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University of Phoenix [UOPX]

University of Phoenix [UOPX] review: fraud and cheating 20

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I just recently discovered this site, and I too would like to share my story concerning the University of Phoenix. I am a single mom that has two teenagers and a grand baby at home. We live off of social security that I receive for my girls from their father's death. I have always wanted to go back to school and get a degree so I could better provide for my family. After extensive research I choose to attend University of Phoenix through their online education program. Within a week of speaking with an admissions advisor my classes began. After completing my first two classes and getting prepared for the next two I received a letter stating that I owed them $1400.

I had completed every financial aid form and faxed to them everything that they had asked for. I was qualified for complete financial aid due to my low income status. I immediately called them to try and get the issue resolved, but as you have probably already guessed, I got absolutely no where. They had told me that my aid information had not been forwarded to the proper agencies, therefore my aid was denied.

This was of no fault of my own. The responsibility was with the financial aid department at the school, and there was nothing that I could do about it. I now have this reflected on my credit report. I don't want anything from them except for them to remove this from my credit report. It was there fault and in no way should I be held responsible for someone else's mistakes. Someone should have been fired for this. It has hard to tell how many other people they have screwed over like this.

If someone would like to involve me in a lawsuit against them, I would be an eager and willing participant!

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20 comments
Valerie
Valerie
, US
Nov 21, 2008 8:15 am EST

The University of Phoenix's main premise is that the student can 'Log in and participate with your class when and where you choose. Participate three or four days each week depending upon your degree program.

This is not true. They only give you 4 weeks to complete the class. This is not enough time to 'learn' anything. And the teachers are not even available. If you ask a question you have to wait 3 days for an answer or longer. By that time almost all of the assignments in question are due! They give you so much work, but not enough time to complete it in. It is almost impossible to remember it all. Even if the student does well, they probably don't absorb the information that was covered. There is no standardized testing, and the whole idea that you can

'Log in and participate with your class when and where you choose. Participate three or four days each week depending upon your degree program.'
is a lie.

Sometimes the instructors post questions, and you answer them, but that doesn't count towards the 'participation' grade that mainly effects your score. The student's score is based on whether they log in and talk to themselves! It is ridiculous. I can't imagine someone actually graduating. I never got above a C+ after the easy 'pre-requisites' they made me take.

Originally the recruiter who called me to sell me on UofP basically ignored me when I said I wasn't ready to go to college because I couldn't afford it. He said, 'well you will make more money once you have your degree, and therefore make yourself more marketable in the workforce'. I didn't even agree and he still enrolled me. I cautiously just agreed (after he enrolled me)and thought perhaps I could handle it! I knew in my heart it was a scam, but I was hoping it wasn't. The 'recruiter' or as I like to call him 'scam artist' told me I could apply my credits, but none of my 65+ credits were applicable, so my graduation date was projected as 2009 and I enrolled in 2005. So the whole graduate in half the time scenario is also false, because they pile on so many classes it is basically like going back to school and starting from scratch!

All these 4 to 5 week classes all cost 1500 per class. Absolutely a rip off. Regular brick and mortar schools may boast about that or more per class, but at least you get a teacher, in the class and way more time to complete the course. If someone reads this and finds any kind of legal mis-doings, or could assist me, I would be very grateful. I know I must pay for the services, however, I feel I was conned, and now out a lot of money for nothing.

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Frogface21
Seattle, US
Nov 29, 2012 10:27 pm EST

Jennz
have you ever thought that its maybe you or your career choice? I have a BA degree from UoP. That degree has granted me an awesome job. I left my employer a year ago and that degree granted me another awesome job. I now make on the low end of a six figure yearly salary. It could be my field I chose I suppose, but it was UoP that put my foot in the door. That is after all what a degree does anyway. I'm not trying to start a flame here and troll. I'm just getting you to look at it from another view.

For the record, I haven't met anyone to this day (employer wise) that thinks a degree from UoP is useless.

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Frogface21
Seattle, US
Nov 29, 2012 10:17 pm EST

Gary524
Still no proof, UoP wasn't even mentioned so try again.

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jennz
Gibsonville, US
Jun 14, 2012 4:42 pm EDT

I too am looking for other students that would like to file a class action lawsuit against UOP for unfair practices, as well as fraudulant claims of being accredited. If anyone is interested in standing up for what is right Please join me. I have attended UOP for three years, made straight A's, and can not find any jobs. I have been laughed at and told my degree is not worth the paper it was printed on. I am furious, and know that this is not fair to students who want to get a REAL education. Email me at jw1079@yahoo.com

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Gary524
, IN
Dec 15, 2010 2:10 am EST

Someone (JaMes) up there asked for a supporting document to see whether the University of Phoenix's degree is looked down upon in the market.

