Natural Resources Conservation and Research at University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix's Natural Resources Conservation program charges nearly double the typical debt load for this field—$44,087 versus a national median of $23,010—but the question is whether the earnings justify it. At first glance, the numbers look promising: graduates earn $44,590 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and significantly above the $33,988 national median. However, context matters. Within Arizona, this program sits at just the 60th percentile, essentially matching what Arizona State University graduates earn ($40,476) but with twice the debt burden.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.99 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in student loans, a concerning threshold for a field that typically doesn't command high starting salaries. While earnings do grow to $46,315 by year four, that 4% increase barely keeps pace with inflation. Compare this to ASU's program, where students likely graduate with closer to the state median debt of $21,908 while earning similar amounts.

For parents, the math is straightforward: your child would need to justify an extra $20,000+ in debt for earnings that match cheaper in-state alternatives. Unless there are specific circumstances that make University of Phoenix the only viable option, Arizona State's similar outcomes at half the debt make it the more prudent investment for this particular career path.