Analysis
University of Phoenix-Texas's marketing certificate lands graduates at $63,549 within a year—matching the national median but coming with notably higher debt than typical Texas programs ($22,060 versus the state's $16,824 median). That 95th percentile national ranking sounds impressive until you realize it reflects the program matching the national median exactly, while the 60th percentile state ranking reveals it's merely middle-of-the-pack among Texas options. With only eight schools offering this certificate in Texas, you're essentially paying an extra $5,000+ in debt for outcomes you could likely achieve elsewhere in-state.
The 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory—graduates earn about three times what they owe—but the premium pricing deserves scrutiny. For a certificate program designed as a quick credential rather than a four-year degree, carrying over $22,000 in debt raises questions about cost efficiency. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers, though not complete certainty.
If your child has already started at University of Phoenix and wants to add this credential, the earnings justify completion. But for a fresh start, investigate those other seven Texas programs first. The market pays certificate-holders similarly regardless of where they earned it, so minimizing debt should be the priority. You're looking for the same destination at a lower toll.
Where University of Phoenix-Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Phoenix-Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Marketing certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $63,549 | — | $22,060 | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549 | — | $22,060 | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549 | — | $22,060 | 0.35 | |
| — | $63,549 | — | — | — | |
| $9,552 | $63,549 | — | $22,060 | 0.35 | |
| $10,117 | $51,100 | $59,442 | $23,350 | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $63,549 | — | $22,060 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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-Texas, approximately 22% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.