Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix graduates from this program earn substantially more than their peers—ranking in the 80th percentile among Arizona criminal justice programs and 82nd nationally. First-year earnings of $41,153 beat the state median by nearly $10,000 and match Pima Community College's outcomes. However, this premium comes at a cost: $25,245 in median debt, about $5,000 above the state median and nearly double the national figure for this degree. For a program serving predominantly working-class students (45% receive Pell grants), that debt load deserves scrutiny.

The concerning pattern here isn't the initial debt—it's where earnings go afterward. Graduates see their income drop 6% by year four, falling to $38,639. That's the opposite trajectory most parents expect from an associate's degree. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 remains manageable compared to many programs, the erosion of earning power suggests graduates may hit a ceiling quickly in this field or face employment instability.

For families weighing this against Arizona's other options, the question is whether the earnings advantage justifies the extra debt. That $10,000 head start over most in-state competitors could absorb the higher borrowing costs—but only if your child's career path maintains those stronger earnings. If they're already working in law enforcement or corrections and seeking credentials for advancement, this makes sense. For someone entering the field cold, cheaper alternatives might offer comparable long-term outcomes with less financial risk.