advisors" or staff, where does the now strapped student go to appeal????????? As I found out, it's just a fast trip to the poor house, with nothing to show for it, and a school that couldn't possibly care less about what they have just done to your entire life. In a nation full of lawyers willing to take on McDonalds for serving hot coffee hot, and contributing to obesity because they have the nerve to Supersize our fries upon request, surely there is someone who is willing to take on THIS cash cow.

It's been interesting to note that the responses here that are "pro" UOP, and chiding those who would like to be involved in a Class action suit had nothing to say about my previous post here. Because I would never complain about the hard work it takes to earn a degree. I would never whine about a lousy professor, or expect that an inferior instructor is reason for litigation. What I am suggesting, as well as a myriad of others, is that UOP is making big promises that they aren't keeping. In my case it was allowing me into the classes, assuring me that my financial aid was in order, and then surprising me with the bill, and subsequently ruining my credit. It's about student rights that are non-existent - because the chain of command there is broken beyond belief, and greivances are "lost" or "invalid" without an appeal. Here's a challenge for ANYONE: Go to the UOP student site and find the greivance and appeals process. Hope you haver LOTS of time. Once you find it - great! Now find out WHO - (as in human being -person in charge - VIP) - will be entertaining your greivance. Find out WHO is at the head of any given department. Ask for a supervisor - and then ask for ANOTHER on on top of that. You will find that at one point, no one can tell you just who is in charge, or where someone who might know can be found. It is, indeed, like trying to find the Great and Powerful Oz...and trust me, when you find him, you will only be told that you lack the witches broomstick, so you're out of luck. This is America, and this school can charge whatever suits them to keep ther invisible elite in golf outings and yachts forever, however I don't believe it's their "free will" to make promises - and not take responsibility for the staff that does - and not only NOT keep them, but break them to the severe financial hurt of those who trusted them. I read my find print, I acknowleged that I was the one getting the education, and would therefore bear the financial responsibility. A BIG part of that responsiblity was to apply for financial aid. After that, it is the SCHOOLS RESPONSIBILITY to acquire the dispersements. Wouldn't we all love to say, "Hey, Uncle Sam, just cut me that check and I"ll make sure the good ol UOP gets it, eh?" I wish. No - we trust the financial aid department to procure the funds that we applied for and were approved for. When they FAIL to request or access the funds due to incomptent financial aid "advisors" or staff, where does the now strapped student go to appeal????????? As I found out, it's just a fast trip to the poor house, with nothing to show for it, and a school that couldn't possibly care less about what they have just done to your entire life. In a nation full of lawyers willing to take on McDonalds for serving hot coffee hot, and contributing to obesity because they have the nerve to Supersize our fries upon request, surely there is someone who is willing to take on THIS cash cow.

It's been interesting to note that the responses here that are "pro" UOP, and chiding those who would like to be involved in a Class action suit had nothing to say about my previous post here. Because I would never complain about the hard work it takes to earn a degree. I would never whine about a lousy professor, or expect that an inferior instructor is reason for litigation. What I am suggesting, as well as a myriad of others, is that UOP is making big promises that they aren't keeping. In my case it was allowing me into the classes, assuring me that my financial aid was in order, and then surprising me with the bill, and subsequently ruining my credit. It's about student rights that are non-existent - because the chain of command there is broken beyond belief, and greivances are "lost" or "invalid" without an appeal. Here's a challenge for ANYONE: Go to the UOP student site and find the greivance and appeals process. Hope you haver LOTS of time. Once you find it - great! Now find out WHO - (as in human being -person in charge - VIP) - will be entertaining your greivance. Find out WHO is at the head of any given department. Ask for a supervisor - and then ask for ANOTHER on on top of that. You will find that at one point, no one can tell you just who is in charge, or where someone who might know can be found. It is, indeed, like trying to find the Great and Powerful Oz...and trust me, when you find him, you will only be told that you lack the witches broomstick, so you're out of luck. This is America, and this school can charge whatever suits them to keep ther invisible elite in golf outings and yachts forever, however I don't believe it's their "free will" to make promises - and not take responsibility for the staff that does - and not only NOT keep them, but break them to the severe financial hurt of those who trusted them. I read my find print, I acknowleged that I was the one getting the education, and would therefore bear the financial responsibility. A BIG part of that responsiblity was to apply for financial aid. After that, it is the SCHOOLS RESPONSIBILITY to acquire the dispersements. Wouldn't we all love to say, "Hey, Uncle Sam, just cut me that check and I"ll make sure the good ol UOP gets it, eh?" I wish. No - we trust the financial aid department to procure the funds that we applied for and were approved for. When they FAIL to request or access the funds due to incomptent financial aid "advisors" or staff, where does the now strapped student go to appeal????????? As I found out, it's just a fast trip to the poor house, with nothing to show for it, and a school that couldn't possibly care less about what they have just done to your entire life. In a nation full of lawyers willing to take on McDonalds for serving hot coffee hot, and contributing to obesity because they have the nerve to Supersize our fries upon request, surely there is someone who is willing to take on THIS cash cow.

