Just the Facts
University of Phoenix Background
In 1976, Dr. John Sperling, a Cambridge-educated economic historian and professor, founded University of Phoenix on an innovative idea: making higher education accessible for working adults.
In the early 1970s, while a tenured professor at San Jose State University in California, Dr. Sperling and several associates conducted field-based research on new teaching and learning systems for working adult students. From this research, Dr. Sperling realized that the convergence of technological, economic and demographic forces would herald the return of working adults to higher education. He saw a growing need for institutions that are sensitive to the learning requirements, life situations and responsibilities of working adults. These beliefs resulted in the creation of University of Phoenix.
Since its founding, University of Phoenix has helped transform the landscape of higher education in widely recognized ways. Many of the conveniences that 21st-century students enjoy ― evening classes, flexible scheduling, continuous enrollment, a student-centered environment, online classes, digital library, computer simulations — were pioneered through University of Phoenix’s efforts. In fact, University of Phoenix has removed many of the barriers to education for busy adults by providing accessible scheduling and rigorous degree programs centered on professional goals.
Today, University of Phoenix is the nation's largest private university, offering more than 100 degree programs at more than 200 locations, as well as Internet curriculum in most countries around the world.
Founded
1976 by Dr. John Sperling
Central Administration Offices
4615 East Elwood Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85040
480-966-9577
Website
www.phoenix.edu
Accreditation
University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). University of Phoenix was granted initial accreditation in 1978 and the accreditation was reaffirmed in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002. The next comprehensive evaluation visit by The Higher Learning Commission will be conducted in 2012.
Locations
For a listing of University of Phoenix campuses and learning centers, click here.
University of Phoenix Schools
The John Sperling School of Business and Technology
College of Graduate Business and Management
College of Information Systems and Technology
College of Undergraduate Business and Management
The Artemis School
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Education
College of Health and Human Services
The School of Advanced Studies
The School of Advanced Studies is the school for doctoral degree programs.
Axia College
Axia College of University of Phoenix offers associate degree programs in areas such as accounting, business, criminal justice, general studies, health administration and information technology.
Enrollment
As of February 28, 2009, 397,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix.
Average Class Size
On-Campus – 8
Online – 13
Student Demographics
Average student age is 34
Female – 68%
Male – 32%
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Caucasian | 53% |
| African American | 26% |
| Hispanic | 12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4% |
| Native American/Native Alaskan | 1% |
| Other/Unknown | 4% |
Faculty Facts
Core Faculty – 1,410
Core Faculty, average years of experience in their field – 19
Associate Faculty – 20,507
Associate Faculty, average years of experience in their field – 16
Male – 49.8%
Female – 50.2%
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Caucasian | 68.79% |
| African American | 16.96% |
| Hispanic | 6.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 4.15% |
| American Indian/Native Alaskan | .62% |
| Other/Unknown | 3.40% |