Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Phoenix-Nevada

University of Phoenix-Nevada's finance program graduates start strong—earning $70,963 in their first year, which outpaces every other finance program in Nevada and ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. However, that early advantage evaporates quickly. By year four, median earnings drop to $59,017, a 17% decline that flips the initial promise on its head. Meanwhile, graduates carry $48,469 in debt—nearly triple the Nevada median and more than double the national average for finance programs.

Here's the practical concern: while the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 looks manageable based on first-year income, it worsens significantly as earnings decline. You're paying premium-level debt for what becomes mid-tier earnings within a few years. Compare this to UNLV or UNR graduates, who start at roughly $51,000 but carry only $17,910 in debt—giving them far more financial flexibility as their careers develop.

The earnings trajectory suggests these graduates may be landing entry-level positions that don't lead to the career progression typical in finance. For a parent, the question is whether that strong first year justifies debt levels that would take years to pay down, especially when state alternatives offer similar earning potential with dramatically less financial risk. Unless your child has specific career connections that would sustain higher earnings, the in-state public options present a more sensible investment.