It's been interesting to note that the responses here that are "pro" UOP, and chiding those who would like to be involved in a Class action suit had nothing to say about my previous post here. Because I would never complain about the hard work it takes to earn a degree. I would never whine about a lousy professor, or expect that an inferior instructor is reason for litigation. What I am suggesting, as well as a myriad of others, is that UOP is making big promises that they aren't keeping. In my case it was allowing me into the classes, assuring me that my financial aid was in order, and then surprising me with the bill, and subsequently ruining my credit. It's about student rights that are non-existent - because the chain of command there is broken beyond belief, and greivances are "lost" or "invalid" without an appeal. Here's a challenge for ANYONE: Go to the UOP student site and find the greivance and appeals process. Hope you haver LOTS of time. Once you find it - great! Now find out WHO - (as in human being -person in charge - VIP) - will be entertaining your greivance. Find out WHO is at the head of any given department. Ask for a supervisor - and then ask for ANOTHER on on top of that. You will find that at one point, no one can tell you just who is in charge, or where someone who might know can be found. It is, indeed, like trying to find the Great and Powerful Oz...and trust me, when you find him, you will only be told that you lack the witches broomstick, so you're out of luck. This is America, and this school can charge whatever suits them to keep ther invisible elite in golf outings and yachts forever, however I don't believe it's their "free will" to make promises - and not take responsibility for the staff that does - and not only NOT keep them, but break them to the severe financial hurt of those who trusted them. I read my find print, I acknowleged that I was the one getting the education, and would therefore bear the financial responsibility. A BIG part of that responsiblity was to apply for financial aid. After that, it is the SCHOOLS RESPONSIBILITY to acquire the dispersements. Wouldn't we all love to say, "Hey, Uncle Sam, just cut me that check and I"ll make sure the good ol UOP gets it, eh?" I wish. No - we trust the financial aid department to procure the funds that we applied for and were approved for. When they FAIL to request or access the funds due to incomptent financial aid "advisors" or staff, where does the now strapped student go to appeal????????? As I found out, it's just a fast trip to the poor house, with nothing to show for it, and a school that couldn't possibly care less about what they have just done to your entire life. In a nation full of lawyers willing to take on McDonalds for serving hot coffee hot, and contributing to obesity because they have the nerve to Supersize our fries upon request, surely there is someone who is willing to take on THIS cash cow.

Whilst looking for a good uni to do a MBA,i came across the UoP. I sent off a request for info and about a week later someone called from the UoP. I asked a few simple questions about the course content, accreditation and total costs. The sales person(sometimes called an adviser) from the UoP didn't have a clue about any of these simple questions, instead i was told that i had been accepted to do a MBA after only 5 minutes of conversation from the other side of the world. I realised straight away that any uni that will take MBA students without even asking for proof of previous study or work history, is not a uni that i want to give money to::::::

