Does the University of Phoenix Fill A Niche Lacking In Academia?

Insidehighered.com has an article on the University of Phoenix and their two-year degree granting college, Axia.  According to them, Axia has more than 100,000 students that have enrolled over the past two years. 

I know what most of my colleagues and administrators think of the University of Phoenix.  Anyone out there have actual experience with either program? Just curious...