University Of Phoenix SCAM! use brainwashing tactics. Costa Mesa California

I am currently enrolled in the UOP. I must say much of what is written is true about the university. The classes are a joke. What you will learn in a traditional brick and mortar school is no where near what you will learn at the UOP.

When I went to BGSU, I was thrown immediately into classes that pertained to my degree. I was enrolled there for medical billing and coding. My first classes were Chemisty, Algebra, Biology, Communications, and an English class. While at BGSU, there was no way I would have passed any of those classes without cracking open my textbooks and actually reading them. The tests you took were centered around the readings and classroom lectures. If there was team work, it was done on a project centering around what you were currently learning. Oftentimes, you needed extra tutoring just to get through your classes. Your work was graded based on how well you wrote it, how well you understood the materials, and if you answered everything correctly or not.

Now, let's compare that to the UOP. My first class there was basically writing testimonials about why UOP is so wonderful. It had absolutely no academic value at all. The only reason to take this course even is so that they could charge you for it. My second class was no better, the questions still centered around how great UOP is. Let's fast forward, I am now a year into my studies at the UOP and am dropping out. I have never even had to crack open my textbooks in the whole year. My GPA for never having to crack open a textbook? 3.45. Could I have done this at BGSU? No way! If I had tried my G.P.A. would most likely have been 1.8 or something like that.



When I first started at BGSU, there was no notices about my financial aid. We found out about our financial aid as each semester came about. At the UOP, they write you letters promising you will get this much or that much. Later, you wonder where your money is that they promise you. That is when the excuses start. Oh, that was based on a second disbursement of a pell grant which we have not applied for yet. This semester, I was qualified for over $7,000 in loans and grants. How much is UOP keeping of that for one block of classes? $6,000. Sounds fishy right? It was this last financial aid package that was my determining point to quit. Why would I pay $6,000 for one block of classes when I could go back to BGSU and pay $2,000 per semester? When I called my financial aid advisor, I was informed that I was on some 15/9 split for this semster. Whatever that means?! Supposedly, I was going to be getting more back next semester. After my financial aid difficulties last semester, why would I chose to continue with this school? When I went to BGSU, there was no financial aid difficulties. No promises were made and then not kept.



Let's be honest here. How many people really believe that posting in some forum, submitting a few worthless assignments, and doing the learning teams are being involved in a real education? In my current class, there is a DQ question for last week that asks, "Can human beings be motivated? Does motivation only come from within?" While this is a legitimate question, and one that would likely be asked in any classroom you are in. There is no need to reference your books at all to answer them. Most of the DQ questions asked are based on your opinions alone. Where is this learning? You would think that they would at least ask you to reference your book to make sure you are reading the dang thing!



All in all, I can say that I would strongly advise anyone who is thinking of attending the UOP. DON'T! Save your money and go to a local community college. You will be paying for a worthwhile education, and you will actually learn something there.

As the first reply on this post in 2012 I congratulate myself. I was contacted the next day by a "Enrollment Counselor" after submitting my contact information to a website that refers people to online-colleges that supplies their degree of interest. She was all too content and excited, which to me as a very good observer spotted as somewhat suspicious but I under minded that portion and continued on with the enrollment process. She had conversation and responses for just about anything I said on or off topic which is a great salespersons field of expertise, moving on I got to the financial aid portion of the application already suspicious of the sales person on the other line of the phone I continued on with the process. Instantly I noticed things I know she knew ahead of time and refrained from telling me. It stated I would get $5.6k from financial aid and $9.5k from a loan, she explained the financial aid I don't have to repay but the loan I would so not to spend anything from it that I don't need. Now on to the 2 juiciest and my favorite parts of my not so long story the price for the university would be 9.8k the calculations on that alone is beautiful and amazing that means I would have to payback $4,200 per block or whatever they call it meaning if my calculations are correct the least I would end up owing would be $16,800 and at the bottom of the same page the extremely high graduation rate of %19... I backed down so quick all too quick but not quick enough let's just pray she doesn't attempt her sales pitches to bring me back. I also know someone enrolled in the Everest online school and have seen the oh soo easiness of the classes and the low educated people enrolled. Hope this helps someone, anyone, if just at least 1 person! Community college here I come!

Daniel,

Same thing happened to me.  Was working on my BA in education- incredibly easy.  I had two toddlers and it could not have been more easy for me, even with a busy schedule.  People in class could not write (even as educators) and the discussion was seriously lacking.  When I was a little over halfway done, I started to panic... why is this still so easy even in my core classes?  I barely even had to read the text.  

I started to feel cheated, so I began my research.  I called the local colleges in IL and talked to departments I was not interested in.  I did this just so the ed departments wouldnt sell me their degree program.  ALL programs had very negative things to say about UOP.  I finally contacted the University of IL and talked to their education department head.  They did not have the program I was wanting, but he took the time to talk with me.  He strongly advised that I drop UoP and felt it was not at all valuable.  He gave me the names of several local universities and programs that would fit my needs- none of them in his school!  I was incredibly thankful and I dropped that week. 

From there on out I received a phone call EVERY day from Kim, my advisor.  When I finally told her I wasnt coming back and to stop calling me she proposed the idea that I could finish my degree in 4 more classes instead of 6.  What??? How is that even possible?  What I just skip two?  Right then and there I decided I had made the right choice and left.

I owe 22,000.  While I must say some of the classes really did teach me something, most of the curriculum I was very disappointed in.  I dont think they did anything illegal to you in spite of that though.  The loans you took out were federal loans.  You can take out extra to "pay for bills" and such while in college.  That is legal.  However, I did not sign a single form to take out extra.  They automatically signed me up for the maximum amount.  My financial aid advisor told me to take it to the bank and put it into a CD to gain interest and then use it to pay off my loans.  When talking to the bank they strongly advised me that was a huge mistake since the prime interest rate on a CD is next to nothing in comparison to a student loan.  