"I have a Consumer Suggestion or a constructive solution on how to resolve or avoid this Rip-off in the future. Any other nonsense will be ignored? Above is the question asked from posters here.. Ok, here is the suggestion on how to avoid this so called "RIP-OFF, don't go there. Tuition is clearly posted on their website. Is it big money to attend there, for most yes! I would NEVER pay that much to go to UoP, not because it's a bad school but because I can do better in the tuition dept at another RA school. However I do know 2 people that take classes at UoP here in LV, one hates it and the other one hates it too. Why, because of the TEAM learning, and thats it. But want to know something, they will finish, why because school is not a cake walk and these things are expected. ITS SCHOOL! HARD WORK & MONEY IN COLLEGE=DEGREE The sitaution with YOUR professor(s) are a QC issue and nothing more. Can UoP be held liable for such, maybe but you'll need quite a few complaints, hundreds!!!!Its a big place remember. I had some ROTTEN professors at UMASS, but guess what I got through it, and so will you that is if you stop crying and apply yourself. UoP from what I see has 65000+ students enrolled, thats 13% of the 500,000 students enrolled in US colleges. Thats direct from Business Week, its a financial monster! You want to find a class action suit against UoP, just do a google search, there are none..Go talk to an attorney about your proposed "class action" against UoP they will giggle. For what, high tuition, a few poor professors, annnnnd the problem is??? The key here is these situations are; A) not uncommon at colleges and B) NOT OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. I love free will! If you don't like a school or professor just withdraw and go to another..WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT THAT!!! Its just easier to cry "poor me" on this website, right. Don't take it she says!!, yah don't take it just quit! Which is why your probably here in the first place! There is always Barber College and I do need a trim! Orrrrrrrrr Draw the mouse on the match book? Even better go to SAINT REGIS COLLEGE of LIBERIA!!!! Just buy a FAKE degree there, no stinky professors, no financial Aid Advisors, NO problems! Just pure student joy.... That is what you realllllllllly want, right?

Are you looking for a programme that costs the same as University of Pheonix, but has everything that you wanted on a programme and was not provided. Do you international instructors? Do you want 24/7 academic support? Do you the flexibility to drop we everything with short to no notice?? Scholarships available!! Transfer Credits given!! I am an Admissions Advisor for a prestigious UK instituition that cannot currently be named in case of breach of contract. CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

I would like to try to form a class action lawsuit against University of Phoenix. I would like to compile a list of individuals, contact information, and your stories to submit the information to a class action attorney and see if an attorney would be interested in taking our case. Contact me via ripoffreport [DELETED] [Place your comments below and be sure to include your FULL contact information so Rip-off Report can contact you.]. If anyone else has already started this process please contact me so I can be involved in your efforts.

After reading this "Rip Off Report" all a see is a group of people not willing to take responsibility for THEIR actions. UoP is a for profit school just like 90% of the colleges and universities out there, ever hear of Harvard, Northeastern or Tufts they are all "for profit"? What most perspective DE students fail to see is that Distance Education is just that, independent learning, what it is NOT is easier just more convenient. Basically, if your not a good student, then your not going to be a good DE student. I reiterate, college is not supposed to be easy, I have attended both resident and online schools with my education and neither was a breeze. Yes, UoP has its issues and setbacks just like ALL colleges, so either you deal with it or stay a high school grad and be happy with your life. FYI: UoP is a regionally accredited (University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association (NCA). Your claim that UoP s a Diploma Mill is not only unfounded but unsubstantiated. At least know what your talking about before you speak, that way you don't look like a fool.... As far as the idea that UoP is only an virtual University is also incorrect. In addition to the campuses around the United States, UoP has it's main campus in Phoenix, Arizona; UoP online is a division of the RESIDENT school. The team learning concept UoP uses, in my opinion is not practical for DE (but that's a personal opinion) but many so-called independent learners NEED it. The only advise i can offer for that concept is, that if you have someone on your team not carrying his or her workload contact the instructor it can be rectified. Don't cry about it, DO something about it. Want a reference for ANOTHER good college, Charter Oak State College in CT. The College is accredited by the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and functions under the degree-granting authority of Connecticut 's Board for State Academic Awards. Finally, get a hold of yourself, finish school and take responsibility for your actions. Read your contracts before you sign them, hold institutions accountable for their promises, and do some work!

