Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,227
90th percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$25,250
81% above national median

Analysis

University of Phoenix's Business Administration associate degree delivers exceptionally strong earnings outcomes that place it in the 90th percentile nationally, with graduates earning $43,227 in their first yearβ€”nearly $10,000 above the national median for this program. However, this premium performance comes at a cost: student debt of $25,250 is significantly higher than both the national median ($13,980) and Arizona median ($24,431) for this program type.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is actually quite manageable compared to many programs, meaning graduates earn enough to justify the investment. Within Arizona, the program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, trailing standout performers like Phoenix College but matching the state median. The modest 6% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates quickly reach their earning potential in this field.

For families willing to take on above-average debt for above-average results, this program delivers measurable value. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and graduates are earning enough to make the debt load reasonable. However, if cost is a primary concern, exploring lower-debt alternatives like community college options might be worth considering, even if it means potentially sacrificing some earning power.

Where University of Phoenix-Arizona Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Phoenix-Arizona$43,227$45,800+6%
Phoenix College$56,057$51,053-9%
Brookline College-Phoenix$42,749$33,784-21%
Brookline College-Tucson$42,749$33,784-21%
American InterContinental University System$29,996$33,289+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (27 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix$9,552$43,227$45,800$25,2500.58
Phoenix CollegePhoenix$2,358$56,057$51,053$11,5000.21
Brookline College-PhoenixPhoenixβ€”$42,749$33,784$24,4310.57
Brookline College-TucsonTucsonβ€”$42,749$33,784$24,4310.57
American InterContinental University SystemChandler$12,310$29,996$33,289$27,8750.93
National Medianβ€”$33,977β€”$13,9800.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Phoenix-Arizona, approximately 45% 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 991 graduates with reported earnings and 2365 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.