Accounting at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix's accounting program presents a concerning value proposition, with graduates earning significantly less while carrying nearly double the typical debt burden. At $51,405 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $2,500 less than both national and Arizona medians, placing this program squarely in the bottom half (40th percentile) among accounting programs nationwide and within Arizona.

The debt picture is particularly troubling. With median debt of $47,435—89% higher than the national average and 45% above Arizona's median—students are taking on substantially more financial risk for below-average outcomes. This debt load represents 92% of first-year earnings, creating a challenging repayment scenario. The program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning 95% of accounting programs nationwide saddle students with less debt.

Perhaps most concerning is the lack of earnings growth over time, with income increasing by only $603 over four years—essentially stagnant wages. When compared to Arizona's top accounting programs like University of Arizona ($60,659) or ASU ($58,332), Phoenix graduates earn $7,000-9,000 less annually while carrying significantly more debt. For families seeking solid financial returns from an accounting degree, this program's combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt creates a particularly risky investment that may take years longer to pay off than alternatives.