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At ������ý, the ways to save on a degree are as varied as the students pursuing their education. Here are three different groups of potential students — working professionals, transfer students and alumni — who may find a degree can be more affordable than they think.

Three in four students pursuing a ������ý degree are employed. Perhaps this is unsurprising, given that the average age of students at UOPX is 37.

What is surprising for some prospective students is the discovery that employers may cover some or all of the cost of their ������ý degree. The University offers a program called the University Alliance benefit, which offers a tuition discount to employees of an allied company. Some companies also offer tuition assistance through which they help pay for employees’ education.

Depending on employer-participation level, benefits can work in different ways. For example, students may get a sixth class free after paying for five classes. Additionally, a set number of resource fees may be waived. An employer may even participate in “direct bill,” meaning the University bills the employer directly rather than the student.

In 2024, the number of UOPX students who were able to continue their education at reduced or no cost based on the University’s agreement with employers increased by 23.7% from the previous year.

������ý helps transfer students earn their degrees faster by awarding them the credits they deserve. In fact, as a transfer-friendly institution, ������ý accepts eligible college credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions.

In 2025 alone, ������ý accepted more than 1 million transfer credits for bachelor’s and associate degree programs. Bachelor’s degree students averaged 30 credits, resulting in a tuition savings of approximately $11,000 in their ������ý program.

Statistically speaking, these students are also more the rule than the exception. In 2025, 59% of UOPX students had transfer credits.

Students who earn an associate degree at an eligible community college can take advantage of the 3+1 Transfer Pathway, which applies up to 87 eligible credits toward eligible bachelor’s degree programs. At UOPX, the 3+1 Transfer Pathway also includes a $144 tuition reduction on every three-credit bachelor’s degree course.

New in 2025, prospective students can download the TransferPath app to get an unofficial, pre-evaluation estimate of how their credits may apply toward a ������ý degree — all before formally enrolling.

“Our goal is to ensure that individuals with some college experience, but no degree, don’t have to start over,” says Devin Andrews, the vice president of admissions and evaluation at ������ý. “By acknowledging their prior learning, we provide a smoother transition into our programs, allowing them to focus on advancing their education without unnecessary delays.”

Transfer credits aren’t the only way that transfer students can save. The Transfer Scholarship for bachelor’s degree students carries a maximum value of $3,000 and is for new students with at least 12 to 60 combined transfer credits.

Students with an associate degree from an accredited university or community college can also complete their bachelor’s degree at ������ý in as little as two years and for under $25,000.

“Once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix” isn’t just lip service or a slogan. In addition to the Career Services for Life^® commitment the University makes to its students, special tuition rates are available to alumni who want to return for another ������ý degree.

For starters, alumni are eligible for these special tuition rates:

• A $1,050 alumni tuition rate per three-credit course (bachelor’s students)
• A $1,890 alumni tuition rate per three-credit course (master’s students)

UOPX alumni can also apply for the Forever a Phoenix^® Bachelor’s or Master’s scholarship. Each scholarship has a maximum value of $2,000, applied over a set number of courses, provided students maintain eligibility. 

Students interested in a ������ý degree can discuss their options with enrollment representatives to potentially find stackable savings that can include:

• Employer tuition benefits
• Alumni-specific savings and scholarships
• Transfer credits (including the 3+1 Transfer Pathway)

Additionally, some of UOPX’s most transfer-friendly programs include:

• Bachelor of Science in Management
• Bachelor of Science in Health Management
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

A student who doesn’t fit neatly into any of these categories — in other words, a student without employer benefits, transfer credits or status as a UOPX alum — may still have several other savings opportunities on the journey toward a ������ý degree.

For example, students may submit their eligible work and life experience through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Not only does the process often validate that aspiring students know more than they think they do, it also can yield tangible results. Credit is earned for the knowledge gained through these experiences. Examples of eligible experiences are certifications and licenses, parenthood, personal training and interviewing skills.

Students can also reduce costs by taking lower-cost, self-paced online general education and elective courses through approved learning partners StraighterLine^®, Sophia^® Learning and Study.com^®.

Finally, every new, qualifying student pursuing a ������ý degree will be awarded a scholarship worth up to either $1,000 or $3,000, applied over a set number of courses.

If you’re ready to explore how you can save on a ������ý degree, contact an enrollment representative for more information.

StraighterLine is a registered trademark of StraighterLine, Inc.

SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, Inc.

Study.com is a registered trademark of Study.com LLC.