University of Phoenix announces 2026 President's and Dean's Lists recognizing academic excellence

Student recognition honors academic achievement among University of Phoenix working adult learners.

PHOENIX, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix celebrates the accomplishments of the students named to its semi-annual President's and Dean's Lists, recognizing the success and progress of 32,416 students who are achieving academic excellence in their programs of study. The University serves an annual average student population of 81,900 total degreed enrollment.

The President's List identifies students who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) across all seven Colleges including the College of Doctoral Studies. There were 9,496 students recognized in the President's List. The Dean's lists require a 3.5 to 3.99 GPA for undergraduate degree program students, and a 3.7 to 3.99 GPA for master's degree program students. There were 22,920 students recognized in the Dean's Lists for six Colleges: College of Business and Information Technology, College of General Studies, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Health Professions, and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Who qualifies for the University of Phoenix President's and Dean's Lists?

Students in associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs may qualify for the President's List. Students in associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs may qualify for the Dean's List. To be eligible for Dean's or President's List recognition, students must meet the following criteria during the previous six months:

• Meet the required minimum GPA for their program level as determined by grades earned on first-time course completions during the previous six months:
  • President's List: 4.0 GPA
  • Dean's List: 3.5 GPA for undergraduate degree programs, 3.7 for master's degree programs.
• Complete a minimum number of credits: 12 credits for undergraduate and master's degree program students; 9 credits for doctoral students
• Meet Student Code of Conduct expectations
• Have passing grades only

"Recognition through the President's and Dean's Lists reflects the dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence demonstrated by the students who have earned this distinction," said John Woods, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of University of Phoenix. "Many of our learners are balancing career, family, and personal commitments while pursuing their degrees. Earning this recognition highlights their commitment to achieving their goals and serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the hard work that drives their continued success."

Madison Snow is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Human Resource Management Certificate while working as a Human Resource Generalist. "It is an honor to earn a spot on the President's List at University of Phoenix," shares Snow. "Balancing school while working full-time hasn't always been easy, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep learning, growing and bettering myself. I'm thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way, and I'm getting closer to graduating which is exciting!"

Dereka Hines earned a spot on the Dean's List while running her small business, raising a family, and pursuing her bachelor's degree in Business Management. "Hard work, determination, and consistency really do pay off," says Hines. "Balancing school, family, and starting my own business hasn't been easy, but moments like this remind me why I keep pushing forward. Here's to continuing to learn, grow, and build the future I want. "

Academic achievement among working adult students

Snow and Hines' experiences reflect that of many University of Phoenix students who pursue their education while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. Most students at University of Phoenix are working adults, parents and caregivers. In fact, 75.4% are employed, and in the Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners, 63% of University student respondents indicated they have caregiving responsibilities, while 91% expressed satisfaction that their chosen program aligns with their career path and that the course format is easy to navigate and fits into their busy lives. The University provides students managing these competing demands with an extensive support framework including flexible course scheduling and its Life Resource Center.

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.

SOURCE University of Phoenix