Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at University of Phoenix-Arizona

An estimated $25,849 in debt for an associate's degree in IT administration puts this program above the national median ($21,480) for similar credentials, while first-year earnings of roughly $42,000 align closely with what comparable programs produce nationwide. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are borrowing significantly to access online education that similar programs deliver at lower debt levels elsewhere. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates would need to dedicate more than seven months of their first year's gross income to repay what they borrowed—manageable but not generous given the higher-than-typical debt load.

The four-year earnings figure of $44,581 shows modest income growth, which raises questions about whether this path builds toward stronger mid-career outcomes or plateaus early. For families weighing University of Phoenix against community colleges offering similar IT credentials in Arizona, the price difference matters considerably when starting salaries look roughly the same. The real test is whether the flexibility and reputation of this specific program justify the premium when peer institutions are producing comparable early earnings at lower cost.

Without actual reported outcomes for this program, families should recognize they're making decisions based on broader patterns rather than this school's proven track record. If online access or transfer flexibility is essential, the numbers suggest a workable but not exceptional investment—one that demands careful comparison shopping within Arizona's IT education landscape.