University of Phoenix-Arizona
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is University of Phoenix-Arizona Worth It?
At a value score of 14/100, University of Phoenix-Arizona is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $37,752 — 30% below average — while paying $13,520/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 20% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $31,553 representing 84% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Phoenix-Arizona has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
Best Programs at University of Phoenix-Arizona
The highest-earning program at University of Phoenix-Arizona is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $86,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $27,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Phoenix-Arizona earns $86,100, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $27,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $23,438 in median debt vs. $39,768 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,520/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $86,100 | $86,100 | $23,438 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $65,900 | $65,900 | $34,257 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | $56,600 | $56,600 | $40,836 |
| Public Administration | $52,700 | $52,700 | $43,447 |
| Computer Programming | $51,300 | $51,300 | $38,738 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $47,900 | $47,900 | $39,454 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $47,200 | $47,200 | $37,586 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | $46,800 | $46,800 | $42,063 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,200 | $46,200 | $38,794 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $46,100 | $46,100 | $38,656 |
| Homeland Security | $45,100 | $45,100 | $34,375 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $42,900 | $42,900 | $44,017 |
| Marketing | $41,800 | $41,800 | $40,739 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,600 | $41,600 | $42,167 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $37,600 | $37,600 | $40,531 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $35,900 | $35,900 | $41,487 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,900 | $34,900 | $41,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $33,800 | $33,800 | $42,585 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,100 | $33,100 | $39,667 |
| Human Services, General | $31,700 | $31,700 | $44,875 |
| Behavioral Sciences | $29,800 | $29,800 | $41,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,800 | $27,800 | $39,768 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
- Student Body
- 85,991 students
- Graduation Rate
- 20%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,520
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $37,752
- Median Student Debt
- $31,553