Here's some support:-
Directly from Education Department - http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/student-loan-default-rates-increase-0

News on online universities - http://www.onlineuc.net/oucarticle.html

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slcody
Lexington, US
Dec 15, 2010 1:15 am EST

You are a dumb [censor]

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Gary524
, IN
Dec 15, 2010 1:11 am EST

A bit late to comment on this piece of blog, but I can very easily say University of Phoenix is a joke in the name of education. I like helping people when it comes to learning, and I do so online. Many people seek my help in solving problems related to mathematics, physics, and language, and I gladly offer my prompt attention. However, very recently I found out, that about that 30 of my 50 regular 'help seekers' were from the University of Phoenix and they were sending me questions from their exams, and ended up getting on an average 95% score on each test. I would not have known it had one of my "help seekers" had not shamelessly given me her ID and password to the exam on her behalf! Out of curiosity, I checked tests, and was shocked to find that almost all the questions I was asked to help with, were precisely the ones on the test. Not even a variable was changed. Not only that, it was also disheartening to see that at least 10 of the 40-50 questions on each test were deliberately marked wrong, despite posting a right answer.
It is indeed very sad that an educational institution of such widespread name allows such practices, and even indulges in, and then goes on to post articles on ethics.
I seriously think should Nataly move the court on this, she will certainly win, or rather be paid by the University a proper compensation for her mental and financial distress.

P.S. If anyone does not believe my words, I can post the questions of the current exams right here. And one should not think I am a student of University of Phoenix to have access to the tests, since I already graduated two years ago from one of the top Universities. I would not even think of getting associated with this university in any way!

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UOPsucker
545 W. Iredell, US
Aug 20, 2010 4:52 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The classes are now over $1700 a pop for 5 wks worth of educating ourselves... I cannot wait to be done with the stress of these teams and the expenses I incur to teach myself. Add to that a finance counselor who knows nothing about her job, but a lot about getting pregnant. SMH

I'd have been better off physically attending a university and living on campus! Convenient? Reading 4-8 chapters in one week while attending to team and individual responsibilities is hardly that.

To those who love the school- be honest with yourselves- the only convenience is that you get to sit home and do nothing other than all the work required. That's just it- you get to sit home. For $1700.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have definitely rethought this entire UOP thing.

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Leniek
, US
Aug 04, 2010 9:14 am EDT

I received my bachelors from a brick and mortar institution. It is private, I might add. It was also founded in the 1800s. I decided to pursue my graduate degree from a brick and mortar, but my husband's job and my two kids prevented me from finishing; therefore, I decided to transfer to UoP. I can say that I have learned and retained far more than I had in my brick and mortar school.

If you have attended a brick and mortar then you know that the same issues with bad teachers, incompetent advisors, and lazy people exist there, too. There are lazy people who pass traditional college and shouldn't. That happens everywhere. At least you don't have to worry about your classmates sleeping with the instructors to get A's...LOL

I think that is the biggest problem, many of those who are complaining in this forum are first-time college students and do not have anything to compare it with.

I will say this, though, I have never had to work so hard in my life. I am earning every ounce of this 4.0.

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almostdonewithschool
, US
Jul 22, 2010 8:22 pm EDT

I am going to UOP and I will graduate with my BS in Business Management in 6 months. First off you stated that they enrolled you without your consent. I had to consent when I enrolled and disclose a lot of information but the enrollment counsoler did not fill out the paper work for me, I had to do it. If you do not participate on the online discussions of course you will do poorly, it's usually around 25% of your grade. The papers are a breeze, you just have to do the reading, and then spend an hour or so doing research. I just dedicate about 3 hours a few days before the paper is due to write it. The group projects are super easy as long as you get team members that pull their weight. The key is online school is not easier, it is harder because you have to teach yourself the concepts.

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realmad
, US
Oct 24, 2009 12:49 am EDT

this school is bull... I started school there in august and I have not yet recived any thing from my loan. and you cant even transfer you credits... please dont go here...

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abrooks
553 Grant Barto Road, US
Oct 10, 2009 9:27 pm EDT

I will have my Associates in December and I can honestly say that the University of Phoenix is a great school. I have been to a traditional University "on-ground" and I learned ALOT more online than I did at the University I previously attended. I have checked with several schools in my area, including Penn State and they accept transfer credits from the University of Phoenix, so whoever says that their credits do not transfer, you should do your research. The UoP classes are very in depth and informative. I'm assuming that you are complaining because you forgot to do something and now you have to suffer the consequences. DO NOT start any classes until you have received a letter or have spoken to someone who is giving you the loan. Do your research!