If you are in classes now, good luck to you!  If you would like to take out ONLY what you need for college you can send the excess back to the firm.  I hope this was helpful to someone!  

Blessings on the journey,

Becky

Just thought that I would add in my experience, because I'm noticing that more people are starting to consult google before they make any decisions. Which is probably a good thing, all things considered.

I'll be honest and say that I've never been the best student - I went to community college right after high school and while I did well, I got bored and flaked out somewhere in the second semester. I went to a different one after that, and then I dropped out and went back to my old one, and then I decided that I'd give UoP a try.

Things I have to say about this University: you will learn if you teach yourself. That's about the only good thing I have to say.

The admissions counselor was the most charming and silvertongued salesperson I have ever encountered (and I have used car salesmen in my family.) She sensed my insecurities and sold me on the idea of convenience and an actual degree.

My first class was...interesting, I guess. I didn't learn anything because they weren't actually teaching anything - they were weeding people out, basically, and setting up the format for those students who were unfortunate enough to stay. I was put in a learning group with people who didn't know how to properly create an outline or annotate a bibliography - and the teacher couldn't explain how! At my various community college forays, I learned how to do that crap. Really, the learning teams were the worst, because chances are that if you will actually do the work? No one else will. It's like they smell desperation
and the will to just get the crap assignment done, and will pass it off to you with semi-sincere apologies and excuses. The most hilarious part, though, are the classes that are required that the school tries to pass off as for your own benefit - the ones that weigh the differences between online schools and traditional ones, the ones that somehow always manage to end in a commercial for UoP. Literally, they end with a commercial like you've seen on the television.

Fast forward a whole d**n year (because apparently I'm a masochist) and I'm finally calling it quits. I'm over 10,000$ in debt, and I've been doing all of the projects - 5 individual assignments (sometimes more if you count a paper and a powerpoint separately), and every d**n team assignment - by myself. The professors don't actually help out or care,
the advisers only talk to you to convince you to give them more money. When you actually need help your advisers are MIA, or when they are holding your loan disbursement - haha, forget it if you are counting on seeing that money any time soon.

Trust me, and this is the best choice I made about UoP, when you do finally get that disbursement? Put it right back into paying off your student loan, because it's a hell of a lot of money once it's all said and done, and really, the only reason I stayed for so long is because of the money.

I have 36 credits that I'm not sure are going to transfer anywhere. I'm probably going to (ahahah) go back to community college to see if I can get some sort of degree. I am going to warn everyone I can to not go to UoP.

Yes, you will learn, because you will teach yourself. Yes, you might get a degree, if you don't mind getting your soul sucked out of you. It's not worth it, because while it's more convenient, it costs more, and this school is composed entirely of monetary vampires. They will get  your money and they will suck you dry, and you'll be forced to continue
to drink their d**n kool-aid for faux sustenance and out of hope of finishing your degree.

I'm terribly glad I got out while I still owe less than 20,000$.

Daniel You are right on what you wrote in some of the posts . I enrolled their in April of 2010 and I have had a rocky ride every since. I am now taking my last class here ...expecting to enroll in a college in my state of Alabama. I am leaving this school ( University of Phoenix because they have been talking out of both ends of their mouths. My academic advisors have been jokes and my financial aid supervisors have been complete Unorganized messes. I must say that I am leaving in July because I see that it is safe to do so. I was told that " This is they time most students bail." well im gone and I advise anyone else not to get Caught up like I did. 

I couldn't resist replying to this thread.

 I am a 32-year-old student at Purdue University.  About a year ago, I decided to return back to school after a 10-year hiatus.  I had contacted the University of Phoenix after clicking on one of their many ads that routinely populate internet web pages.  Of course, right away I was swept under their "recruitment umbrella" and was poked and prodded until I finally said "NO - stop contacting me."  I, too, checked with potential employers and other respected individuals, and was emphatically steered away from this scam, thank goodness.    

I started laughing out loud when I saw that an "official" from the University of Phoenix actually replied to this thread.  That only confirms that all of the other posts refuting what you (Daniel) had said regarding their so-called university were of the same origin (UoP employees).  I find it ironic that such a "great" university would have to spend time scouring the internet in an attempt to repair their laughing-stock of a reputation.   (Check out that one post -- "fiscal" professors.  Really??)  My god, that employee must have been a product of the educational facility he works for LMAO.  

I will say this: Daniel, you made the best decision you could ever have made by choosing not to continue your education with this joke of an institution.  They prey on low-class individuals who are either working to support their families or were too stupid to get into real universities after they graduated high school.  The education is dumbed down in order to accommodate everyone (just as your testimonial mentioned), and they are constantly having to reassure you that you are receiving a "real" education.  That should be the smoking gun right there!  

With regard to the previous paragraph, I was not at all trying to insult anyone's intelligence, but I had to reveal the facts of the matter.  And those ARE the facts.  I know several apartment complexes that do this same thing.  They get on message boards to try to redeem their reputation by trashing the individuals who bad-mouthed them.  This is a sad case of "legal fraud", and they should be rightfully exposed.  

Note to UoP employees.  Amid new pending legislation you might want to start finding another job.  I think your funding is about to go bye bye :)

I'm sure no one will ever see this as the original post about a UofP scam is from 2008, but I'm going to add my two cents anyway.  This is specifically directed to the individual who stated something like, "thank you for answering my question about online degrees."  Really?  That's it - just one post has given you everything you need to know about online degrees??? 

I get so tired of black and white thinking.  It is pervasive in our political system and now every facet of American lives.  ALL online degrees are bad.  ALL UofP online degrees are bad.  If someone said its a scam online, it must be BAD.  Let's examine this for a minute.  I will post a link at the bottom to a U.S. News article that shows the default rates of for-profit universities (under which UofP falls) to give a clearer picture.

