University of Phoenix Graduates More Minority Students than Any Other Institution

PHOENIX, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix® today announced that it has been ranked by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine as the leading conferrer of degrees for minorities across multiple degree levels.

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According to the magazine's annual rankings of the Top 100 Degree Producers, University of Phoenix Online awarded more associate, bachelor's and master's degrees to minorities than any other academic institution in the country. Additionally, the University ranked number one in total graduate degrees – defined as master's and doctoral degrees – conferred upon minorities.

"We believe that no university in America demonstrates a greater commitment to diversity than University of Phoenix," said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. "We are committed to providing quality education to help working adults compete and thrive in the changing global economy and that commitment does not end at graduation. Our ultimate goal for our students is not only to attain a degree, but for them to apply that degree to a fulfilling and rewarding career."

According to the Diverse: Issues In Higher Education report, the number of degrees awarded to students of color has increased substantially over the last 20 years. More than three times as many racial and ethnic minorities received a bachelor's degree in 2010-11 than in 1990-1991. Minorities now represent 24.5 percent of bachelor's degree recipients, compared to only 13.5 percent 20 years ago.

"University of Phoenix is committed to supporting minorities, and all students, with quality education that fits their needs," said Dominique K. Brown, corporate diversity officer for Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix. "The impact of a college degree goes beyond just improving the life of the student. It positively impacts the student's family and community. Many of our students are the first in their families to obtain a degree. They are role models who inspire others to consider higher education."

For more than 35 years, University of Phoenix has offered programs that prepare forward-thinking students to be creative problem solvers for the new economy. With scheduling flexibility for the working professional, students can work to advance their careers while continuing to maintain their personal and professional obligations.

* Source: Diverse: Issues In Higher Education analysis of U.S. Department of Education reports submitted by institutions. Data for the survey was compiled by Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).Rankings are based on the review of 2010-2011 preliminary data. Online "campuses" are seen as a single entity, even though they enroll students globally.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix® is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of  Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix