A Clear, Honest Guide for Students

If you’re thinking about studying at University of Phoenix — whether for a bachelor’s, master’s, or another program — one big question always pops up:
“How much is this really going to cost me?”

You’re not alone. Picking a university is a financial decision as much as an academic one, and it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you enroll. So let’s break it down in simple terms — no fluff, no confusion.

1. What Kind of University Is This?

Just to get us started: University of Phoenix is a private, for-profit university in the United States. It’s known for flexible online programs, especially for working adults who need a non-traditional schedule. Some students study online, others might mix online and classroom learning.

Now let’s get to the money part.

2. Tuition: The Core Cost

Tuition is the main price you pay for your classes. At University of Phoenix, the tuition structure works differently than at some other universities. Instead of one big annual bill, they set a fixed price per credit hour that stays the same from the time you enroll until you graduate. That’s called a Tuition Guarantee — and it can help you plan ahead without surprises. University of Phoenix

Here’s how much tuition usually costs:

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s / Associate)

• Around $398 per credit hour. University of Phoenix
• If a standard course is 3 credits, that’s about $1,200 for one course (tuition only). University of Phoenix

Graduate (Master’s)

• Around $698 per credit hour. University of Phoenix
• So a 3-credit course might cost roughly $2,000 just for tuition. University of Phoenix

Doctoral

• Around $810 per credit hour. University of Phoenix
• Again, a 3-credit course would be around $2,400 just for tuition. University of Phoenix

That sounds pretty straightforward, right? But tuition isn’t the only number you need to know.

3. Resource Fees and Extra Costs

Most classes include a “resource fee” — that’s money for textbooks, online tools, labs, digital materials, and tech access. These fees are added per course:

• Undergraduate resource fee: about $170 per course University of Phoenix
• Graduate resource fee: about $195 per course University of Phoenix
• Doctoral resource fee: around $205 per course University of Phoenix

So if you’re taking a 3-credit class, your tuition + fee might look like this:

That’s important because one degree usually requires many courses.

4. What Does This Add Up to Annually?

Looking at per-course and per-credit rates gives you one way to think about cost, but it’s also helpful to see the big picture.

According to official university data and independent cost estimates:

Annual Tuition & Fees (average)

• Undergraduate: about $9,500–$9,600 per year UnivStats
• Graduate: about $15,000–$15,200 per year UnivStats

Those numbers include only tuition and mandatory fees — not living expenses or books. UnivStats

5. Total Cost of Attendance (COA)

Now let’s talk about the real world cost — the number you often hear when people compare universities:

What total cost includes:

• Tuition & fees
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses
• Housing (if you live off-campus)
• Food

Here’s an example of a full year’s cost estimate for an undergraduate student (with off-campus living): University of Phoenix

• Tuition & fees: $9,312
• Books & supplies: $1,416
• Transportation: $1,680
• Food: $2,740
• Housing: $4,890
• Personal costs & loan fees: additional amounts
• Total Cost of Attendance: around $20,000+ per year University of Phoenix

That’s more than double the tuition alone — and that’s why planning matters.

6. Financial Aid & Scholarships

Okay, so the raw price tag can look high. But here’s the good news: many students don’t pay full sticker price.

• Around 91% of students receive some financial aid. meetyourclass.com
• About 45% get Pell Grants, which don’t need to be repaid. meetyourclass.com
• The average net price after scholarships and grants is around $13,300 per year. meetyourclass.com

That means if you qualify for aid, your real cost could be MUCH lower than the headline number.

. Pros and Cons: What You Should Know

It’s only fair to look at both sides before you make a decision.

Why Some Students Like It

• Tuition guarantee means no surprise price increases. University of Phoenix
• Flexible online courses fit work or family schedules.
• Many students qualify for financial aid.

Why Some Students Hesitate

• The total cost (including living expenses) still adds up.
• Some employers value traditional or regionally accredited degrees more — it’s worth checking your field.
• For-profit universities sometimes get mixed opinions — check accreditation and outcomes for your program before you enroll.

8. Tips to Make It More Affordable

If you’re considering University of Phoenix, here are some practical ways to keep costs down:

1. Apply Early for Financial Aid

Federal aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly lower what you owe.

2. Take Courses Part-Time

Spreading out credits can make payments more manageable.

3. Compare Costs

Look at total cost of attendance, not just tuition per credit.

4. Factor in Your Career Outcome

If the degree helps you get a higher-paying job, the investment might be worth it.

9. Final Thoughts

So, how much does University of Phoenix cost? The short answer: it depends on your program and whether you get financial aid.

• Tuition per credit starts around $398 for undergrad and goes up for graduate and doctoral levels. University of Phoenix
• Annual tuition and fees can be about $9,500–$15,200. UnivStats
• After aid, many students end up paying closer to $13,000–$14,000 per year on average. meetyourclass.com
• Full cost of attendance — including living expenses — can reach $20,000+ per year if you’re living off-campus. University of Phoenix

That’s no small sum, but with proper planning, financial aid, and a clear goal in mind, many students make it work.

Before you sign up, make sure you compare options, calculate your own costs, and talk to admissions or financial advisors at the university. Getting educated is an investment — and the more information you have, the smarter your choice will be.