Most brick and mortar universities now offer online degrees.  So are all of these are scams too - even those offered by Tier 1 institutions?  NO.  Also, UofP must have some credibility in the community because the executive vice president at my last company had her MBA from UofP.  Her degree was a basic MBA degree with no special designation and I reported to her. 

I earned my undergrad degree from a Tier 1 brick and mortar university.  My classes were mostly in the classroom, but I also started to experiment with online classes in my last two semesters.  When it comes to the online modality, you must carefully consider your discipline of interest, your personal learning style and of course how much time and what resources you have to commit to it.  Online learning is certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution.

I earned my graduate degree (Masters) from Capella University and that was 100% online.  In fact, they do not even have a physical campus.  I originally chose Capella because they had the only CACREP-accredited online MS Counseling program in the country.  Also, their program was affordable as long as I did not take out extra loans above the cost of tuition.  And I knew I needed the online modality due to my work and family schedule. 

When selecting schools, I contacted the state to verify if others had earned their licenses after attending Capella.  YES.  I asked if I would run into any trouble with getting proper credit for my coursework later on and I was told NO.  As far as the student population goes, I noticed that over 90% of my fellow classmates were already employed in their chosen field.  They simply wanted to improve their skills, advance in their organizations or keep a commitment to themselves to obtain their graduate degrees.  I was able to improve my critical thinking and research skills during my time at Capella. 

Now, anything technical, math-based or medical in nature should be done in the classroom in my honest opinion.  And online schools have ways (in the form of residences and the like) to give you practical experience.  You have to know how to ask the right questions.  An enrollment counselor is not the person who should be guiding your decision anyway!  Yet, I still say the proof is in the numbers.  Please consider the following article from U.S. News regarding default rates at prominent online universities:  http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2010/09/15/loan-default-rates-at-prominent-online-universities.
 
Default rates are an indicator of students ability to pay back their student loans.  A lot of different factors go into this, but one major factor is that they are able to gain employment that pays enough to actually cover the cost of education they paid/loaned for.  Keep in mind that the average state school has around a 3-4% default rate in the general population.  See how there are several for-profit, online schools that have a default rate BELOW that?  But then you have UofP who is sitting at 12.9% and others like Kaplan at 17.2%.    

Again, I am really tired of the all or nothing thinking that goes on with so many.  Never believe everything you read or hear, especially not in random online posts.  If anyone wants to have an intelligent debate about what Ive posted here, Im all ears

I had a completely different experience from this. I worked hard to get my UoP degree. Was it Ivy league hard? No of course not, but I would rank it just as hard as my previous brick and mortar degree, which also has a distance learning program (as do many other traditional schools). In some ways distance learning is even harder, in that you have to be more self-motivated. The classes were real. The professors were real. The tests and essays were real. It was absolutely not a cakewalk. The degree is real. In fact I find it hard to believe that this author really attended UoP. What his motives for writing this fiction are, I cannot say. UoP is a regionally accredited university, its credits are transferrable to many other regionally accredited schools, be they online or brick and mortar. I have also been able to land 2 jobs with this degree, all the employers cared about was the accreditation and my gpa and major. This story is a complete fiction.

Hello all,

I do apologize if any of you feel that you were misled, and I do want to offer to assist. The University has a department that is dedicated to hearing student disputes and complaints, and doing their best to resolve them. If any of you would like to file a formal grievance, please contact the Office of Dispute Management. They can be reached via email at UofPhoenix@phoenix.edu or by phone at 602-557-5566.

Best regards,

Libby Bailey, Sr. Student Relations Administrator
for the Office of Dispute Management, University of Phoenix

I came back to look at my report several years later. 

I am referring to the show on the sci-fi/syfy channel where people attempt to scare the heck out of their friends while catching it all on video. It is funny to watch, but when it comes to something that is serious, the idea is foul. What I am saying is that Dan's complaints about UoP are off. I am a current student of UoP, as of July 2009. I am currently in my 4th set of classes, which if you note is three blocks of classes(totaling six classes) more then our friend Daniel.



I spent months talking to a UoP student back in 2008. From November 2008 till January 2009 I fired off hundreds of questions regarding the school. I wanted to get as much information from someone on the inside before ever talking to a school representative. Why? Because I have several friends in the military who have told me in the past that recruiters will promise you anything, yet the real information about the organization comes from those that are not official spokespeople. My friends talked to Airmen and Soldiers before signing the dotted line. They told me the differences between the two points of view. I have always been someone that is suspicious of anything that sounds good, forget to good to be true, I am suspicious of a $5 on the street until I know no one is looking for it and no one else is watching. This means I wanted to get all of the information I could from someone not being paid to talk. I wanted to hear the gripes, the complaints, the down and dirty. Unfortunately my gaming friend had none, but he had a lot of answers about the school.


I spent months researching UoP as well as other online schools. I also spent time on traditional schools because I was nervous about the "degree mills". I wanted to make sure what each school had to offer, what their accreditation was and read up on complaints. From January 2009 until June 2009 I was officially searching for a school. I won't even include the last few months of 2008 where I was getting my toes wet with information on schools. I wanted to go in informed, I didn't want any surprises and I did not want to be swayed by a sales pitch.


What ended up happening was horrible!!!! I ended up talking to one online school and got a sweet old lady to talk to...that slowly turned into the granny car dealer from hell. I ended up getting a guilt trip about not being ready to sign the dotted line. I am surprised she didn't guilt me about not being married already and having kids! I got calls that I did not want. I told them that I would contact them if I wanted more information, but not to call me. I got called several times more, all extremely early in the morning! It has most of a year and I just got a packet of info from that school! That school was not UoP!


