What is the song in the new University of Phoenix 2026 commercial?

Most university commercials follow a predictable formula: inspirational shots of students, a narrator talking about opportunity, and a soft instrumental track in the background. But the University of Phoenix has never been a typical institution — and its advertising has never been typical either.

In 2026, the university released a new commercial titled “We Can Do IT”, and almost instantly, viewers began asking the same question across social media:

“What is the song in the new University of Phoenix commercial?”

The answer is more interesting than you might expect. The commercial uses a distinctive sound rooted in the university’s long‑running “More Than Brains” musical identity — a style originally introduced in a full music video performed by the singer Roarke.

This article explores the full story behind the music, the artist, the campaign, and why this commercial has resonated so strongly with students, working adults, and lifelong learners across the United States.

1. The 2026 Commercial: “We Can Do IT” — A New Chapter in the University’s Musical Branding

Watch the commercial here: University of Phoenix – We Can Do IT

A Commercial Built on Empowerment

The “We Can Do IT” commercial is one of the most emblematic pieces of the University of Phoenix brand. It blends:

• A narrative of personal transformation

• A focus on working adults

• A message of resilience and determination

• A musical style that feels modern, emotional, and cinematic

The commercial follows individuals juggling work, family, and education — a core demographic for the university. The music plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional tone, giving the ad a sense of momentum and hope.

The Song Behind the Commercial

The track used in the 2026 commercial is part of the “More Than Brains” musical identity — a sound the university has been developing for years. While the commercial uses a shortened, polished version, the full musical style originates from the extended music video performed by Roarke.

This is why so many viewers describe the commercial’s soundtrack as:

• “Motivational”

• “Cinematic”

• “Emotional”

• “Unexpectedly powerful”

The music is not just background noise — it’s the heartbeat of the entire campaign.

2. “More Than Brains” (Extended Version) — The Origin of the Sound

Watch the extended music video here: More Than Brains – Extended Version (Roarke)

The Song That Started It All

Before the 2026 commercial, the University of Phoenix released a full music video titled “More Than Brains.” This track, performed by the singer Roarke, became the foundation for the university’s new sonic identity.

The song blends:

• Indie‑pop vocals

• Cinematic percussion

• Emotional crescendos

• Lyrics about resilience, grit, and self‑belief

It’s not a typical jingle. It’s a full‑fledged song — and that’s exactly why it works.

Why Roarke’s Voice Matters

Roarke’s vocal style is:

• Warm

• Raw

• Emotional

• Empowering

Her voice carries a sense of authenticity that resonates with the university’s target audience: adults who are returning to school, changing careers, or overcoming personal challenges.

The University of Phoenix isn’t selling a traditional college experience — it’s selling transformation, second chances, and the belief that it’s never too late to grow.

Roarke’s voice captures that perfectly.

3. Why the Music Matters: The Psychology Behind the Soundtrack

Music is one of the most powerful tools in advertising. It shapes emotion, memory, and brand identity. The University of Phoenix understands this better than most institutions.

1. Music Creates Emotional Momentum

The “More Than Brains” sound is built around rising melodies and rhythmic builds. This creates a sense of:

• Progress

• Determination

• Forward motion

It mirrors the emotional journey of adult learners who are pushing through obstacles to achieve something bigger.

2. Music Reinforces the Brand’s Identity

The University of Phoenix has positioned itself as:

• A school for working adults

• A place for people who didn’t follow a traditional path

• A community for those who want to reinvent themselves

The music reflects that identity — bold, emotional, and grounded in real‑world struggle.

3. Music Makes the Message Memorable

People may forget visuals, but they remember melodies. This is why viewers keep searching for:

• “What is the song in the University of Phoenix commercial?”

• “Who sings the University of Phoenix ad song?”

• “University of Phoenix 2026 commercial music”

The soundtrack becomes a hook — a way to connect emotionally with the audience long after the commercial ends.

4. The Narrative Style: Why the Commercial Feels Like a Short Film

The University of Phoenix doesn’t create traditional ads. It creates mini‑stories.

The 2026 commercial uses:

• Slow‑motion shots

• Close‑ups of hands, faces, and workspaces

• Realistic lighting

• Documentary‑style framing

• A narrative arc of struggle → effort → triumph

The music ties these elements together, making the commercial feel like a short film about resilience.

