Computer Programming at University of Advancing Technology

The story here isn't where graduates start—it's where they land four years later. University of Advancing Technology's Computer Programming grads begin at just $38,576, well below the national median of $50,242 and the Arizona median of $52,190. That's bottom-5th-percentile territory nationally. But earnings nearly double to $73,669 by year four, surpassing even University of Phoenix-Arizona's first-year outcomes and placing graduates solidly in the middle class. With manageable debt at $30,562 (roughly equal to state norms), the debt-to-earnings ratio becomes quite reasonable once that earnings trajectory kicks in.

The question is whether families can weather that difficult first year or two. At 58% Pell-eligible students, many won't have financial cushion to subsidize early-career underpayment. This program appears designed for students willing to grind through junior roles—perhaps starting in help desk or support positions—with the technical skills to advance quickly once they gain experience. That 91% earnings jump suggests employers eventually recognize the education's value, just not immediately after graduation.

If your child needs strong first-year earnings to service debt or support themselves independently, this creates real risk. But for students who can afford patience—perhaps living at home initially or with family support—the four-year outcome delivers genuine computer science salary levels at a fraction of the debt many programs require.