With UoP I got someone that understood my concerns. They knew that I had a truck load of questions and they answered each one of them, sometimes even adding more then I would have thought to ask about. I got no sales pitch! I got no pressure! What I got was someone that actually looked at the difference between stating that I wanted to start working on a BS, or if I wanted to declare I wanted to start work on an Associates. There was a difference and she told me the ups and downs of both, which ended up being the Associates was the best route and cost less to start. Something to do with how financial aid and student loans go.


I went into this knowing that all of the pressure was on me in order to make things happen. I knew that I had to study on my own, that I wouldn't have the teacher there giving me looks, asking me questions and such. I knew it was up to me, myself, and I to get things done. UoP would provide the tools, the instructor, and the grading of my work, but I had to be far more motivated then most students of traditional schools. It sounds odd to someone on the outside, but a friend of mine going to UCR(I live in Calfornia) mentioned how stressed he was about his first online class which is 18 weeks long, meaning he had half of the work load that I do. He mentioned how difficult it was for him to motivate himself to do his work, much less on time.


An online education is not for everyone. My friend proves that to me. We have different learning styles. He was always one to ask teachers loads of questions about work, might I add that we have known each other since we were 4 years old and lived down the street from each other, and went to the same schools and had many of the same classes? I on the other hand hated traditional schools because I always had a feeling that others in the class were not serious and were holding the class back, therefore holding me back from learning more. I ended up finishing the last two years of highschool in Independent Study and I absolutely loved it! The reason I loved it was because I have been a bookworm for some time and I like to read at certain times of the day, and I rarely had a question for my teachers, yet had a very firm grasp of the topics being covered. Basically, my friend does best in a traditional classroom and he knows it. I know that I do my best on my own where I do not feel others are holding me back. My friend's online class proved to him what kind of student he is, what kind of learning environment he needs in order to thrive. I on the other hand find the opposite to be where I can thrive, his younger brother attending the local JC is another person finding that an online education is their favored learning environment.


Speaking of the learning environment, my friend that I mentioned that is a UCR student mentioned an online class layout rather similar to that of UoP. His younger brother with the local JC, who is now doing online classes through the JC, suggests a similar format. Why am I mentioning this? Well when I was researching schools I realized that I am not good with what I call "farmer's hours" meaning up before the sun and ready for bed by 9pm. I am, and always have been a night owl. I needed to find a school with every class available at mid afternoon on up, heck even at 3am. That coupled with looking at the various educational paths I could take led me to check out UCLA and USC and other schools the local JC's credits easily transfer to. I found out that UCLA or USC has its own budding online programs. I know that UCR has one, I know that the local JC that works with UCLA has one, but from what I saw they were all budding programs. Not all classes required for any degree was available online. I knew the local JC had recently bulked up their online offerings within a year. That tells me that online schools such as UoP are onto something that traditional schools are racing to catch up on. So even if the layout is "hokey" as Daniel suggests, rest assured that many schools are racing to build their own "hokey" online degree programs.


Brain washing? I believe the classes Daniel suggested were attempting to brainwash him were designed to prepare him to enter an online educational program. The video mentioned by another poster was the same video I watched in July 2009. It covered how the classes would work. It mentioned how communication between student-instructor, or student-student would work out, and what the advantages and disadvantages were. There was no Pledge Allegience to UoP. The class was an introduction to an online education. Why would they have such a class? Because to a lot of people it is still new to them. Many wonder how an online class could even work. Some people I have talked to are baffled as to how it was possible to learn anything without a teacher lecturing about what was already in the text book.



Was it worth the amount that was paid? I don't know, I say that because I have always been able to think past my toes, on my own. Some people still scoff at the idea of meeting someone online, much less the idea of getting to know someone by conversing over the internet. But I saw how it was possible long before people even started thinking,"well... maybe?" But there are some people that are not certain, and that is understandable! That is who the class was designed for, not someone like me who mentally break things down and see how it could possibly work. As for the cost, well, it is a drop in the bucket and in the end it is not going to be something I will complain about. I saw it as practice for my other classes. The funny thing is any classroom is hokey if you think about it. How many of our Presidents were self educated men who read books on their own? The idea of having to be in classrooms and being lectured about what is found in the book is hokey to me, so is the idea that I need such a thing to become educated. I am not sure how a lawyer is going to sue a school over the idea that they believe something is hokey. I might as well try to sue UCLA for being hokey since I think their logo and mascot are "hokey". Absurd.



About the price tag, I have to say that I have to laugh when I see people complaining about it. I laugh because I put time into researching an education and I found that going to a JC and then transferring over to a University would actually cost me more in the long run. I don't have my notes, but then again anyone reading this would do themselves a favor by researching it themselves. Basically going to the local JC then transferring over to UCLA, USC, etc would end up costing me more to obtain a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates. Sure the Associates would be cheaper if I went to the JC instead of UoP, but in the end those savings would be burned up on contact with the university I would transfer to. The price tag per class seems like a lot, if you are an uneducated consumer, but if you are an informed consumer it is easy to realize that a UoP student is paying a steady amount for the duration of their education, instead of going in cheap and being hammered two years later to finish their Bachelors. UoP is actually cheaper!


I like that Daniel states that a degree from UoP would have been worthless, yet he himself barely finished a set of classes. The guy I know that was already a UoP student finished his Associates, and before the ceremony, before the ink dried on his degree, he was already on the hunt for a job. Within a week he was on several interviews and decided upon a job. From what I understood the amount he was getting paid was a bit more then he was actually expecting for the positions he was educated enough for. I know I saw someone saying on facebook that they couldn't find a job in the same field as the friend of mine, but I know he had something within a week earning more then he was expecting for his education level. I'll even give the benefit of the doubt to Daniel that a UoP Bachelors in IT would have been "ABSOLUTELY" worthless(note his use of all caps there, it must be true!), but I know someone that proves that a UoP Associates is worth more then expected and comes with lightning fast results.


