Are for-profit schools like AIU and University of Phoenix scams?

Question

I'm interested in going to one of these schools because I work full time and it would be a good way to obtain my degree. I can't find good resources to back either claim up though.

Answer 1

UOP does not have professional accreditation for many of its majors, in particular its very popular MBA program. The MBA program is considered "MBA Lite" for its low level of instruction.Approximately 95% of UOP faculty are part-time compared with an average of 47% across all universities, with most holding full-time day jobs.

The nursing program is one program at UOP that is considered to be good.

I would not attend UOP. There are other options such as state colleges/universities that have night classes.

Answer 2

There's reputation, and then there are schools that employers tend to actually frown upon. Many of these "online" type schools fall into this category. Consider your options carefully.

So to be quite blunt, an online OR an offline degree from Kaplan, or U Phoenix, or Devry, will only get you so far with some employers, because the reputations of these schools isn't the greatest. A degree of any sort from UMass Amherst, or U Nebraska Lincoln, or U Maryland, will likely be seen as more acceptable by more employers, and may, therefore, get you further.

In other words - if you MUST go online, go online to a school with a good rep for it's campus-based programs.

There are reputable, "brick and mortar" schools that offer degrees online. Their good reputation for their on-campus programs will flow over into their online program.

Some great universities that offer online degrees include:

University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Denver
University of Maryland
Duke University
Drexel
Carnegie Mellon
Penn State
Ball State
U Nebraska - Lincoln
Babson
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Illinois

And there are others. But in general, when you're looking for a distance learning degree, try to find a program at a school that has a good reputation for their "brick and mortar" campus.

And, in fact, start by poking around the websites of some schools that interest you. You may find that they do offer their degrees online. Start with your local state colleges, and go from there.

Good luck.

Answer 3

i used to work for aiu. i don't think it's a scam. here's the thing though. it all depends on what you're looking for. if you just want a degree to fulfill some sort of obligation for positions, then these online universities are a good choice. you also do get decent quality instruction. it does really depend on your devotion to the classes because you can pretty much prep for tests and do well. retention is a different thing altogether. many colleges offer night classes that can be supplemented by online learning. a fully online curriculum is a great way to get a degree, but not always the best way to get an education.

i'm a recruiter for one of the midwest's largest banks. when i have a job i'm recruiting for that necessitates a college degree, i typically still just hire people based on experience rather than measuring them based upon where they got their degrees. so to answer your question, it's not a scam, but there are other avenues you can take that could be more worth your money. good luck!

Answer 4

Avoid going to the the University of Phoenix. I've worked in colleges and universities, and professors do not speak highly of those who have gone to Univ. of Phoenix.

If you want your degree to mean something, no matter where your career takes you (corporate/private sector, or the public sector) avoid that place. You're better off with a degree from a mediocre state university, especially if you plan on going on to graduate school.


A recent story in the New York Times said:

"....But many students say they have had infuriating experiences at the university before dropping out, contributing to the poor graduation rate. In recent interviews, current and former students in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington who studied at University of Phoenix campuses in those states or online complained of instructional shortcuts, unqualified professors and recruiting abuses."

From:
"Troubles Grow for a University Built on Profits"
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=5c8573d57de4bffe&ex=1328850000&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Other sources:
"Education for profit - University of Phoenix"
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0377/is_2003_Summer/ai_104136478

A website critical of Univ. of Phoenix:
http://uopsucks.com/

A person has a long essay about his experience getting an MBA (Master's of Business Administration) from the University of Phoenix
http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/09/21/my-mba-at-the-university-of-phoenix-online-part-1-the-decision/

Answer 5

Both schools are not a scam. Both are regionally accredited, which means that you can receive full student loans to complete school. However, the full student loans are given if you have over 48 units and partial student loans if you have lower than 48. What kind of degree program are you interested in? That's where your decision can be made to which school to go to. I am more familiar with University of Phoenix because I worked there and received a degree from there.

Answer 6

I go to UOP. I have kids and would like to see them on a regular basis. I go to class one night a week so it is possible to get my education and still have a family life. Online is also an option. I can not afford to take 8-10 years going nights to finish my degree.
You will get as much out of the programs as you are willing to put into them, just like any other school. The instructors do work full time in their respective fields and this to me is a plus. I prefer real world examples and application.

Answer 7

University of Phoenix and AIU are both "legit" from the standpoint that they are regionally accredited and licensed to operate.

However, what they don't tell you is that they lack program or professional accreditation, and many employers (including myself) view UOP or AIU credentials as a red flag on a resume...not because the schools are not legit, but because they'll accept anybody. Many employers see these students as having chosen the "path of least resistance" and certainly not top-shelf candidates.

Here's something interesting:

The University of Phoenix is very adept at spinning the accreditation story. Like all universities, they do have regional accreditation. However, they haven't been able to secure program/professional accreditation. And all of the best business degree programs now carry both regional and professional accreditation from an accrediting body that's been approved by the Department of Education. A program accreditation to look for is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. It's considered to be one widely accepted standard in the market for business education. Another to consider is the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

Aside from accreditation, your biggest concern should be how employers view degree education and where it comes from. Employer organizations are beginning to "just say no" to graduates of for-profit education businesses. Two examples prove this trend. First, there's a recruitment software company, owned by the Washington Post, called BrassRing that has publicly stated that companies are now searching for candidates and specifically eliminating certain schools from their employee search. BrassRing is able to track this trend because several large corporations they work with on recruitment are excluding graduates of for-profit schools in their hiring search criteria.

Secondly, during the last 12 months, our organization has asked company executives at the most reputable HR industry conferences about hiring and promotion activity related to people holding online degrees. Our 12-month study suggests for-profit institution popularity is slipping as company standards increasingly call for quality, well-educated candidates. For more statistics that track this trend see this 12 month corporate preference study.

Ultimately, much of your fate depends upon where these movements continue to head and how people knowingly perceive them. We're a group that neither cares to nor earns a living off from making predictions. However, this much is factual. To date, the following organizations have publicly stated that the University of Phoenix (as do many for-profit education businesses) has problems: U.S. Department of Education (which fined UofP for $9.8 million); EduVentures; Inc. Magazine; BrassRing (owned by The Washington Post); accrediting bodies such as AACSB; and reputable organizations like Education Commission of the States (ECS).

If your goal with education is to apply what you're learning towards landing a better job or career and if word continues to travel about how employer organizations shun graduates from UofP and other for-profit schools, it might be best to reconsider your choice.

Answer 8

Can't speak for AIU. Phoenix is legit.

Answer 9

Interesting topic!

Answer 10

I do not believe that to be true