Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Phoenix-Arizona
Bachelor's Degree
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 school—$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 $27,235—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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn $99k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $98,826 | $99,385 | $27,235 | 0.28 |
| Aspen University | $94,023 | — | $36,787 | 0.39 |
| Grand Canyon University | $92,781 | $88,666 | $25,500 | 0.27 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen University Phoenix | $6,264 | $94,023 | $36,787 |
| Grand Canyon University Phoenix | $17,450 | $92,781 | $25,500 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson Tucson | $23,760 | $85,169 | $51,854 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe Tempe | $24,853 | $85,169 | $51,854 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix Phoenix | $24,853 | $85,169 | $51,854 |
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.