Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,752/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,752/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,553 |
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. | Bachelor | $88,250 | $15,273 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Certificate | $70,456 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $34,165 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $65,544 | $39,142 |
| Computer Programming. | Certificate | $63,005 | $7,125 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $60,173 | $38,912 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $58,221 | $7,125 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Bachelor | $57,544 |
The Risk Factor
18.4% of students at University of Phoenix-California 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-California delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $37,752 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of only 18%. Your chances of completing a degree here are low, and if you do graduate, you'll likely earn less than many community college graduates while carrying $31,553 in debt.
Nursing programs stand out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $88,250 to $124,271 annually. These programs justify their cost and represent the school's only strong ROI opportunity. Health services programs also show decent returns at $70,456, though still below many traditional universities.
Computer science graduates face a concerning situation, earning $67,660 while carrying above-average debt of $34,165. This creates a poor debt-to-income ratio compared to computer science programs at other schools where graduates typically earn significantly more.
The financial aid picture adds another layer of concern. Only 24% of students receive aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. This means you'll likely pay close to full price at a for-profit institution with weak outcomes.
You should consider University of Phoenix-California only if you're specifically pursuing nursing and need the flexibility of online education that traditional programs cannot provide. For all other majors, community colleges offer better value, and public universities deliver superior earning potential at lower costs. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings makes this school a high-risk financial choice for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Phoenix-California worth the cost?
University of Phoenix-California has poor overall value with graduates earning just $37,752 ten years after enrollment and carrying median debt of $31,553. The extremely low 18% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree but may still have debt.
What programs at University of Phoenix-California have good ROI?
Nursing programs offer the best return, with some graduates earning $88,250 to $124,271 annually. Computer science graduates earn around $67,660, while general health sciences graduates make $70,456.
How much debt do University of Phoenix-California graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $31,553, which is concerning given the low average earnings of $37,752. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at University of Phoenix-California?
Only 18.4% of students graduate from University of Phoenix-California. This means over 80% of students who enroll never complete their degree, making it a high-risk investment for most students.