What Verdica's 767 score means for Phoenix College
Phoenix College's composite score of 767 places it in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating a provider with solid regulatory standing and measurable operational compliance. This score reflects aggregated data across accreditation status, student outcomes, and Title IV compliance—the three pillars Verdica uses to assess education providers.
A score in the strong band suggests Phoenix College meets baseline regulatory requirements and demonstrates consistent institutional performance. Readers should interpret this as a provider that has cleared major hurdles: it holds active accreditation, maintains Title IV eligibility to disburse federal aid, and reports student outcome metrics to the Department of Education. That said, a score of 767 is not in the "excellent" tier (800–850), which means there are measurable areas where performance lags peer benchmarks or regulatory expectations.
For someone evaluating Phoenix College—whether as a prospective student, employer, or partner—this score indicates moderate confidence in institutional stability and compliance. It merits neither alarm nor uncritical assumption of excellence. The reader's next step should be to drill into the sub-scores and understand where the strengths and weaknesses lie.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845. This sub-score reflects Phoenix College's standing with its regional or specialized accreditor and alignment with accreditation standards. A score of 845 is in the high range, meaning the institution either holds accreditation in good standing or has recently satisfied accreditor expectations. Accreditation status is binary in regulatory terms—a school either has it or doesn't—so the variation in this score typically captures recency, scope of accreditation, or any sanctions short of loss of recognition.
Student Outcomes: 630. This is the lowest sub-score and falls in the "elevated risk" band (580–669). In the IPEDS framework, student outcomes include graduation rates, retention rates, employment outcomes for completers, and sometimes earnings data linked to program type. A score of 630 suggests Phoenix College's graduates are completing programs and finding work, but at rates that fall short of sector benchmarks or the institution's peer group. This could reflect program-specific weakness, population demographics, or national trends in the labor market.
Compliance: 835. This sub-score reflects Title IV compliance—the federal framework governing federal student aid disbursement. A score of 835 indicates Phoenix College has minimal or no recent Title IV violations, meets cash management requirements, and maintains acceptable cohort default rates on federal loans. Title IV violations range from minor (late reporting) to severe (misuse of funds, fraud), and a high score here signals the institution stewards federal aid responsibly.
What regulators in AZ track for education providers
Arizona's education providers are monitored through three main channels:
Accreditation. The Department of Education recognizes regional accreditors (e.g., the Higher Learning Commission) and specialized accreditors. Schools must maintain accreditation to operate and participate in federal aid. Loss of accreditation, probation, or restrictions are tracked and reported.
Title IV Compliance. The U.S. Department of Education oversees federal aid programs (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, etc.). Regulators track cohort default rates (the share of student borrowers who default within three years), cash management compliance, enrollment reporting accuracy, and financial aid award integrity. Repeated violations can trigger financial penalties, aid restrictions, or loss of Title IV eligibility.
IPEDS Data. Institutions must report to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System annually. Metrics include enrollment, degrees awarded, graduation and retention rates, tuition, aid disbursed, and employee headcount. These data are public and used to calculate federal accountability measures.
Bottom line
Phoenix College earns a "strong" rating on regulatory standing, with particularly robust accreditation and Title IV compliance. However, its student outcomes trail expectations, warranting closer review of graduation rates and employment placement data before enrolling or partnering. Prospective students should cross-check published outcome metrics and speak with recent graduates.