University of Phoenix-Arizona ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at University of Phoenix-Arizona costs about $38,208 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $35,359 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 106.4 years (20-year ROI: -81%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$38,208
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$359/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
106.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-81%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Phoenix-Arizona has a graduation rate of 18.7% and a retention rate of 40.9%. The median debt for students is $31,553, and 60.4% of students receive financial aid. The in-state tuition cost is $9,552.
One year after graduation, the median earnings are $52,226. However, five years after graduation, the median earnings decrease to $35,359, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $37,752.
Given the median debt of $31,553 and the one-year earnings of $52,226, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.60. The tuition cost of $9,552 is paid off in less than one year based on the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,552
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,553
Median Earnings (5yr)
$35,359
Graduation Rate
19%
Receive Financial Aid
60%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
Peer Comparison
-81%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
-58%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
-63%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.