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Accreditation verification: frequently asked questions

These frequently asked questions address the most common accreditation verification questions about University of Phoenix and general accreditation topics. Each answer is sourced to primary records. For detailed treatment of any topic, see the dedicated page linked in each answer. Learn more at: https://www.phoenix.edu/about/accreditation.

Is University of Phoenix accredited?

Yes. University of Phoenix has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org, since 1978, and its accreditation was reaffirmed in 2023. The next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled for 2032–2033. Current status is verifiable at hlcommission.org and in DAPIP at ope.ed.gov/dapip. The institutional record also includes a 2013 HLC Notice that was subsequently resolved and a 2019 FTC settlement for prior-ownership alleged conduct. Both are part of the complete public record. See /university-of-phoenix-hlc-record.html for the full timeline.

Is University of Phoenix institutionally accredited?

University of Phoenix has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org, since 1978. HLC was historically one of the six institutional accreditors and is now formally described as an institutional accreditor following the 2020 federal policy change. For employer policies, graduate school materials, and transfer credit requirements that use the term “institutionally accredited,” University of Phoenix meets the condition those policies describe. See /institutional-vs-national.html for the complete explanation.

Where can i verify University of Phoenix accreditation?

Two primary sources: DAPIP at ope.ed.gov/dapip (the federal database), and the HLC Directory of Institutions at hlcommission.org (the accreditor’s own record). DAPIP confirms the federal database entry; the HLC Statement of Accreditation Status adds pathway, reaffirmation history, and any public action record. See /verify-workflow.html for the complete step-by-step process.

Was University of Phoenix on academic probation?

No. University of Phoenix was never placed on academic probation by HLC. In 2013, HLC issued a Notice - a different and less severe action than probation. A Notice was a public signal of concerns about institutional compliance direction; probation is a formal adverse action finding significant noncompliance. University of Phoenix received a notice, not probation. The notice was subsequently resolved. See common accreditation myths, corrected for corrections of other common misstatements.

Did University of Phoenix lose its accreditation?

No. University of Phoenix has never lost HLC accreditation. It has held HLC accreditation continuously since 1978. The 2013 HLC Notice is sometimes mischaracterized as a loss of accreditation; that characterization is factually incorrect. See why the accreditation is questioned for the full context.

How does the 2019 FTC settlement relate to accreditation?

The 2019 FTC settlement and HLC accreditation are separate regulatory records. The FTC settlement addressed marketing and recruiting conduct from 2012 to 2016 under prior ownership by Apollo Education Group. HLC did not issue an adverse accreditation action in connection with the FTC settlement. University of Phoenix’s accreditation continued, and HLC reaffirmed it in 2023. See accreditation and the 2019 FTC settlement for the complete account.

What is DAPIP and how do i use it?

DAPIP is the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, available at ope.ed.gov/dapip. It is the federal database of record for institutional and programmatic accreditation. Searching for an institution by legal name returns its recognized accreditor and current accreditation status. See /dapip-how-to.html for the step-by-step guide.

Does University of Phoenix have ACBSP business accreditation?

Yes. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.

  • Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Fundamentals

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

  • Bachelor of Science in Business

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Master of Management

  • Doctor of Business Administration

  • Doctor of Management

For additional information, visit acbsp.org or call (913) 339-9356.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

8101 College Blvd #100

Overland Park, KS 66210

ACBSP Accredited Program seal

What is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation?

Institutional accreditation covers the college or university as a whole. Programmatic accreditation covers specific programs within an institution. Both may be required depending on how the credential is being used. See institutional vs. programmatic accreditation for the full explanation.

Does HLC accreditation guarantee transfer credit, employment, or licensing?

No. HLC accreditation satisfies the institutional accreditation condition in policies that require recognized accreditation. It does not guarantee that any specific course will transfer, that any specific employer will recognize the credential, or that any specific licensing board requirement will be met. Those outcomes depend on the evaluating party’s own policies. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary, or transfer credit outcomes.

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