Human Services at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix's Human Services program delivers above-average earnings but comes with a concerning debt burden that significantly undermines its value. While graduates earn $39,554 in their first year—outperforming 71% of similar programs nationally and ranking in the 60th percentile within Arizona—the $50,140 median debt load creates a problematic financial equation. This debt level ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with less debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.27 means graduates typically owe more than their entire first year's salary, which is manageable but not ideal. More troubling is the virtually flat earnings trajectory—just 1% growth from year one to year four suggests limited career advancement potential. In Arizona's small Human Services market, this program performs reasonably well earnings-wise, sitting roughly in the middle of the pack among the state's four programs.

For an anxious parent, the math here is concerning: your child would graduate with nearly $19,000 more debt than the national average while earning only modestly above-average wages that show little growth potential. Unless your family has specific reasons to choose University of Phoenix, you'd likely find better value at programs with similar earning outcomes but lower debt burdens.