A Story of Working Adults

The commercial highlights:

• A parent studying after putting kids to bed

• A worker taking online classes during a lunch break

• Someone switching careers after years in the same job

• A person overcoming self‑doubt to pursue a degree

These are not fictional characters — they represent real students.

The music amplifies their stories, giving them emotional weight.

5. The Cultural Moment: Why This Commercial Resonates in 2026

The University of Phoenix commercial is trending because it taps into several cultural trends:

1. The Rise of Non‑Traditional Students

More adults than ever are returning to school to:

• Change careers

• Upskill

• Adapt to AI‑driven industries

• Improve job security

The commercial speaks directly to them.

2. The Desire for Authenticity

People are tired of polished, unrealistic ads. They want:

• Real stories

• Real struggles

• Real voices

The music and visuals feel authentic, not manufactured.

3. The Emotional Power of Reinvention

The idea of “starting over” resonates deeply in a time of:

• Economic uncertainty

• Industry disruption

• Technological change

The commercial’s message — “We can do it” — feels empowering.

6. The Role of Music in Educational Branding

Most universities rely on:

• Classical music

• Soft piano

• Generic inspirational tracks

The University of Phoenix took a different approach.

A Modern, Indie‑Cinematic Sound

The “More Than Brains” style blends:

• Indie pop

• Electronic elements

• Cinematic percussion

• Emotional vocals

It feels modern, youthful, and forward‑thinking — even though the target audience is adults.

A Consistent Sonic Identity

By using the same musical style across multiple campaigns, the university creates:

• Brand recognition

• Emotional continuity

• A sense of identity

When viewers hear the first few notes, they know it’s a University of Phoenix ad.

7. Who Is Roarke? The Voice Behind the Soundtrack

Roarke is the artist behind the extended “More Than Brains” track. Her voice has become synonymous with the University of Phoenix brand.

Why Her Voice Works

Roarke’s vocals are:

• Emotional

• Textured

• Powerful

• Vulnerable

She sounds like someone who has lived through challenges — someone who understands the emotional weight of reinvention.

A Voice That Represents the Audience

The University of Phoenix’s audience is not 18‑year‑olds fresh out of high school. It’s:

• Parents

• Veterans

• Career changers

• Working professionals

• People who have faced setbacks

Roarke’s voice reflects their journey.

8. The Extended Version: Why Fans Keep Searching for It

Watch the extended version here: More Than Brains – Extended Version (Roarke)

The extended version is longer, more emotional, and more musically complex than the commercial cut.

Why People Love the Extended Version

1. It Feels Like a Real Song

Not a jingle. Not a background track. A full, cinematic piece of music.

2. It Builds Emotion Slowly

The extended version has:

• A slow intro

• A rising middle section

• A powerful climax

It mirrors the emotional arc of personal transformation.

3. It’s Motivational

Many listeners use it for:

• Studying

• Working out

• Morning routines

• Personal motivation

The song has become a kind of anthem for people trying to improve their lives.

9. Why the Commercial’s Music Is Going Viral

The University of Phoenix commercial is trending because the music is:

• Emotional

• Cinematic

• Motivational

• Authentic

• Memorable

People aren’t just watching the commercial — they’re searching for the song, sharing it, and adding it to playlists.

This is rare for a university ad.

10. SEO Breakdown: Why People Are Searching for This Song

Common search queries include:

• “What is the song in the University of Phoenix commercial?”

• “University of Phoenix 2026 ad music”

• “Who sings the University of Phoenix commercial song?”

• “More Than Brains Roarke”

• “University of Phoenix We Can Do IT soundtrack”

This article is optimized to answer all of them.

Conclusion: What Is the Song in the New University of Phoenix 2026 Commercial?

The song featured in the 2026 University of Phoenix commercial “We Can Do IT” is based on the musical style introduced in the “More Than Brains” extended version performed by Roarke.

Here are the key videos again:

• University of Phoenix – We Can Do IT

  

  Watch YouTube video

• More Than Brains – Extended Version (Roarke)

  

  Watch YouTube video

---