Tracy, if I am reading you correctly, your theory is "people will rip you off in life and you just need to accept that and move on." Maybe this is a decent mantra when McDonald's overcharges you a little bit, but certainly not when you spend thousands of dollars and countless hours on a venture that turns out to be a huge waste of money and time. The complaints posted here (and may I point out that no other educational institution comes anywhyere near the volume of complaints received for UoP) are precisely why we have a system of institutional (or "enterprise") liability. What will it take for UoP to make themselves into the institution that its students thought they signed on to? The powers-that-be don't appear willing to take the initiative themselves. Maybe several hundred thousand dollars in liability could change their minds. There are a myriad of valid complaints here, and although they would probably never get anywhwere in a courtroom, they are valid nonetheless, and the complainants have every right, legally and morally, to consider legal options. Anybody who feels as though they have been scammed for a large amount of money, no matter how, would be a fool to not at least consider their legal recourses. And let me comment on your closing remark ("if WE CHOOSE NOT TO READ what we put our good ol' John Hancock on something.). As a student of the law I understand how important freedom of contract is to our capitalist economy. An unfortunate affect of this freedom, however, is that some people will craft the most exploitative contracts imaginable. The American legal system protects contracts, and usually that is a good thing, but sometimes it isn't. This may be one of those cases. What you must understand is that "legal" and "ethical" don't always equate. A contract is not "right" in a moral sense just because a court of law considers it legally binding. What is the recourse, then, if someone finds himself bound to a contract that is entirely exploitative,and at the same time entirely legal? Well, several dozen people have found it here. Spread the word so that other people aren't similarly victimized. I applaud those who have come forward with their stories. legal recourse may not beavailable to them, but they can sure as hell spread the word, and many prospective students are thankful that they have. I pray that none of you take Tracy's advice. The UoP education is far more expensive than most brick and mortar institutions, and for better or worse, is worth far less. You SHOULD expect a high level of support from your professors and from the administration. I have spent the past six years of my life in higher education and have never encountered these types of problems at schools that cost far less to attend. If the school isn't delivering, if they aren't giving you an education with a support network worth the cost of attendance, then by all means make yourself heard so that others can have a source of information outside the marketing campaign of this VERY FOR-PROFIT institution. And if you want to threaten, and perhaps organize a class action lawsuit, by all means do so, such is your right. Just a bit of advice: class action means that the judgment is split among several people. Your collection could be very small compared to what you would receive as an individual plaintiff. Best of luck to all of you!

Tracy You ask the question have we learned our lesson. Well believe me I DID!! I hope you read my responses but I doubt that you did. I am not part of the ones who want to sue U Of P but the instructors did treat me very poorly. Yes there are deadlines just like any class that you take either online or in a classroom. For me that is not a problem but when you need help the instructor should be there to help. Also the staff should be there to answer a question that you have about your up coming classes or financial aid. With U of P this is not the case. When you call the staff all you get is voice mail. Then you have to wait till it is convenient for them to call you back. As for the instructors I took 8 classes with U of P and only had 2 that was there to help. One instructor provided her work number and stated that if you had a question to call her, I did and was told that she does not discuss any class work at her work and to call her at home and to also email her the question. I never received any response from her. She was never available. For your information I am working hard to finish my education so that I can move up in the company that I work for. I have moved on to another online college that has professors teaching the classes and when I ask a question I receive a response in less than 24 hours. Yes there are deadlines also but there is more help with understanding the subject matter. So You See it is not just the money or the paperwork that needs to be signed it is the quality of the learning experience as well as having instructors/professors who really want to help a student learn the subject. If you have decided to stay with U of P I only hope that you get the best instruction for your money but if you ever feel you are not check out the other colleges and their formats you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. People that are always available and a classroom format for a better learning experience.

I've read these responses, not only to this "rip off report", but to others concerning UoP, and it seems the same theme in each and every one of the complaints---our country is deteriorated so severely that instead of working hard to get a degree and a dollar, people quit and sue to get money. Yes, I know, it's not all about the money. But honestly, have you seen how many times the words "class action suit" have been used on this complaint alone? Look, people, it's been said before. Life sucks, then you die. Make the best of what you have, and if you're disappointed by a decision that YOU MADE, then learn from it and try your very best not to let it happen again. But, please, God, DO NOT blame it on someone else, no matter what influence they have on you. In the end, you always have a choice. At UoP, you are given a Wednesday deadline to get everything done for the following Thursday class start, correct. And, assuming that, isn't it also right that you have 29 days between classes without the financial aide loans coming due? If you feel like you're moving too fast, or being pressured, just back off a little and take a breath. If you don't like the way you're being treated, get used to it, because I'll tell you something: in Corporate America, you are almost NEVER going to like the way you're treated, and most certainly never going to get a straight answer. So, in summary, it seems I've answered my own question. This country is coming to nothing because of the laws and rights we've given ourselves to sue if we feel that someone looked at us cross eyed (easy, there, people, it was a figure of speech, and don't forget to smile) or if WE CHOOSE NOT TO READ what we put our good ol' John Hancock on something. Has anyone learned a lesson?

I am interested in a class action also.

