University of Phoenix logo with the black and white phoenix bird.
The University of Phoenix has announced significant updates to its community college alliance program, aimed at expanding transfer pathways for students and introducing a sixth-course tuition waiver. This initiative, made public on December 5, 2025, seeks to improve affordability and access for community college students transferring into bachelor’s degree programs at the University.
The upgraded program eliminates restrictions on academic program selection for transfer students, allowing them unrestricted access to a variety of courses. This change is designed to help students transition more efficiently from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees, particularly in fields aligned with in-demand careers.
Raghu Krishnaiah, Chief Operating Officer of the University of Phoenix, emphasized the importance of community colleges in fostering economic mobility. “By upgrading our alliances with a sixth-course tuition waiver and clearer transfer pathways, we’re reducing friction and cost so students can keep momentum toward their goals,” he stated.
Community college leaders have also underscored the positive impact of this partnership. Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., President of Bergen Community College, remarked, “This partnership not only offers a pathway to a bachelor’s degree but also provides a tuition benefit for Bergen graduates.” Such partnerships are crucial in creating streamlined transfer opportunities that enhance social and economic mobility for students.
The University of Phoenix has developed a robust framework for transfer students, establishing articulation agreements with more than 5,000 accredited institutions across the United States. This network allows students to maximize their previously earned credits, facilitating a smoother transition to bachelor’s programs.
New Tuition Waiver Benefits for Transfer Students
One of the standout features of the updated program is the introduction of the sixth-course tuition waiver. Eligible students who enroll at the University of Phoenix and successfully complete five courses will receive a tuition waiver for their sixth course, subject to specific terms and conditions.
To qualify for this benefit, students must be current or former attendees of an alliance community college and enroll in a University program after the effective date. This waiver applies to concurrent-enrollment, bachelor’s, master’s, and credit-bearing certificate programs, but it excludes doctoral and competency-based programs.
Students must enroll and show attendance in the sixth course within 365 days of starting their first course in the waiver cycle. If they do not complete the sixth course within this period, a new cycle begins upon their next first course.
Streamlining the Transfer Process
The University of Phoenix has implemented several measures aimed at simplifying the transfer process for students. Transfer Guides provide clarity on how community college coursework can be applied to specific University degree programs, creating more efficient pathways from associate to bachelor’s degrees.
Additionally, published 3+1 pathway guides illustrate how up to three years of community college coursework can count toward a bachelor’s degree at the University, potentially saving students both time and money. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to collaboration with community colleges to co-design transfer pathways and streamline administrative processes, allowing students to focus on their educational progress.
The University of Phoenix continues to innovate in an effort to support working adults in achieving their career goals. By enhancing partnerships with community colleges and offering flexible, relevant educational programs, the University aims to meet the needs of today’s learners while promoting lifelong success.
For more information about transfer credit pathways and opportunities, visit the University of Phoenix website.