A degree is a joke to be honest. It is the biggest joke in the world. Why? Because I have met people with degrees in one field who apply for a job, but find that they can apply for a job in a field in which they know nothing about! Not only did they get the job in the wrong field, but they ended up being the manager of those who went to college for that particular field! To me the entire degree idea is a joke if such a thing can happen. But the way I see it, it proves that someone has a certain level of education. I agree with the idea that the degree is the foot in the door, but it is up to the person to secure the job.


Basically, become a smart consumer, do your own research. Chances are there is little value to be found in these complaints. Most of them are poorly written and full of words meant to inspire fear, to get the reader to tuck their tail between their legs and run away. If you are unsure that you can handle an online school, try one at the local JC for $100 and see how it goes for you. If you hate it, then the online programs of any school is wrong for you. If you find that it allows you to learn in the way you learn best, then check out the various online educational paths you can take. Do your research! I don't mean talking to the schools, I mean doing research on the outside. Talk to those on the inside as well. Look for people with degrees from UoP or any other school. Talk to more then a few businesses. If they don't like online degrees, ask if they mean that because they do not like UoP or because they don't like online degree programs regardless if it was from UCLA or any other traditional school trying to catch up with UoP? Also, learn to look beyond the fear, and the lack of initiative of the ones writing these reports.

I will have to agree with less then half of what's being said. I too went to UOP for my BS in Accounting. I at first was unsure of this school b/c of all the talk about how this school is a joke. I work for a well know Marketing Company which have their own Finance department. So before I attended this school I had talked to my HR and Finance departments to get their opinions on this school. Both stated a degree gets you in the door; the experience gets you the job". With that in mind I thought, will Accounting firms accept a UOP degree, so I called around to some of the local accounting firms and they stated the same thing, a degree gets you in the door; the experience gets you the job". I also know that a friend from my class now works for one of the big 4 accounting firms; she started out as an intern while at UOP and is now doing great. I wouldnt worry too much about what people say about a UOPs Bachelor degree, I worry more on how to get the experience which gets you the job. Okay, so now lets talk about my experience at UOP. I refused to do an online degree at UOP being that it was $400 more then their ground campus. I also think a student will receive a better education from being taught from a fiscal professor then being told what to read and just doing the homework. So for three year I went to UOPs ground campus which had its ups and downs. First I will talk about what I thought was good about this. UOPs ground campus is more of the traditional college learning experience. Therefore, the students have a fiscal professor in class teaching. This helps when you have questions in regards to the material being taught. Many are talking about how your education is limited at UOP. As with any college, you get what you put in. If you dont read the text books for the course, you are cheating yourself. UOPs ground campus will go over all the material and will assign homework for this. The amounts of homework for my accounting courses were a heavy load, but this makes sense being that the courses are accelerated. Just like any traditional colleges summer courses. Now I will talk about things that are needed to be improved with UOP. UOP is know for their team homework and their individual homework I understand the concept behind this, but I do not agree with this structure of it. The idea placed here is that in the real world you do work within teams on projects. Now when you work on your team homework you will find that one student with in your team is a slacker which then brings the team down. In the real world this type of person will be fired, but at UOP someone will have to deal with this person and it shouldnt be you. I had quite a few of these types within my teams; there was a fix for this, refuse to have this person on your team. You will come to find that you will have the same classes with many of the same students at UOP. Also note that after week one if a team member is not pulling their weight you can kick them off your team, UOP will now have to deal with them. I am now a Staff Accountant, studding for the GMAT. Im telling you this b/c a Bachelors is fine at UOP but in my opinion a Masters is not. Many colleges will accept students right out of high school with an okay GPA for a Bachelor. For those that understand how difficult it is to get in to graduate school, you should be on the same page as those who hire you. I dont believe in open enrollment, which UOP has. This lets anyone in that has little to none of an education. Let me repeat, a Bachelors is fine at UOP b/c gives everyone a chance to improve their self and by the time you graduate you should be educated enough to take a test to get into graduate school. Those that higher people with a Masters are expecting a knowledgeable person. Im not saying those that go to UOP for their Masters are not knowledgeable; Im just saying if you do go there then those that interview you will know that you didnt take the GMAT. Now the GMAT alone is difficult and is not for everyone, but it makes sense why these tests are in place. Schools want to make sure their students not only have the knowledge of the degree in which they are receiving, but want to make sure that the students also know how to write an essay on an analysis of an issue, an essay on analysis of an argument, Math, and Verbal these four types are what the GMAT tests you on. Trust me I thought about going back b/c it would be quick and I know that I will receive an education in Accounting which is acceptable to sit for the CPA exam. Technically that type of certification is all that really matters. I myself would like to know that Im educated to the highest standards. Also know that every college that Im applying to for will accept a UOP degree, which must mean something.

I am currently a student at University of Phoenix. I was simply searching something else when I saw several links to negative feedback and concerns. My post is in disagreement with Daniel, per this original complaint here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/324/RipOff0324028.htm Being a current student of U of Phx, I can comment in direct response to specific complaints in the post; in order as they appear in Daniel's post.

1.) $2k/month-> This appears to be a misunderstanding on the student's part. As I read on in the article, there appear to be several more misunderstandings so misinterpreting the online bill does not surprise me. This can often be the case with distance education. It is not for everyone. Some people simply need more face to face interaction in order to wrap their minds around the big picture. This is in now way a personal attack on Daniel, that submitted the complaint. The ~2k (roughly 2k) covers the first block of courses, which is 9 weeks, ~2 months.

