Human Resources Management and Services at University of Phoenix-Texas

University of Phoenix-Texas charges private university debt—$50,470, more than double both the national and Texas medians—while delivering public university outcomes. Students earn $58,000 initially, which looks competitive against Texas peers like UT San Antonio ($57,000) and ranks at the 60th percentile statewide. But that's where the value story falls apart. Within four years, earnings drop 10% to $52,000, an unusual trajectory that suggests either credential quality issues or graduates taking lower-paying positions after gaining experience.

The debt burden is the critical factor here. At 87 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one, repayment will consume a significant portion of early-career income—and that's before earnings decline. Compare this to the national median debt of $26,625 for HR programs, where graduates typically carry half the financial burden for similar or better career outcomes. Among the 23 Texas schools offering this degree, only one charges more while most deliver comparable earnings with $20,000-$30,000 less debt.

For families considering this program, the question isn't whether HR is a viable career—it is. The question is whether paying premium private tuition is justified when Texas public universities deliver similar first-year earnings and likely stronger long-term trajectories at half the cost. Unless University of Phoenix offers compelling non-academic advantages like schedule flexibility that's worth $25,000 extra in debt, Texas families should look at in-state alternatives first.