Median Earnings (1yr)
$98,826
95th percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$27,235
1% above national median

Analysis

University of Phoenix-Arizona's nursing program delivers exceptional earning power that ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, with graduates earning nearly $99,000 right out of schoolβ€”$24,000 more than the national median for nursing programs. This puts it among the top-performing nursing programs in the country and positions graduates well above typical nursing salaries.

However, the Arizona context tells a more nuanced story. While these earnings still exceed the state median by about $15,000, the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Arizona nursing programs, meaning it's solid but not exceptional within the state. The debt picture is reasonable at $27,235β€”very close to national averages and actually lower than Arizona's typical nursing program debt of $32,011. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28, graduates should be able to manage their loans comfortably.

The concerning element is the minimal earnings growth of just 1% over four years, suggesting limited advancement opportunities. For a parent considering this investment, the program offers strong immediate earning potential and manageable debt, making it a financially sound choice. The University of Phoenix name may raise questions about reputation, but the earnings data speaks to real market value for graduates in this field.

Where University of Phoenix-Arizona Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Phoenix-Arizona$98,826$99,385+1%
Grand Canyon University$92,781$88,666-4%
Chamberlain University-Arizona$83,188$81,995-1%
Arizona State University Digital Immersion$78,180$79,786+2%
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$78,180$79,786+2%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (13 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix$9,552$98,826$99,385$27,2350.28
Aspen UniversityPhoenix$6,264$94,023β€”$36,7870.39
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix$17,450$92,781$88,666$25,5000.27
Arizona College of Nursing-TucsonTucson$23,760$85,169β€”$51,8540.61
Arizona College of Nursing-TempeTempe$24,853$85,169β€”$51,8540.61
Arizona College of Nursing-PhoenixPhoenix$24,853$85,169β€”$51,8540.61
National Medianβ€”$74,888β€”$27,0000.36

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Phoenix-Arizona, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 1154 graduates with reported earnings and 1393 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.