2.) GEN/COM Pledging allegiance/advertising-> I agree. I commented to another classmate about this same feeling. The other classmate and I are friends on Facebook. I think it is more than a 'feeling' I got, especially after reading your post and my classmate sensing that too. It does not bother me, I don't care, but it does make for a little odd feeling trying to be a good student and feeling a bit like you're writing up propaganda.

3.) Classes not structured/too easy-> Disagree/agree. Maybe UofPhx is taking constructive measures in direct response to too much online negative feedback but my classes (again, I am a current student July 2009) and my classes are VERY structured and well presented. I agree they are mind-numbingly easy, but I expect this to be normal for introductory courses. I am a new college student and have nothing to compare it to, but I would bet any "Gen Ed" or "Prerequisite" courses you take online or any traditional campus, those very first college courses would be somewhat simple. ALSO - you MUST keep in mind, Daniel per the post I am responding to, DID NOT follow-thru and it appears has no personal experience if the initial courses got more challenging as the weeks went on or further blocks of courses after the first 9 weeks. I suspect Daniel just did not continue.

4.) Brakes on immediately: It is unfortunate that Daniel took the steps to sign up for college and not give it more of a chance. My sign-up experience was professional on both ends. I never felt like I was being talked into anything. My advisor was enthusiastic for my future, but SPECIFICALLY WARNED ME that it is a fully acredited college campus and to take it seriously, once I sign up, to keep on the timeline and apply myself fully to class courses and participation or it will reflect poorly on my Academic record. In reading Daniel's post, I believe this student simply did not give it enough of a chance, or perhaps fell a bit behind on some of the timeline (assignments not being attached/turned in ontime) and when the online experience was not going as smoothly as Daniel hoped, panic set in and they wanted to opt-out. By the way, per U of Phx policy, it is STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY to double check all work and be sure your attachment uploads fine. Again, maybe U of Phx has made constructive change to online procedure, but my current courses "technical" set-up is great, efficient and working properly.

5.) Brainwash-> Disagreement. This clearly is a very strong accusation from an unfortunate negative experience. While I too, recognize the propaganda-like assignments, I in no way would classify it as brainwashing. I just smirk at the silliness of it, do my assignment(s) and move on. Easy peasy

6.) Real counselors, real teachers-> U of Phx Faculty is REAL, again, this person is complaining so negatively, they are distorting otherwise positive facts. I am fully impressed with both my course Instructors. They respond to email questions, they participate in class with substantive communication and go above and beyond simply grading assignments.

7.) Teachers losing assignments-> I don't see or read any proof of that in Daniel's post. I would suspect Daniel simply did not attach assignments properly, or double check to be sure attached documents uploaded alright. And I see no way for assignments to be "lost" when much of them are simple copy/paste text on a forum page. Communication in forums, blocks of text do NOT just get lost. Again, maybe U of Phx has made changes to technical online issues, but none of my assignments have been lost.

8.) Feedback/Comments-> I was happy to read David's response (comment feedback) to Daniel's post, noting much of it is enflamatory negative emotional ramblings rather than any real facts to back up specific complaints. I read the post in that light too. It simply appears Daniel did not or could not follow-thru long enough to give the online college experience a chance. And, wanted too quickly to 'demand money back'. I say, "Gimme a break."
I am glad to read another UofPhx student, Cindy, who got the impression too that Daniel got "cold feet."

~Karen Falcon
Mom, UofPhx Student(very happy)
http://FalconSays.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/FalconSays

Thanks Dan for your input. What you stated is what I asked a financial counselor from UoP that called me after submitting my contact information to them.

Of course I did not get a good, solid answer from him, just a bunch of generalizing.

Paying thousands to obtain a worthless piece of paper is what I fear most employers think about "online degrees."

Other employers out there, do you have the same opinion as Dan, or do you feel differently?

I would love you to share your thoughts on this subject.

You answered my number one question regarding degrees obtained online.

For over 25 years, I've hired various people for different software jobs. For people who spend their money with profit-making institutions such as UOP, ITT Tech, and others of that ilk, I continue to deliver the same sad news that other large companies companies will give you, always through a nice letter. First of all, the degree you earn is essentially worthless in terms of its general recognition and respect by technology companies. Just try transferring your so-called "credits" to a real university. I know that you can find an odd exception here and there, but those do not disprove the rule. If you want academic credentials that will be honored, as those issued by a so-called conventional university, then I *strongly* suggest that you invest your time and money in obtaining your academic credentials from a conventional university. After so many years, it continues to astonish me that so many people can be so easily duped by these businesses which continue to apply their sales skills to people who genuinely want to improve both their education and the value of their marketable skills. If economics is a problem, then start at a community college, build your transferable credits and then finish your 4-year degree at a real university. Yes, it takes more time and more money, but you will have something of genuine value when you're done. The shortcuts you pay for at one of these commercial establishments do *not* go unnoticed by potential employers. These seem like hard truths, but they are truths....truths with which you need to deal. Deal with them before wasting money with commercial establishments that, in essence, sell worthless paper certificates; not after you've been fleeced. You will be far better off.

For over 25 years, I've hired various people for different software jobs. For people who spend their money with profit-making institutions such as UOP, ITT Tech, and others of that ilk, I continue to deliver the same sad news that other large companies companies will give you, always through a nice letter. First of all, the degree you earn is essentially worthless in terms of its general recognition and respect by technology companies. Just try transferring your so-called "credits" to a real university. I know that you can find an odd exception here and there, but those do not disprove the rule. If you want academic credentials that will be honored, as those issued by a so-called conventional university, then I *strongly* suggest that you invest your time and money in obtaining your academic credentials from a conventional university. After so many years, it continues to astonish me that so many people can be so easily duped by these businesses which continue to apply their sales skills to people who genuinely want to improve both their education and the value of their marketable skills. If economics is a problem, then start at a community college, build your transferable credits and then finish your 4-year degree at a real university. Yes, it takes more time and more money, but you will have something of genuine value when you're done. The shortcuts you pay for at one of these commercial establishments do *not* go unnoticed by potential employers. These seem like hard truths, but they are truths....truths with which you need to deal. Deal with them before wasting money with commercial establishments that, in essence, sell worthless paper certificates; not after you've been fleeced. You will be far better off.

