When you see this sign - run away fast before they have time to scam you!
My brother was watching TV about a few years ago and saw a catchy advertisement for Phoenix University (aka University of Phoenix) and their online classes. It stated that he could take classes part-time and online. Being that he had a family, a job and an irregular schedule this sounded great to him. So he called their 800 number and requested information on the college.
Now keep in mind back then they didn’t have the requirements they do now posting the transferability and Morpheus of the credits one could earn at a completely online and sub accredited university (by sub accredited I’m referring to the fact that Phoenix University as of right now is not accredited by any credible association even though they claim to be – the only accreditation they have is by a credit granting source that they actually own – which is a scam in its own right).
Even today, the little disclaimers they have at the end of their ads are barely readable and rolled on there for a fraction of a second saying that there credits and classes taken there may not transfer. Let me help you with that definition there. What that really means in the real world today is that those credits earned there are absolutely 100% worthless. Many employers have now added a few lines of text to their job applications which basically state that if you have attended an online university like Phoenix University, DeVry, and numerous other shady, online universities like them that you should not even bother applying.
Well, during the time my brother attended Phoenix University, I tried to tell him that the school was not really school and was just a scam. You can get a professional good paying job going to a online university that’s not accredited worth a damn. He didn’t listen to me because the schools counselors and advisers told him otherwise. They stated that he was guaranteed a job and a good paying one at that when he graduated.
The sad thing is only now after going a year and a half without finding any work anywhere because no one wants to hire someone with a degree from Phoenix University in anything as he realized he was duped or scamed. He now has over $30,000 in loans that he needs to pay off and he has no hope of paying them off because he can’t get a job worth anything.
Going to Phoenix University basically qualifies you to work at irking or McDonald’s flipping burgers and turning french fries. It in no way qualifies you or prepares you for professional level job. I don’t see why the federal government allows financial aid loans to students of schools like Phoenix University. The students all come out of their with huge debt and can’t get a job and have no hope of paying it back. Yes there might be a few here and there that might end up getting a job because daddy works at the company or something similar but that’s about it.
They just had a huge report on MSNBC and another one on dateline I believe that was exposing the huge amounts of debt that students were racking up at schools like Phoenix University. They also showed DeVry University and numerous other ones. But Phoenix University seemed to be the biggest one of these online university scams. The federal government and the FTC should cut off all financial aid to schools where people don’t have the hope of getting a decent job afterwords.
And to those of you that might be thinking of going to a school like Phoenix University I have one word for you – No! Please hang up the phone on them. Don’t call them back. And learn the fact that a college degree is something that is earned and it’s earned from a reputable university. It takes hard work and years of school. But in the end you’re left with a real degree that opens up doors to real professional jobs and great employers. Unlike the diploma mills like Phoenix University where the only door it opens is the one where you fall flat on your behind.
Great post. I have known that these online universities are a scam for a while, but I did not know how widespread the problem had become. Must be Phoenix University has hired some big lobbyists in Washington. I can’t see any other way they could possibly get qualified to dole out financial aid. Maybe if enogh people complain something will get done about it?
Hot debate. What do you think?
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And to think, I was actually thinking of attending the University of Phoenix because it was so convenient. I will be sure and not attend them and not return their calls. What a scam! Congress should close them down and fast!
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Hello, I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting your site often.That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.
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Yes, U of Phoenix is a scam. It was on the news. Washington is corrupt this is why it is allowed to continue.
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I agree. These online universities are virtual scams and are scamming millions of students out of billions of dollars that should be going to other, more important issues. I think that instead of funding these online universities scams like Univerty of Phoenix, Congress should fund an actual health-care plan that works for everyone so that everyone has access to good quality and low cost health care!
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I would like to reply and say that I am a “Phoenix”. Contrary to your belief that University of Phoenix is a scam, I believe this University allowed me to finish what I started 20+ years ago. In 2006, I completed the last credits I needed after finishing 3 years of college in the 1980′s. If you think that these classes are a piece of cake and you just get this paper saying you graduated after you pay your money, THINK AGAIN! I spent many countless hours applying myself to reading, projects, class participation, etc. The professors push you and will not push you through without doing the work involved.
In addition to finishing my degree, I was selected as Student Speaker at graduation and had the honor of addressing classmates at the arena in Phoenix. The feeling that day can never be replaced. I was a respected college graduate and no one will ever take that away from me!
The government would not allow institutions to thrive like the UoP has with sites everywhere you turn. Todays generation is that of being connected with Phones, Internet, etc being a necessity. Taking classes online is a difficult process. You are learning through alot of self taught processes. You share the real world applications and work towards your college degree. I am thrilled to be a “Phoenix” and would recommend the school to anyone looking to finish their education while living the “real life”!
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HA! Really good sharing this.
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Phoenix university sucks dudes. It plainly states credits unlikely to transfer. why? Because they suck big time. Its a big scam.
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pfarris:
I suppose you reply to emails that offer you degree by paying the fee with no classes taken? The classes at UoP are not easy and getting a degree from there is something I am proud of and no one can ever take away !
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I agree. The government should not offer financial aid and especially not federally backed student loans to these online scam schools like Phoenix University.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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