Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,580
51st percentile (40th in CA)
Median Debt
$51,958
68% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.17
Elevated
Sample Size
1649
Adequate data

Analysis

This University of Phoenix health administration program presents a concerning value proposition, primarily due to exceptionally high debt loads that undermine otherwise reasonable earnings. While graduates earn $44,580 initially—essentially matching national and state medians—they're saddled with $51,958 in debt, which is nearly triple the state median of $17,275 and ranks in the worst 5th percentile nationally for debt burden.

The financial picture deteriorates further over time, with earnings actually declining 8% to $41,208 by year four—the opposite of what you'd expect from career progression. Among California's 33 programs in this field, this ranks in just the 40th percentile for earnings despite the premium debt load. Students can achieve similar or better outcomes at Cal State Northridge ($44,779 earnings) or Cal State Dominguez Hills ($44,584 earnings) with significantly less debt burden.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.17 means graduates owe more than a full year's salary, creating substantial financial stress in a field where starting salaries hover around $44,000. With robust sample size giving confidence in these numbers, the data clearly shows students are paying private school premiums without receiving commensurate career benefits. California families should strongly consider the state university alternatives that deliver comparable outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

Where University of Phoenix-California Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally

University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOther health and medical administrative services programs

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-California graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Phoenix-California graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all health and medical administrative services 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 California

Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (33 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Phoenix-California$44,580$41,208$51,9581.17
National University$64,382$62,287$38,9690.61
Ashford University$45,459$40,572$44,8780.99
Fresno Pacific University$44,869—$25,0000.56
California State University-Northridge$44,779$56,371$13,0000.29
California State University-Dominguez Hills$44,584$49,351$18,2500.41
National Median$44,345—$30,9980.70

Other Health and Medical Administrative Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
National University
San Diego
$13,320$64,382$38,969
Ashford University
San Diego
$13,160$45,459$44,878
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno
$35,558$44,869$25,000
California State University-Northridge
Northridge
$7,095$44,779$13,000
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson
$7,064$44,584$18,250

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 1649 graduates with reported earnings and 2772 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.