Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Phoenix-California

University of Phoenix's online finance program starts graduates at an impressive $71,000—well above both national and California medians. But here's the concerning pattern: by year four, earnings drop 17% to $59,000, while graduates at comparable programs typically see income growth during this period. You're essentially paying premium tuition ($48,000 in debt versus $16,000 state median) for strong initial placement that doesn't hold.

The state context matters here. Among California's 25 finance programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack despite nearly triple the typical debt load. Traditional California universities like Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount deliver both higher starting salaries and presumably more stable career trajectories, often with less debt for in-state students. The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't terrible based on first-year income, but it looks worse when you factor in the earnings decline.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the for-profit convenience and flexibility justify the financial premium. The strong starting salary suggests Phoenix has decent employer connections, but something causes earnings to slide when peers are typically advancing. If your student needs the online format and can minimize borrowing, the initial outcomes work. But at full price with maximum loans, traditional California alternatives offer better value with more predictable career progression.