For over 25 years, I've hired various people for different software jobs. For people who spend their money with profit-making institutions such as UOP, ITT Tech, and others of that ilk, I continue to deliver the same sad news that other large companies companies will give you, always through a nice letter. First of all, the degree you earn is essentially worthless in terms of its general recognition and respect by technology companies. Just try transferring your so-called "credits" to a real university. I know that you can find an odd exception here and there, but those do not disprove the rule. If you want academic credentials that will be honored, as those issued by a so-called conventional university, then I *strongly* suggest that you invest your time and money in obtaining your academic credentials from a conventional university. After so many years, it continues to astonish me that so many people can be so easily duped by these businesses which continue to apply their sales skills to people who genuinely want to improve both their education and the value of their marketable skills. If economics is a problem, then start at a community college, build your transferable credits and then finish your 4-year degree at a real university. Yes, it takes more time and more money, but you will have something of genuine value when you're done. The shortcuts you pay for at one of these commercial establishments do *not* go unnoticed by potential employers. These seem like hard truths, but they are truths....truths with which you need to deal. Deal with them before wasting money with commercial establishments that, in essence, sell worthless paper certificates; not after you've been fleeced. You will be far better off.

For over 25 years, I've hired various people for different software jobs. For people who spend their money with profit-making institutions such as UOP, ITT Tech, and others of that ilk, I continue to deliver the same sad news that other large companies companies will give you, always through a nice letter. First of all, the degree you earn is essentially worthless in terms of its general recognition and respect by technology companies. Just try transferring your so-called "credits" to a real university. I know that you can find an odd exception here and there, but those do not disprove the rule. If you want academic credentials that will be honored, as those issued by a so-called conventional university, then I *strongly* suggest that you invest your time and money in obtaining your academic credentials from a conventional university. After so many years, it continues to astonish me that so many people can be so easily duped by these businesses which continue to apply their sales skills to people who genuinely want to improve both their education and the value of their marketable skills. If economics is a problem, then start at a community college, build your transferable credits and then finish your 4-year degree at a real university. Yes, it takes more time and more money, but you will have something of genuine value when you're done. The shortcuts you pay for at one of these commercial establishments do *not* go unnoticed by potential employers. These seem like hard truths, but they are truths....truths with which you need to deal. Deal with them before wasting money with commercial establishments that, in essence, sell worthless paper certificates; not after you've been fleeced. You will be far better off.

So Cindy, you took the courses a few months ago, and after such a short time you don't remember the terminology? What exactly was the point of that?

Also, what is the point of taking a class that is focused on online versus correspondence or traditional? Why does UOP bother with such a class? Why not just get on with the actual curriculum for the major?

The only possible answer is that they can charge students for it, more money for a class that is clearly of absolutely no use to anyone. This type of class is just a way to extract cash, and get the students all excited about the bright future that awaits them, it is like a pep rally and academically worthless. The fact that UOP requires these classes demonstrates that not only do you get a big sales pitch from this school, but you get to pay for it too.

I took three classes at UOP at level 300 and didn't learn a darn thing, worthless chat room discussion groups, silly assignments, never cracked a book, got 100% every time. Even the classes that were supposed to present academic material, like business systems, fell far short because the students in my LT confessed that they didn't have a clue and still got As.

And sure Daniel should just move on and get on with it. But that is hard when a college is presenting threats and lies to force a person who can't handle the school at this time to enroll.

Joni

Daniel, the questions presented in that class were not about UOP. You silly goose. The questions pertained to the differences between face-to-face schools and online schools. I just took that course a few months ago. It wasn't about UOP, it wasn't brainwashing. I think you have selective memory, and perhaps some selective reading comprehension skills, as well.

I wish I could remember all the exact terminology they used, but I do remember that ridiculous "movie" we watched about the one student explaining correspondence classes to her friend. Then, we had to do some assignment where WE explained it to an imaginary friend using the key words (such as "asynchronous communication") and all. However, it wasn't about UOP specifically.

I think you might have made a bit of a mistake in this. I think you developed cold feet. And I think you're trying very hard to find a way out. Of course you'll say you want to pay the balance; you'd be a fool to say otherwise, especially in here. I think this has grown larger than you anticipated, and I think it's taken on a life of its own. You are no longer able to control this monster you have created, and you're scrambling in any way you can to try to keep up with it while still making it believable to others.

It's probably best to admit your mistake, take it on the chin, and move along.

pardon me david, but exactly how much of that did you actually read?

I said spacifically I wish to pay the tab, I was also very clear on the fact that this wasnt a "high education" that I was recieving.

The first 9 weeks of class were spent writing responses to questions like ...


"what does your UoP education give you over a face to face college" "write a review of your college experience from the post graduate point of view" "explain in detail what your friends will say when you've graduated from UoP"

9 weeks of this David. You are telling me that it is absolutely fine to pay a school 2000$ to do absolutely nothing except give you assignments to review the school and write testimonials. That is not an exucation David, that is brainwashing. They used the same tactic against our troops in vietnam and the iraq war. Its garbage, I have no problems with doing work, I have a problem with being told I get one shot to enroll, and if I miss it, I'll be another year older, and less attractive to employers. I have a problem with deciding that its too much for me at the time and asking them to stay in contact as I am genuinely interested and being told that the offer will expire because next year I wont be eligible for Financial Aid because my income was too high. I explained to them that I was over committed and it was causing me to have panic attacks and that I couldnt go on, and they told me if I stop, then I may face collections and bad marks on my credit if I dont pay for the full class up front..

