At $15,960/yr net price, University of Arizona graduates earn $59,979/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,979/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,960 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,979/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,979/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,620 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,043/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,789/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,497/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,124/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,936/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics. | Doctoral | $123,527 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,473 | $129,884 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $103,746 | $74,625 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $92,743 | $41,000 |
| Physics. | Master | $88,195 | |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $83,388 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $80,152 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $79,199 | $22,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.9% of students at University of Arizona graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Arizona delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of nearly $60,000 placing it above many state schools. The $15,960 annual net price makes this return particularly attractive for a major research university.
Your program choice will make or break your financial outcome here. Physics and pharmacy graduates earn over $117,000 annually, though pharmacy students face substantial debt loads of nearly $130,000. Engineering and nursing programs also deliver strong returns, with nursing graduates earning over $100,000 while carrying manageable debt of $75,000. Business majors see respectable earnings around $93,000 with moderate debt.
The 66% graduation rate creates meaningful financial risk. If you struggle with large lecture classes or need significant academic support, you could end up with debt but no degree. The desert location limits some job opportunities compared to major metropolitan areas, though Phoenix and Tucson provide reasonable employment bases.
This school works financially if you can handle the academic independence required at a large public university and choose a high-earning major. Arizona residents get strong value given the low net price. Out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether the premium over their home state options justifies the cost.
Arizona offers merit scholarships that can significantly reduce costs for strong students. The Wildcat Excellence Award provides up to $35,000 over four years for high achievers. Apply early for the best merit aid consideration, as funding becomes limited later in the cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Arizona worth the cost?
University of Arizona offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $15,960 and moderate debt levels around $19,620. However, the 65% graduation rate and average earnings of $60,000 after 10 years make it worth it mainly for high-paying programs like physics, pharmacy, and engineering.
What are the best paying majors at University of Arizona?
Physics leads with median earnings of $123,527, followed by pharmacy at $117,473 and nursing at $103,746. Business and liberal arts majors typically see much lower returns on their investment.
How much student debt do University of Arizona graduates have?
The median debt is $19,620, which is manageable for graduates in high-paying fields like engineering or pharmacy. Students in lower-earning majors may struggle to justify this debt load given the school's average post-graduation earnings.
Does University of Arizona have good financial aid?
The net price of $15,960 suggests reasonable financial aid for in-state students. With an 87% acceptance rate, the school is accessible but you should carefully consider your major choice to ensure the investment pays off.