Established with a single campus in Arizona, UOP opened its first interstate campus in San Jose, California, in 1980. In 1989, the college established an online campus, making it even more convenient for working professionals to pursue a college degree. The college held commencement exercises for online graduates for the first time in 1991. In 2000, student enrollment reached 100,000 and doubled to 200,000 in 2003. As of 2010, more than 538,000 students have graduated from UOP. As of 2011, UOP has more than 200 campus locations throughout North America and offers more than 100 degree programs.
UOP degree programs are offered in several academic areas, including business, education, nursing, humanities, science and information technology. The school offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and several professional development and continuing education certificates. Depending on the state you live in, all degree and certificate programs can be completed entirely online or on campus. As of 2011, UOP has campuses in 40 states and is located within 10 miles of more than 87 million Americans.
As of 2011, UOP tuition prices are based on the type of degree and the area of study. Associate degree tuition is $365 per credit with an $80 per course electronic materials fee. Bachelor's degree tuition ranges from $385 to $550 per credit with a $90 per course electronic materials fee. Per credit tuition for master's degree programs range from $550 to $685 with a $110 per course electronic materials fee while doctoral degree programs cost $770 per credit with a $125 per course electronic materials fee. A one-time $45 application fee is assessed for master's and doctoral degree programs. See phoenix.edu for the most updated tuition info.
UOP is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association. Accreditation was first granted in 1978 and was reaffirmed in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002. The HLC is scheduled to revisit accreditation status for UOP in 2012. Further accreditation has been given to several of UOP's educational colleges, including business (by the Accredition Council for Business Schools and Programs) and nursing (the Commission for College Nursing Education). UOP also maintains voluntary membership in several national organizations, including the Western Institute of Nursing, the American Council on Education and the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.
In 2006, University of Phoenix Stadium became the first National Football League venue to bear the name of an educational institution. The 63,400-seat stadium is home to the Arizona Cardinals, the Fiesta Bowl and UOP's annual commencement ceremonies.