Thomas, I am not sure when you attended UOP but there is a website that you go on that is called apply web, and from there you can print out your application and agreement that you have with the school. You complete this application with your personal information, so no one should have been able to do this for you. This must be done to get you into class. How on earth can they just put a student in class without any type of paperwork? I do not doubt that you were rushed, but for you to let someone rush you into something you might not have been sure of that is your problem, who else can you blame. As for over $600 per a credit hour that is not true at all. UOP is no more than $440 a credit hour for a BA. There is even discounts for military. And yes UOP does make a profit, but they are a private university and they do have to pay taxes and they do not get state taxes like public schools get. If public schools did not get this funding then all schools would be expensive too. I really did my homework on this school as well as others, and I did not let someone on the other end of the phone rush me into school. As for the four or five people you had to talk to are you sure that was not the team that takes care of all the lose ends? There are different people to do different jobs, so that is the reason you would of talk to so many different people during your enrollment process. Besides the enrollment advisor there is also the finance advisor, academic advisor, and the FIS. These are the people I remember talking to when I was enrolling. As for going into debt that is not happening. Have you done the math? It is so much less than going to a college such as Arizona State University. And the convenience is worth so much more.

There are tens of thousands of people who want to obtain degrees and NOT do any work. They are just after a piece of paper to hang on the wall. They have no interest in being any SMARTER they just want a degree and are willing to pay for it. Here in Ga. recently about 11 teachers are being fired for having degrees from phoney colleges. They should be fired. They are scammers who claim advanced degrees to get more pay. I have absolutely NO SYMPATHY for people who pay for these degrees, they are dishonest and the firms they deal with are dishonest. As far as I can see they all deserve each other. Anytime I hear about some college or university where you can get a degree by mail I JUST ASSUME IT IS A PHONEY OPERATION! Ok, maybe one time in 100 I am wrong but almost always these mail order degrees places are simply DIPLOMA MILLS! If I found out that someone who worked for me had a degree from some mail order diploma mill I would fire them immediately as they are dishonest from the start and if they claim a phoney degree then they also are probably stealing from me. Go whine somewhere else about this diploma mills they are scammers and those who obtain degrees from them are also scammers.

Dear Trina, Thank you for your scathing report on how we are all victims of ourselves. I for one, did NOT receive any paperwork until AFTER I had already begun my first class, as there was a supreme rush on my financial advisor(s), yes I had four in 5 weeks of class. Does this not seem strange to you? Also UOP is not a college, but a private institution for profit, which caters to the educational arena. I was told that classes were $600 plus books not $600+ per hour. I know about the FAFSA and it only makes generalizations on who can qualify for grants, so until you apply, you can't know if you will get any aid, or how much it will be until the school gets the SAR back and the financial aid department says what you qualify for. Everyone qualifies for the Stafford loan program for financial aid. (did you know that the 'instructors' make their salary from the students? on a commission basis). So if you are happy with spending all those thousands (and be in debt for years to come) all I can say is go for it, and don't make generalizations on what you did not experience.

Trina, Just to let you know my reason for leaving had nothing to do with the financial aid or the cost of the class. I am happy for you if you are getting what you think is the best education. I left because of the way that the advisors handle things. For your information I was told that I would not have any out of pocket expense. Then when I found out that there would be some was told that I would be notified in a timely manner so that I could make payment arragements. But that is not what happened. Just so that you understand, I was sent a letter informing me that I had to pay for a class postmarked two days after the deadline and three days before the class was to start. I was told at that time that I did not contact the school before the deadline so no payment arrangements could be put in place. That I had to pay the full amount or would not be able to take the class. My point is do not assume that everyone is complain1ng about the cost just about how they handle the situations.

Trina, Just to let you know my reason for leaving had nothing to do with the financial aid or the cost of the class. I am happy for you if you are getting what you think is the best education. I left because of the way that the advisors handle things. For your information I was told that I would not have any out of pocket expense. Then when I found out that there would be some was told that I would be notified in a timely manner so that I could make payment arragements. But that is not what happened. Just so that you understand, I was sent a letter informing me that I had to pay for a class postmarked two days after the deadline and three days before the class was to start. I was told at that time that I did not contact the school before the deadline so no payment arrangements could be put in place. That I had to pay the full amount or would not be able to take the class. My point is do not assume that everyone is complain1ng about the cost just about how they handle the situations.

