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University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ | Private For-Profit

University of Phoenix-Arizona is a private for-profit institution in Phoenix, AZ ranked #1796 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D+, and enrolling about 76,996 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Programming.

Day to day, students benefit from a 132:1 student-faculty ratio, 40.9% first-year retention, and 19.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $13,571, about $3,427 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -3486.3%, roughly 3571.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,359. That's about $8,329 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

D+
Ranking
#1796 of 1,927
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionLarge campus life
At a Glance
Ranking
#1796 of 1,927 (Top 93.2%)
Tuition
$9,552
Net Price
$13,571
4-Year Tuition
$38,208
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
76,996
Student-Faculty
132:1
Graduation Rate
19.5%
Retention Rate
40.9%
6-Yr Earnings
$35,359
ROI
-34.9%

Who is University of Phoenix-Arizona Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Explorers drawn to vibrant campus scale

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1796 of 1,927
Top 93.2% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
50.0 / 100
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
2.50 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
F
#1,760 of 1,927
Affordability
C+
#335 of 1,927
Support
F
#1,927 of 1,927
Career Outcomes
D+
#1,425 of 1,927

University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates 19.5% of students within six years and keeps 40.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$12,784-$18,188 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Challenging
19.5% finish within six years. 1.5% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Highly likely
77.5% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $35,359. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use University of Phoenix-Arizona's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$77,796
$19,449 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$61,070
$13,571 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 1.5% | 6-Year Rate: 19.5%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 1.5% and six-year completion is 19.5%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$19,449
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$13,571
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $9,552
Books and Supplies $1,416
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $19,449

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
45.3%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 45.3% of University of Phoenix-Arizona students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,243/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,188/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-34.9%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $35,359
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $35,359
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $16,690
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 28.0%
  • Employment Rate 77.5%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $35,359 six years after enrollment — roughly 19% below the national median.
Payback Period
1.73 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

University of Phoenix-Arizona vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Phoenix-Arizona's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Phoenix-Arizona's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn $35,359 median, the -34.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Extremely Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 76,996
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 40.9%
  • Graduation Rate 19.5%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 132:1

How to Get Into University of Phoenix-Arizona

1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Phoenix-Arizona requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, University of Phoenix-Arizona is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Phoenix-Arizona undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health and Medical Administrative Services, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 45.7%
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services 11.3%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.7%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.4%
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General 6.2%
  • Behavioral Sciences 4.8%
See more majors
  • Accounting and Related Services 4.5%
  • Human Services, General 3.1%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $109,867
  • 2. Computer Programming $90,303
  • 3. Computer Software and Media Applications $85,919
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $82,540
  • 5. Computer Programming $77,496
  • 6. Computer Systems Analysis $74,529
  • 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,487
  • 8. Human Resources Management and Services $69,835
  • 9. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $69,636
  • 10. Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $68,866

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degree) $150,717
  • 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $120,428
  • 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $119,233
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degree) $112,887
  • 5. Bioethics/Medical Ethics (Master's Degree) $110,140
  • 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degree) $94,045
  • 7. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Doctoral Degree) $89,757
  • 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $87,365
  • 9. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $86,606
  • 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $86,411

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $109,867—60% more than Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($68,866). Graduate: Management Information Systems and Services programs lead with $150,717 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Phoenix-Arizona. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree, graduates (suppressed))

Graduate counts for individual programs are suppressed for this institution.

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Master's Degrees (1 program)
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 76,996
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 29.2%
  • Female Students 70.8%
  • Caucasian 28.9%
  • Asian 1.1%
  • Hispanic 11.9%
  • Black 24.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 45.3%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Phoenix-Arizona's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of University of Phoenix-Arizona's undergraduate population. Women make up 70.8% of the student body, while men represent 29.2%.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of Phoenix-Arizona support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
20.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
14.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
6.2 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Phoenix-Arizona, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: University of Phoenix-Arizona has a diverse student body, with 28.9% identifying as White. Women make up 70.8% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of Phoenix-Arizona support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
20.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
14.4%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
6.2 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Phoenix-Arizona, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

University of Phoenix-Arizona ranks #1796 of 1927 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a D+ overall grade with -34.9% ROI.

At $13,571 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.

EDsmart Assessment: University of Phoenix-Arizona

D+ grade | #1796 of 1927 | 50.0/100 EDsmart Score

Performance Overview: University of Phoenix-Arizona's -34.9% return on investment and #1796 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $13,571 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.

Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare University of Phoenix-Arizona's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.

Decision Framework: Use University of Phoenix-Arizona's D+ grade and #1796 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • 19.5% six-year graduation rate sits 43.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 40.9% first-year retention is 35.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -34.9% return on investment is 120.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $35,359 run about 19% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $13,571 is roughly $6,303 lower than the national median of $19,874.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 132:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 40.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 77.5% employment rate within three years sits 9.3 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates University of Phoenix-Arizona—a private for-profit institution in Phoenix, AZ—at D+ overall. It holds a #1796 national ranking Category results include Completion (F), Support (F), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).

About 40.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 19.5% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -34.9% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $13,571 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,449.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,878 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $16,690 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 45.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $35,359 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 19% lower.

Roughly 77.5% of graduates are employed three years out.

Plan around an ROI of about -34.9% according to the Scorecard data.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Phoenix-Arizona admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
2.50 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how University of Phoenix-Arizona stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit University of Phoenix-Arizona Website →

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)

Data Source & Methodology