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mfrosty86
Renton, US
Jun 22, 2009 12:45 am EDT

I completely agree with iggee002 and Jen. I too am attending Axia. I am in my third set of "2" classes. I have not had any problems what so ever. I was NOT pressured into enrolling and I am getting a 4.0 as well. There are times when I struggle with an assignment and there are times when the assignments are a breeze. College was NOT meant to be easy, you have to put in the time. I have two boys, I work full-time, I am in the AF Reserves, plus I make sure I keep up with my running and working out. Basically you get out of it what you put into it; if you give minimal effort then that is what you are going to get out of it; if you give it all that you have got then you're going to do very very well. I learned in my first two classes, that prior to the class start date you have to get yourself organized, then after the classes start you have to take the time to read ALL the instructions very carefully and read them one more time prior to turning in your assignment. As long as you follow all the instructions that are given, pay close attention to what you are doing and ask the instructor questions when you are not sure, you'll do fine. I have absolutely no complaints with UoP and my goal is to graduate with a 4.0 and I'm well on my way!

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iggee002
Reynoldsville, US
Jun 16, 2009 6:07 pm EDT

I am about to graduate from Axia, and I am proud to say it. Previously, I attended two "ground" schools, so I know what I am talking about.

Let me get this out there...My PASSING credits transfered. Passing being the key word here. Any credits that are below a B will not...and why would you want them to? Obviously you did not get everything out of the course as you should have, then add ten or so years of not using the knowledge you DID retain. YOU NEED TO TAKE THE CLASS AGAIN.

Also, FYI:

College is HARD or it would not be worth anything. As it stands now I will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. I have these grades because I put the time into it. And I don't mean three or four times a week for an hour or two. Because you can pick your work schedule, this school can be very challenging for people who lack DICIPLINE. There is nobody to hold your hand. I log in five days a week because I give myself two days off. When I am logged in I will spend anywhere from 3 to ten hours. I once spent 16 hours strait on a final project. I have four kids AND work a full time job. I do what it takes because I am willing to work hard for the degree I failed to achieve in the past.

This is how I am doing it. How you do it is your choice...but remember that you only get out what you put into something. One of the first steps to failure is to blame someone else for your problems. Those of you who have had bad experiences...ask yourself if your really did ALL you could. I doubt it because the school is credible. That is like some drunk frat boy saying that Penn State or Notre Dame is a scam because their professor was out to get them so they failed. No, they got drunk and didn't do their work or go to class. The professor is there to teach, NOT babysit or coddle.

There are plenty of graduates who have moved on to better lives because of this school that was founded in the 70's. Honestly, if it was such a joke, I am sure it would not have lasted more than 30 years and also be the preferred school for our military personnel.

Grow up, people. And quit blaming the school because the work wasn't as easy as you thought it would be.

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Jen
Knoxville, US
May 22, 2009 9:55 pm EDT

I currently attend Axia College a online branch of University of Phoenix. I'm just finishing up my third and fourth class this week. I have wanted to go back to school for a very long time, and I asked to be contacted, and I did not feel forced to start school. In fact, they contacted me in November to give me information, and I asked them to call me back in a couple months and I will decide then. My enrollment counselor called me at a very good time, and I enrolled. My GPA right now is 4.0, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. The classes seem like real classes, the work is challenging at times, but rewarding. Plus, all my counselors are only a phone call away. They make sure I'm on the right track at all times. Of all the complaints that I have heard, I have not seen one that has come true for me.

My mother is a top executive at her job. Her company has hired several students that have graduated from Axia College, and they do very well in their fields. I have some doubters...but my supporters more then outway them!

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JaMes
Louisville , US
Apr 13, 2009 12:26 pm EDT

"Their degree is not accepting anywhere anyway" That was a dumb comment...I would like to see some type of supporting documents showing that their degree isnt accepted anywhere.

Let me guess, you dropped out or either failed some classes and now you owe them money.

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kinko
Jenks, US
Mar 09, 2009 10:29 am EDT

All I want to say that UOP is fraud, they are just for making money not for education. Their degree is not accepting anywhere anyway. It is a mistake of my life. Their instructor even can not talk in english, they are spanish. I don't know how they got hired. It does not matter if someone has degree and not a understand a word you are saying.

