Computer Programming at University of Phoenix-Texas

University of Phoenix-Texas graduates start strong at $74,151—well above the national median and matching the Texas state median—but here's the concern: earnings drop to $67,954 by year four. That's an 8% decline during what should be peak career-building years. Combined with nearly $50,000 in debt (significantly higher than the $31,050 national median), graduates face a challenging financial picture despite the solid starting salary. The debt load equals about 8 months of first-year earnings, which is manageable initially but becomes tighter as income stagnates.

The Texas context matters here. With only four schools offering this bachelor's program in the state, this program sits at the 60th percentile—middle of the pack for Texas but substantially ahead of most schools nationally. However, that earnings decline suggests graduates may struggle to advance or could be concentrated in roles with limited growth potential. For a field like computer programming where skills compound quickly and salaries typically rise, backward momentum is unusual.

Your child could start with a respectable salary, but at this price point, you'd expect trajectory, not decline. If they're committed to University of Phoenix specifically, insist they understand why the earnings pattern looks this way—is it the curriculum, the credential's market perception, or something else? Otherwise, explore whether community college pathways or other Texas options might deliver similar outcomes with less debt exposure.