University of Phoenix has announced its ongoing commitment to supporting working parents and caregivers through a comprehensive support framework tailored to students balancing education, employment, and family responsibilities. The university reports that 63% of its students care for dependents, with an average student age of 38. Additionally, 68% are first-generation college students and 62% work while enrolled.
John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix, stated: “Working parents and caregivers often face barriers that can make pursuing a degree feel out of reach. Our goal is to provide reliable and accessible support that helps students move forward in their educational goals. We listen closely to our students and continue to strengthen the systems and resources that help them manage competing responsibilities while staying on track.”
A recent report from the University of Phoenix Career Institute highlighted that caregiving duties impact adult learners’ ability to pursue further education. Specifically, 58% of working mothers in the “sandwich generation”—those caring for both children and adult dependents—reported declining educational opportunities due to caregiving responsibilities.
To address these challenges, the university has implemented flexible learning options such as multiple program start dates throughout the year and five- or six-week asynchronous courses. Students have access to tools like the Phoebe chatbot for quick information retrieval, confidential counseling through the Life Resource Center, career services including one-on-one advising, academic counseling with developmental coaching, specialized writing and mathematics centers, and online study groups for peer engagement.
Faculty at University of Phoenix average nearly three decades of professional experience. They receive training in classroom management, trauma-informed communication strategies, and early identification of students facing significant external pressures. These measures aim to create an environment conducive to learning for those balancing school with other obligations.
Survey data from the 2025 Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners shows flexibility is a key enrollment driver among University of Phoenix students; 95% cited flexible pacing or work schedule as reasons for choosing the institution. Among survey respondents with caregiving duties, high satisfaction rates were reported regarding program clarity (90%), course format (96%), communication tools (95%), and assignment support tools (96%).
The national context underscores this need: over 60% of college-enrolled parents work full-time according to the American Council on Education. Of Americans with some college credit but no degree—43.1 million people—most are under age 65.
The University of Phoenix works to remove barriers for underserved communities by offering more than 100 career-focused programs connected to over 300 professions across the nation through both its physical campus in Phoenix and online delivery formats. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and aims to equip students with skills relevant for career advancement, organizational growth, and community leadership.
