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

University of Phoenix-Arizona's IT administration certificate substantially outperforms most national competitors, with graduates earning nearly $8,000 more than the typical program in this field. While that places it in the 95th percentile nationally—an impressive showing—the more relevant comparison for Arizona families is that it tracks right at the state median. This isn't a weakness so much as a reality check: Arizona's IT certificate programs collectively perform well above the national average, so being "middle of the pack" here still means strong outcomes.

The debt load of $12,812 translates to a highly manageable 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly three months of their first-year salary. Earnings also show healthy momentum, growing 7% by year four to nearly $54,000. For a certificate program—which typically takes far less time than a bachelor's degree—these numbers represent solid value, particularly for working adults or career-changers looking to enter IT quickly.

The real question for families is whether this specific program justifies its cost compared to the 21 other Arizona schools offering similar certificates. With earnings identical to the state median, the decision likely hinges on factors like schedule flexibility and online delivery rather than superior outcomes. If those operational considerations align with your student's needs, this is a credible pathway into IT administration.