I was just wondering if the adult students that have enrolled at UOP Online took the time to read the contracts they signed between the school and for any financial aid that they took out. How on earth do you just listen to someone tell you how you are supposed to pay for and complete your college education. It is not cheap to attend a private university, so why would someone leave this up to just anyone? All of you prior UOP students are complaining because you think you were told the wrong info, but please do not forget that you did sign paperwork some where along your enrollment process and we should all know what the expectations are and what the consequences are if classes are not completed, and there is the FAFSA website that provides more than enough information regarding how financial aid works and who qualifies for what. If really sounds like that all of these students that have dropped out of UOP really wanted everything handed to them. We are all grown up so please take responsibility of your own mistakes that have occurred. UOP was not the problem. To prevent any future "rip-offs" take charge of your decisions.

I am currently going to Ellis College which is a part of NYTI. You can find them online. Hope this helps.

I am currently going to Ellis College which is a part of NYTI. You can find them online. Hope this helps.

I am currently going to Ellis College which is a part of NYTI. You can find them online. Hope this helps.

I am currently going to Ellis College which is a part of NYTI. You can find them online. Hope this helps.

Elizabeth in Rockford, I am in the process of all the enrolling at U of P. Please tell me where you are going now instead of U of P. I dont want to fall in the trap.

Thomas, That is exactly what happened to me with U of P and my credits. I already had an Associates Degree but they did not transfer all of my credits. I checked out several online programs after U of P and the one that worked for me was Ellis College. All of my credits transfered and I started out as a Senior and only needed 30 credits to finish. The advisor was very helpful and did not rush to get me started. Everything was put in place before I started my first class. I even was able to see a demo of how the class format was. This was the best thing that I could have done. With U of P I seemed to feel that I was being rushed not only in class but with my advisors. I did not like the fact that they never answer the phone all you get is voice mail and they only respond with email. There is very little support from the advisor or even some of the instructors. I have to admit that I had one instructor that was great. As for the first class that everyone has to take it does help with understanding how they want the format done but I feel that is a waste of my student loan money. Thomas I hope this helped.

Elizabeth, I was told 2 years and I would be done, since I had nearly 2 years of credits to transfer in. After getting the student loan, (the only aid I qualified for) and being rushed into the first class, which is only for UOP students and not transferable, I looked at my class list and saw nearly 40 classes. That equates to nearly 4 years, and this is WITH transfered credits. My instructor for the class said (when we asked a question) look in you syllabus, or ask another student. There were many little things not in the syllabus, like when posting answers you need a minimum of 50 words for the posting to count, and 3 postings in a day with 5 days required for maximum credit for the class. This is in addition to the outside reading, coordinating with the 'team' to get the project done, and doing your own assignments. I enjoyed the online format, but more instructor guidance and involvemnet is what we PAY for. Anyway, this is long enough....PS what online are you taking?? I would like 3 week breaks, and 6 week classes.

I am glad that you are finding the learning great. How many classes have you taken with U of P? What type of degree are you going for? I ask these questions because it is obvious you are fairly new to their program. I too at one time thought this was a good program. I signed up for the classes just like most people that want to finish their education but do not have the time to sit in a classroom. I do not mind doing the work and the research but what I found is that I was spending all of my extra time just trying to finish an individual assignment. I had to be online five out of seven days a week. I spent more time online for class then I did when I took a class at the University just an hour away from my home. You ask what do I expect well let me tell you----I want an instructor to guide and teach me the subject, to be able to answer questions and give help on problems with completing an assignment, and for the subject to be covered by someone who really wants to teach the class. I am not complaining about going to school. If I was able to go to the University near me I would, but because of my work schedule I cannot do that. With U of P I was not applying just 20 hours a week I was spending between 40-50 hrs a week just to get things done on time. I am not a lazy person by no means and I resent the fact that you even suggest that to anyone who has taken this format to sate that there is something wrong with this program. I have moved on to a better online class format that provides better instruction, the classes are 6 weeks vs 5 weeks from U of P. Also there is a 3-week break between classes instead of the 1-week at U of P. Also I have found that I am only spending about 20-25 hours a week on the class material. So before you start to accuse people of being lazy maybe you should look at what they really are complaining about. That is the way the class is taught, who the instructors are and the format of how much participation is required. I wish you luck in your classes from U of P and let us know how you like the classes in say 3 months from now!!

Gee Kevin. It's too bad that UOP hasn't been able to help you with your spelling. Atlnta..hmm. I'm glad you are having a good experience with UOP, but don't you dare disparage those of us who didn't. I was lied to over and over again by several different people at UOP. I certainly don't have any problem with the hours required to complete the work, or the actual work involved, but I have a big problem with someone telling me that I will be able to finish my degree in 2 1/2 years, just to get me to enroll. Then after I have enrolled and my financial aid has been paid to the school, finding out that it will take me just over 4 years to complete my degree unless I take and pass 30 hours of CLEP exams, that I have a HUGE problem with. I'm not lazy and this isn't the first time I have gone to college.