David, where is your head and who are you? If someone has a problem you dont insult thier spelling, then insult them, you try to understand it if your confused.

That's all I have to say. Unfortunately I don't know if you were actually ripped-off or if you are just trying to weasel out of paying a debt or setting up a law suit...What is your complaint again? Oh, everything.

Frankly, you should start with a spell checker then double check your facts outside of this forum. There are thousands of high-profile graduates in executive positions that go to this school.

Since you posted an article of rambling prose, I hestitate addressing any one point or this will turn into a full rebuttal article.

The first bill scared you? Have you seen the costs of education in California? Maybe you should have thought about the cost of credit hours BEFORE you decided to go to a school that charges like the other California universities.

Fear of losing financial aid because of what your friends are saying? Sounds like another stack of chips against getting out of the bill to me.

Over-commiting yourself? Gee, I guess that college isn't the cake-walk we all thought.

Your words of "frightening", "afraid", "propaganda", and "brainwash" are ridiculous.

Step back, take a breath, and re-assess. You're obviously not cut out for this school--not everyone realizes what they get in to with an "online" college. Most people are not intrinsically motivated to do the grueling work required--and will find the execuses to avoid it when they realize that college is not cut out for them.

I'd be happy to see more facts and less emotion from your rebuttal.

I have gone from replies being recieved immediately within minutes in some cases, to replies every few days or a week later. its amazing how complaints take a back seat to actual money comming in.

I can see the gears working in the background, and I've taken steps to prevent the damage they will inflict.

I've contacted fasfa, and will be getting the contact info to file a complaint and have my account investigated, I will also be contacting several other financial aide departments to see what all I can do to make sure UoP doesnt collect more money than they are due.

The more complaints I am reading it saddens me alot to see so many people taken in by UoP. You are correct to get out now because I hate to tell you but if these are government student loans, you will be held responsible for them. I am sure that you may never hear from Steve again. I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like a brainwashing technique to me and I am glad to see you are stopping now before you DO owe $20 in student loans. Please update as I am curious to whether or not they ever help you. I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

Cat

The more complaints I am reading it saddens me alot to see so many people taken in by UoP. You are correct to get out now because I hate to tell you but if these are government student loans, you will be held responsible for them. I am sure that you may never hear from Steve again. I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like a brainwashing technique to me and I am glad to see you are stopping now before you DO owe $20 in student loans. Please update as I am curious to whether or not they ever help you. I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

Cat

The more complaints I am reading it saddens me alot to see so many people taken in by UoP. You are correct to get out now because I hate to tell you but if these are government student loans, you will be held responsible for them. I am sure that you may never hear from Steve again. I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like a brainwashing technique to me and I am glad to see you are stopping now before you DO owe $20 in student loans. Please update as I am curious to whether or not they ever help you. I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

Cat

The more complaints I am reading it saddens me alot to see so many people taken in by UoP. You are correct to get out now because I hate to tell you but if these are government student loans, you will be held responsible for them. I am sure that you may never hear from Steve again. I wish you the best of luck. It sounds like a brainwashing technique to me and I am glad to see you are stopping now before you DO owe $20 in student loans. Please update as I am curious to whether or not they ever help you. I doubt it. I hope I am wrong.

Cat

I've been told that I have gone through 2,000$ in classes (one block) and that I have to pay them back in full immediately to retain my financial aide eligability. Dont accept this, I am not. Sara, stay strong and get the hell out of there now, go to a community college, its cheaper, and is the normal route to an education, I had to learn the hard way =( I am going to likely join into a class action suit if this plays out like so many stories have.

Daniel,

I am in the same situation. I was quickly signed up and have found the classes a joke. I am going to make some calls tomorrow to potential employers and also a couple schools in the area to see how they feell about a degree from UOP. I was just going to get my AA in Accounting and then go to a different University for my BA. Now I am concerned that I will not be at the same level as the rest of my classmates when I change schools and will have a hard time keeping up. I feel like I have made a huge mistake and just wasted a bunch of money. Please keep me updated on how things go with you.

Sara

Daniel,

I am in the same situation. I was quickly signed up and have found the classes a joke. I am going to make some calls tomorrow to potential employers and also a couple schools in the area to see how they feell about a degree from UOP. I was just going to get my AA in Accounting and then go to a different University for my BA. Now I am concerned that I will not be at the same level as the rest of my classmates when I change schools and will have a hard time keeping up. I feel like I have made a huge mistake and just wasted a bunch of money. Please keep me updated on how things go with you.

Sara

Daniel,

I am in the same situation. I was quickly signed up and have found the classes a joke. I am going to make some calls tomorrow to potential employers and also a couple schools in the area to see how they feell about a degree from UOP. I was just going to get my AA in Accounting and then go to a different University for my BA. Now I am concerned that I will not be at the same level as the rest of my classmates when I change schools and will have a hard time keeping up. I feel like I have made a huge mistake and just wasted a bunch of money. Please keep me updated on how things go with you.

Sara

Daniel,

I am in the same situation. I was quickly signed up and have found the classes a joke. I am going to make some calls tomorrow to potential employers and also a couple schools in the area to see how they feell about a degree from UOP. I was just going to get my AA in Accounting and then go to a different University for my BA. Now I am concerned that I will not be at the same level as the rest of my classmates when I change schools and will have a hard time keeping up. I feel like I have made a huge mistake and just wasted a bunch of money. Please keep me updated on how things go with you.

Sara

I've just sent an email to Steve demanding the contact info for a supervisor, I will update with a response.