At $13,571/yr net price, University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn $37,752/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,752/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,571 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,752/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,752/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,553 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,784/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,853/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,320/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,243/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,188/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $124,271 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,487 | $31,196 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $98,670 | $66,759 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Doctoral | $91,744 | $90,679 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $88,596 | $24,376 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,250 | $15,273 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $77,536 | $76,500 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Doctoral | $70,456 | $79,671 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Certificate | $70,456 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $67,660 |
The Risk Factor
19.5% of students at University of Phoenix-Arizona graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of Phoenix-Arizona delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a median earnings outcome of just $37,752 annually against $31,553 in typical debt. The 19.5% graduation rate means four out of five students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt.
Nursing programs represent the school's only strong financial opportunity, with graduates earning $98,670 to $124,271 annually. However, debt levels vary dramatically within nursing, from $31,196 to $66,759, so you need to research your specific program carefully. Health administration also shows promise at $91,744, though graduates typically carry $90,679 in debt.
The school's online format creates specific risks. The 40.9% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the self-directed learning model. Since you pay per credit, dropping out midway through means paying for credits that provide no degree value. The for-profit structure also means limited financial aid options compared to traditional colleges.
University of Phoenix works financially if you can complete a nursing program or need the scheduling flexibility for career advancement in healthcare administration. Working adults with employer tuition assistance benefit most from the structure. However, if you're considering general business, education, or liberal arts programs, the weak earnings outcomes make this school a poor financial choice. Traditional community colleges or state universities offer better value for most career paths.
The low graduation rate should be your primary concern. Unless you have strong self-discipline for online learning or specific career requirements that demand this school's credentials, look elsewhere for better financial returns on your education investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Phoenix-Arizona worth the cost?
University of Phoenix-Arizona has poor overall ROI with graduates earning just $37,752 ten years after enrollment despite median debt of $31,553. The 19.5% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What programs at University of Phoenix-Arizona have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with some graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Health administration programs also show decent outcomes at around $91,744, but most other programs significantly underperform.
How much student debt do University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $31,553, which is problematic given the low average earnings of $37,752. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for most graduates.
Does University of Phoenix-Arizona offer good financial aid?
The net price averages $13,571 per year, but the extremely low graduation rate means many students pay without completing degrees. Financial aid doesn't offset the risk of non-completion and poor earnings outcomes.