Location: Phoenix, AZ•In-State Tuition: $9,552
Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,118
89th percentile
40th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$40,687
51% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.99 ManageableSample: 27 graduates Limited data

Analysis

University of Phoenix-Arizona's psychology program carries a significant warning label: the sample size is under 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than typical data. That said, what we can see creates an unusual picture. The program posts $41,118 in first-year earnings—outperforming 89% of similar programs nationally, yet landing at just the 40th percentile among Arizona's seven psychology programs. In other words, this looks strong compared to psychology programs across the country, but middle-of-the-pack when compared to in-state alternatives like Embry-Riddle Prescott, which graduates earn nearly identical amounts.

The debt story is more straightforward and troubling. At $40,687, graduates leave with debt nearly equal to their first year's salary (0.99 ratio), and this is considerably higher than Arizona's typical psychology program debt of $32,654. The positive spin is that this debt level sits in the 12th percentile nationally—meaning 88% of psychology programs saddle students with more debt. But for a bachelor's degree, carrying debt that equals your entire first year's income creates immediate financial pressure.

Given the small sample size, these numbers could shift dramatically with more data. If you're considering this program, the in-state comparison matters most: you'd be paying about $8,000 more in debt than the state median for roughly median earnings. That's not catastrophic, but it's worth asking whether the online flexibility or other program features justify that premium.

Where University of Phoenix-Arizona Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all clinical, counseling and applied psychology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Phoenix-ArizonaOther clinical, counseling and applied psychology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

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

University of Phoenix-Arizona earns $41k — 89th percentile among clinical, counseling and applied psychology bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix$9,552$41,118—$40,6870.99
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-PrescottPrescott$42,204$41,456$71,212$24,6200.59
National Median—$34,506—$27,0000.78

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with clinical, counseling and applied psychology graduates

Human Resources Managers

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

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

Training and Development Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

$127,090/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

School Psychologists

Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Human Resources Specialists

Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

$72,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.