University of Phoenix has released the results of its 2025 administration of the Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL). The survey found that 85% of University of Phoenix online students reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their experience, compared to 73% at national benchmarked institutions. Students at the university indicated higher satisfaction than the national average across all 26 comparable survey items, which include Academic Services, Enrollment Services, Institutional Perceptions, Instructional Services, and Student Services.
Custom survey questions focused on career and workforce impact received satisfaction ratings of 90% or above. Factors such as flexible pacing, credit transferability, and employer recommendations were identified as important reasons for student enrollment.
“Our students are working adult learners with complex lives, and their feedback is one of the most important indicators of whether we are delivering on our promise to them,” said John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix. “Seeing our students consistently report higher satisfaction than national benchmarks—including academic services, instructional quality and student services—tells us that the work we’ve done to create a skills-aligned, career-focused ecosystem for busy adults is resonating.”
Five custom areas related to career outcomes and learning impact were identified as strengths by Encoura + RNL. A new question added in this year’s survey asked about confidence in applying artificial intelligence tools in real-world scenarios; 79% expressed satisfaction with their ability to use AI. The University’s policy on student AI use has been in place since 2023.
The survey also highlighted areas where improvements can be made but noted that University of Phoenix students still reported higher satisfaction than peers at other institutions in these categories.
“The survey findings give us both affirmation and direction,” Woods said. “It affirms that our students value the flexibility, support and career focus of University of Phoenix, and it directs us to continue refining the learning experience so we can best support working adults at every step of their academic journey.”
The PSOL measures priorities and satisfaction among online undergraduate and graduate students from public and private two- and four-year colleges across the United States. This year’s national benchmark included responses from nearly 90,000 online students at 150 participating institutions.
University of Phoenix offers more than 100 career-focused educational programs through online formats as well as a physical campus in Arizona. Its programs are designed to help working adults achieve career advancement and leadership goals while addressing barriers faced by underserved communities. The institution accepts credits from multiple sources to assist student progress (https://limpar.locallabs.com/organizations/e443ee83-5fd4-4fc3-8737-655a4f11ce75), employs instructors with professional expertise, holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.phoenix.edu/), serves students nationwide (https://www.phoenix.edu/), and was founded in 1976 as an early innovator in education for working adults (https://www.phoenix.edu/).