After reading several comments, I found most are complaining about the school work, time, and cost. I am currently a UOP student and find the progam and learning experince great. The classes are expensive but this is the only way I could attend college. While state and local universities may be cheaper they are no more personal than UOP. Example: Unversiy of Florida class that holds 300 plus students at one time. The professor shows a video of the lecture and tells you to go do your assignments and own research. This requires you to do your work, research and learn on your own. Going to school requires work and long hours. Don't complain because you have to go to school for 4 years or you have to apply 20 hours a week to school. What do you expect. The complaints found on this site seem to be from people who are to lazy to learn and blame the school. (Not al but most people). These people just ant a paper mill degree.

I am a former student of U of P. I totaly understand where both of you are coming from. To try and talk to anyone in the acedemic or finacial aid office's is a total joke!!!!! The only way they will respond is by email. I am only sorry that I stayed for a total of 8 classes. Both of you are right about the instrutors. They do not teach the class. You either teach yourself or if you are lucky some of the other classmates are able to help. There were a few instructors that really helped and was involved with the students but those were far and few. As for the team assignments that is also a big joke. Just try getting all of the team members to respond in a timely matter. I have to admit that there were a couple of times that I did not pull my full weight on an assignment but that was only because there was a lack of team work in some of the classes. One thing that I did not like was that the team received a grade so if you did nothing or only posted one comment on the assignment you would receive the same grade as the rest of the team. Just to let everyone know that not all online class programs are like this. I am now attending another school. My advisors just do not email me but also call to discuss any problems I may be having or just to see how I am doing. The classes are a week longer and there is a 3 week break between classes. The best part is that my advisor only scheduled my classes around the amount my finacial aid is for and my only out of pocket expense is any books I may need. The class format is not just email but there is a chat room for both studens and a one on one with the instructor if needed. THERE IS LESS STRESS which is very important. So just to let all of you students that are still with U of P online there is better out there. You just need to check them out and make sure that they really do have you best interest to obtain the educational DREAM!!!!

UofP is the BIGGEST RIPOFF! Iwas was so mislead by so-called advisors. I took a toal of 2 classes, neither of which I learned anything. I was able to get a student loan to pay for the two classes (after the costly classes the loan was exhausted) when the third class rolled around and I was already having second thoughts about wheather or not this was a good idea, I decided to quit! Since I had atleast 5 advisors...financial and otherwise, I could not get a straight anwser from anyone. Anyways, I was already making payments on the student loan, and had been along. After I quit UofP, I got a bill for 2,800.00! UofP stated the sent the money back to citibank and I now owed them?? Citibank stated this is not true, and I have completly paid them off. UofP threatened to take my income tax refund and several other threatening phone calls were made, then they turned me over to a collection agency who called me day and night, even at work, where those type of calls are strictly prohibited. Finally, I was so scared of getting in trouble that I agreed to make payments on the bill, that I did not owe! The agency offered a crazy offer of like 900.00 down and 100.00 per month for the next year, because ofcourse there is interest. I declined the offer, and sent them one payment of 100.00. The I was so ticked off, that I told them, I was not sending anything else, and to drop dead! I still get letters in the mail, and this is on my credit report. Recently I was denied a mortgage because of this! I hate UofP, I would be in a class action anyday against them! They are all a bunch of professor wannbe underpaid morons!

I am a former student of UOP-online. I was able to log in to my class (the first is a required class) at anytime I chose, sometimes in the middle of the night to do my postings. It is true that to get the maximum grade you need to participate in class 5 out of 7 days and to post a minimum of 3 messages during each of those days (message posts should be 50 words or more). Instructors usually do not get directly involved in the class, and usually tell you to find the information in the course syllabus, or from the other students. This is how you can get maximum postings. I did get an A- for my class. Group duties are usually done with 3 to 4 other students, but in my group only 3 of us did any work. One had compute problems, and one dropped out without warning. The reason I quit was the tuition rate of $433 per HOUR for a total of about $1266 per class was just too much. I only qualified for the loans and to pay $1300 plus books every 5 weeks for 26 or more classes would have been too much.