Accounting at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix's online accounting associate's degree produces surprisingly moderate outcomes for a for-profit institution. Starting earnings of $38,794 land graduates just above both the national median ($37,000) and Arizona's median ($38,076)—ranking around the 60th percentile in both comparisons. More importantly, graduates carry $24,793 in debt, which is higher than typical community college alternatives but still translates to a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The stagnant earnings trajectory tells an important story. Four years out, median pay inches up to just $39,413—essentially flat growth that suggests these graduates may be hitting their ceiling quickly. Compare this to Pima Community College, where students start at similar earnings ($37,358) but likely with far less debt (Arizona's median for this program is only $18,446). That $6,000 debt premium matters when wages aren't climbing much.

For parents, this program works as a credential that gets your child into the field at reasonable starting pay without crushing debt. The 45% Pell Grant enrollment suggests the school serves many working adults and non-traditional students who may value the flexibility of online learning. Just understand you're paying extra for convenience, and your child shouldn't expect accounting riches—this degree opens doors to bookkeeping and entry-level accounting roles that plateau quickly. If a community college offers comparable flexibility, that's likely the smarter financial choice.