Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Phoenix-California

Median Earnings (1yr)

$51,405

40th percentile

25th percentile in California

Median Debt

$47,435

90% above national median

Analysis

This University of Phoenix accounting program presents a concerning financial picture that ranks poorly against both national and California alternatives. With first-year earnings of $51,405, graduates earn significantly less than the California median of $62,202 for accounting programs, placing this in just the 25th percentile statewide. The debt burden of $47,435 is nearly double both the national ($25,000) and California ($23,188) medians for accounting degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 that's manageable but not competitive.

The earnings trajectory is particularly troubling, with virtually no growth from year one to year four ($51,405 to $52,008). This stagnation contrasts sharply with typical career progression expectations for accounting graduates. While the program does rank in the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels (meaning 95% of programs have higher debt), this "advantage" is overshadowed by the below-average earning potential, especially within California's job market.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers suggest your child would likely be better served by California's public universities or other accredited programs that deliver stronger earning outcomes with lower debt. The combination of high debt, below-average earnings, and minimal career growth makes this a risky financial proposition compared to available alternatives in the state.

Where University of Phoenix-California Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Phoenix-California	$51,405	$52,008	+1%
Santa Clara University	$78,417	$101,411	+29%
University of San Francisco	$72,588	$92,299	+27%
Menlo College	$71,067	$92,161	+30%
Loyola Marymount University	$70,960	$91,902	+30%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario	—	$51,405	$52,008	$47,435	0.92
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara	$59,241	$78,417	$101,411	$19,250	0.25
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles	$68,237	$73,903	$90,072	$16,500	0.22
California Lutheran UniversityThousand Oaks	$50,670	$72,696	$75,436	$21,858	0.30
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco	$58,222	$72,588	$92,299	$24,660	0.34
Menlo CollegeAtherton	$51,070	$71,067	$92,161	$26,955	0.38
National Median	—	$53,694	—	$25,000	0.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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-California, approximately 24% 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 743 graduates with reported earnings and 1097 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.