Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Phoenix-Arizona
Associate's Degree
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 year—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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all business administration, management and operations associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $43,227 | $45,800 | $25,250 | 0.58 |
| Phoenix College | $56,057 | $51,053 | $11,500 | 0.21 |
| Brookline College-Phoenix | $42,749 | $33,784 | $24,431 | 0.57 |
| Brookline College-Tucson | $42,749 | $33,784 | $24,431 | 0.57 |
| American InterContinental University System | $29,996 | $33,289 | $27,875 | 0.93 |
| National Median | $33,977 | — | $13,980 | 0.41 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix College Phoenix | $2,358 | $56,057 | $11,500 |
| Brookline College-Phoenix Phoenix | — | $42,749 | $24,431 |
| Brookline College-Tucson Tucson | — | $42,749 | $24,431 |
| American InterContinental University System Chandler | $12,310 | $29,996 | $27,875 |
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.