Transfer Credits Boost Affordability

New institutional data highlights affordability as more than 900,000 transfer credits were applied in one year, helping working adults build on prior education.

During National Transfer Student Week, October 19-23, University of Phoenix is highlighting how its transfer-friendly policies help working adults build on previous education with greater affordability, transparency and certainty about their path to degree completion. New University data covering September 2025 through August 2026 shows that bachelor and associate degree students saved an average of more than $12,010 through transferred credits, excluding military students, while more than 900,000 transfer credits were applied toward degree programs.

"For working adults returning to higher education, progress shouldn't mean starting over," said John Woods, PhD, provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix. "Recognizing eligible prior learning and making transfer pathways more transparent helps students understand how far they've already come and what remains to complete a degree. It's an important part of our commitment to career-focused education that respects the time, experience and financial responsibilities adults bring with them."

The importance of clear transfer pathways is reflected in recent national research. An October 2026 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that students whose educational journeys involve multiple institutions or enrollment interruptions often experience longer timelines to degree completion. The findings underscore the importance of helping returning students understand how previous coursework may apply toward degree requirements early in the enrollment process.

University of Phoenix transfer-credit data highlights affordability, transparency and student progress

University of Phoenix institutional data for September 2025 through August 2026 highlights the scale of its transfer-credit practices and the potential for eligible students to reduce the number of courses required to complete their degrees at University of Phoenix.

• 906,892 undergraduate transfer credits were brought to University of Phoenix.
• 63.1% of students had transfer credits.
• Bachelor's degree students transferred an average of 35.7 credits.
• 92.4% of transfer credits were applied toward bachelor's degree programs.
• Students saved an average of more than $12,010 through transferred credits, excluding military students.

A total of 836,594 transfer credits were applied toward bachelor's degree programs and 68,335 transfer credits were applied toward associate degree programs.

As University of Phoenix marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, the institution continues to focus on making career-relevant higher education accessible to working adults through flexible online learning, transfer-friendly policies and opportunities to reduce education costs. Transfer credits are one part of a broader approach to affordability and certainty that includes scholarships, credit for eligible prior learning, employer education benefits and predictable tuition pricing. Founded in 1976 and online since 1989, the University has long focused on expanding educational access through flexible learning options and pathways that help students build on prior achievements, reduce costs and make progress toward their degrees.

Over the past eight years alone, the University has applied more than 7 million transfer credits, helping students save an estimated $3 billion in tuition and fees by avoiding repeated coursework.

Resources provide greater transparency about transfer-credit opportunities and potential savings

University of Phoenix accepts eligible transfer credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions, with many bachelor's degree programs allowing up to 87 eligible transfer credits. The University provides evaluation tools, transcript assistance and transfer pathways designed to help prospective students understand how previous coursework may apply toward a degree program and identify opportunities to save time and money on their education.

• TransferPath mobile and web experiences for an unofficial preliminary credit evaluation to help prospective students understand which prior college credit may apply before enrolling.
• The Savings Explorer® tool, for exploring potential savings based on prior education, work and life experience.
• Transcript assistance: University of Phoenix can request official college transcripts on students' behalf, at no cost, when possible.
• Transfer Student Scholarship: Qualified new bachelor's degree students transferring 12-60 eligible credits may receive a scholarship with a maximum value of $3,000, subject to eligibility requirements.

Together, these resources help students better understand potential savings opportunities before beginning a degree program.

"Transfer credit is an important way to help adult learners reduce education costs and maintain momentum toward degree completion," said Devin Andrews, vice president, Office of Admissions and Evaluations. "By recognizing eligible transfer credit and prior learning, we can help students build on what they have already accomplished rather than asking them to start over."

Student experiences illustrate how transfer credits create affordability and momentum

For many students, transfer credits do more than recognize previous coursework. They help students build on academic achievements they have already earned, avoid repeating classes and move more quickly toward degree completion. This was the case for Jessica Anderson, who transferred to University of Phoenix from a community college.

"Most of my transfer credits were accepted, and I was halfway to my degree sooner than I thought," said Anderson. "I love this school because the teachers are caring and prompt with responses to any questions I may have. It's never too late to accomplish your dream."

For other students, transfer credits can make it easier to continue pursuing a degree when life circumstances change. That was the case for Emily Holland, who chose University of Phoenix after her daughter was born and in-person classes were not a viable option.

"University of Phoenix got my credits from before and put me further ahead than I thought I'd be," said Holland. "I am truly grateful to be a student at University of Phoenix," she adds.

Learn more about transfer-credit opportunities

To explore transfer-credit opportunities, request a preliminary credit evaluation and learn about potential savings, visit https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.