Human Resources Management and Services at University of Phoenix-California

University of Phoenix-California's HR program comes with a significant financial catch: you'll start strong but face both higher debt and declining earnings. First-year graduates earn $58,000, placing them well above the national median and 60th percentile among California programs. However, the $50,470 in median debt—double the national average and twice what comparable California programs charge—creates a concerning financial burden that amplifies when earnings drop 10% by year four.

The backwards earnings trajectory is the real problem here. While other programs typically see income growth after graduation, these graduates are making less four years out than they did initially. This pattern, combined with debt levels in just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs saddle students with less debt), creates a tougher path to financial stability than the strong starting salary suggests. For comparison, you could attend California State University-Long Beach for roughly half the debt and similar four-year earnings.

If your child is considering this program, the decision hinges on whether that $58,000 starting salary—about $10,000 above the California median—is worth the premium price tag when the earnings advantage evaporates within a few years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 is manageable in year one, but becomes increasingly problematic as income declines.