Behavioral Sciences at University of Phoenix-California

This University of Phoenix behavioral sciences program delivers solid earnings that rank in the 75th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within California, but comes with a significant debt burden that demands careful consideration. Graduates earn a median $38,087 in their first year—notably higher than both the national average ($35,410) and California average ($31,899) for this field. However, the median debt load of $49,770 is nearly double the national average and almost twice California's typical debt for this program.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31 means graduates carry debt equivalent to about 16 months of their starting salary, which is manageable but not ideal. More concerning is the lack of earnings growth—salaries actually decline slightly from year one to year four, suggesting limited career advancement potential. While the program outperforms most California competitors in starting salaries, the premium comes at a steep price point that other quality programs don't require.

For families considering this investment, the math works if your child can secure the higher starting salary this program typically delivers, but the debt load leaves little room for error. The earnings advantage over cheaper in-state alternatives may not justify the roughly $23,000 in additional debt, especially given the flat earnings trajectory.