Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix's networking program starts strong with first-year earnings of $65,474—comfortably above the national median and landing graduates in the 87th percentile nationally. That's impressive positioning for a field where many grads struggle to break $60,000. However, within Arizona itself, the program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it's middle-of-the-pack compared to the state's only other option, DeVry. The real concern emerges in the earnings trajectory: by year four, median pay drops to $60,322, an 8% decline that suggests graduates may be hitting career friction or finding their initial roles don't lead to clear advancement.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $39,645, borrowing here is actually below Arizona's median for this program and sits in the 35th percentile nationally—meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable, especially given that strong first-year number. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves working adults looking to credential up, which may partly explain the earnings pattern if graduates are already employed and not necessarily climbing a traditional tech ladder.

For parents, the question is whether that solid starting salary justifies the backwards earnings momentum. This works if your child needs immediate employment and strong early earnings, but it's a shakier bet if they're expecting steady salary growth through their twenties.