I wish someone take action and close that university. Their Director of Academic Affair is one of the rudest person I have ever come across.

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AMMC1959
Clearfield, US
Dec 29, 2008 12:27 pm EST

I am a UOP student right at this time. I am not sure if I will continue or not. I felt I was force into signing up with UOP before I was actually ready. They put me in classes before they received my transcripts from the other college I went to prior to UOP. They told me I could get Prior Learning credits with all the prior learning from job and other resourses.(which I could not since I had so many credits from the other school) I was told the degree I was getting was flex net program. ( 2 classes in class and 3 online) I was just informed that I would have to be traveling to UOP that is 40 miles away from me weekly. I felt I was lied to in several areas. Just to get me signed up. They also only excepted 24 of my credits out of 54. Which they told me they would except any that was C and above.

There is so much homework (research papers) in a five week course. There is no way you can do a good job on research papers that are due in just a week time periods. I also don't even think they really grade the papers. I have never gotten one or two points taken off. I have brought that up to my academic advisor and she stated that since they were accredited they had to meet certain standards. I had less work at the state university in a semester time than I did with five weeks at the UOP.

I believe UOP to could be an awesome college if they would revamp it. One thing they need to do away with is learning teams. What a joke! Out seven classes I have done so far. I have only had two good teams where we actually worked together. All the other teams were horrible. Either they left you hanging and didn't get their part done. Or quit the class just before the final project was due and didn't let you know.

I feel what UOP does is has some very unethical practices. I do believe they need to be looked into by government. Only by who is the question.

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Miss G
,
Nov 26, 2008 11:57 am EST

I enjoy receiving my college education from U of P. But I am still leery. I have been strongly advised that the degree is real and accepted by employers with an applause, but...I don't even attend the U of P. I'm attending some Axia College. And yes, the classes are terribly expensive. I actually have student loans. I get a pell grant...that covered my whole YEAR at the community college. But Axia has no community...which I'm not complaining about because I hate group work and I prefer to do my own thing...but they have lied. They say to log in 3 days out of seven. Make a post to the forum...Yea, well, you do that and you still get cheated out of your participation...I thought the "CHAT" forum was to chat and participate with the other student body...NO, UoP wants you to post 2 substantive (200-300) word replies per day (3 days) per week, and in the MAIN forum...not the chat forum. Well what is the chat forum there for then?

I had a teacher for my CRT 205 class. He couldn't even speak English. When he would give feedback, the feedback would be all broken up and totally uneducated. Very difficult to piece together what he was getting at. Well anyway, I held an awesome grade in the class until the 7th week. This man failed me by 1 point...it was so obvious that he did this on purpose...I was the star student until the 8th week. The 8th week, I let him know of some problems with his grading of my assignments. The grading had become more steep than ever! It was a like a completely different teacher had emerged. Well he gave me feedback about my feedback, but I just could not understand this man for him being so grammatically challenged. I asked my academic counselor what he was saying. He didn't know either. I warned my academic counselor that I believe he's up to some funny business and I wanted an Incomplete grade for the class to be finished in another teacher's class. NOPE, DIDN'T GET HEARD ON THAT. "Oh you're fine". "You always get great grades". "You're going to pass, you have no reason not to, Look, you're already at a passing score, you just need 12 more points". "You can get those 12 points just by logging in and participating". "You don't have to do a final project". Yea, RIGHT! I finished out the class...completed every assignment...final project...capstone question...the whole shabang. He failed me. He gave me not 1 point for my 9th week. Said my final project was coinciding, not contrasting. The final called for two articles to share the same view and two that share the opposite. If someone is against abortion...they are going to be against partial birth as well, right? Is partial birth not worse than gestational? NOT TO THIS TEACHER. He considered them to be conflicting view points. The topic was ABORTION. Not abortion vs partil birth. What is partial birth abortion if it is not an abortion? What is abortion if aborting a partially born baby is not abortion?

I am upset because I warned my Academic and my Enrollment counselor of this teacher. It was shunned off. What I predicted ended up happening... My gpa went below 2.0... Having problems with financial aid covering the class and any further class with my gpa so low. Have to fill out all of this paper work. Financial counselor is not disbursing my money to me...and has NOT anwered my calls or emails. I paid 1000 dollars to be taught to critically think by a teacher who can't think of how to form a grammatically correct sentence? WOW! Yes, that's a problem!

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John
,
Nov 23, 2008 8:06 pm EST

U of P is the biggest joke in the country. Laughable at every response from graduates of its online school. So sad!