Analysis
University of Arizona's HR program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack nationally while carrying significantly less debt than most alternatives. At $19,500 in median student loans, graduates owe roughly $7,000 less than the Arizona state median and $11,000 below the national average for this degree. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates typically earn nearly three times their debt in their first year aloneβa manageable starting point for any career.
The earnings trajectory tells a straightforward story: graduates start at $54k and reach $63k by year four, reflecting solid progression for an HR career. While University of Phoenix graduates in Arizona earn about $4,000 more initially, they also carry substantially higher debt loads. Among Arizona's five HR programs, U of A ranks exactly at the state median for earnings but excels on the debt side, making it the more conservative choice for families concerned about loan burden.
For parents weighing this program, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates genuine value. Your child won't be chasing outsized compensation, but they also won't be saddled with the loan payments that plague many business degree holders. The 17% earnings growth over four years suggests the degree opens doors to legitimate career advancement rather than entry-level stagnation.
Where University of Arizona Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | $53,971 | $63,220 | +17% |
| Cornell University | $73,436 | $94,446 | +29% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $82,714 | $92,289 | +12% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $58,528 | $83,008 | +42% |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $57,983 | $51,907 | -10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,626 | $53,971 | $63,220 | $19,500 | 0.36 | |
| $9,552 | $57,983 | $51,907 | $50,470 | 0.87 | |
| $35,300 | $49,063 | β | $30,736 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | β | $50,361 | β | $26,625 | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Arizona, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 136 graduates with reported earnings and 118 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.