Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Phoenix-Arizona vs University of Arizona: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Phoenix AZ · vs · Public, Tucson AZ

The verdict

University of Arizona has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,696 in 5.7 years versus not at all at University of Phoenix-Arizona, on median earnings of $59,979 vs $37,752 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Phoenix-ArizonaUniversity of Arizona
Net price / yr$13,520$16,674
Total net cost$54,080$66,696
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,752$59,979
Median debt$31,553$19,620
Payback5.7 yrs
20-year net return$-266,240$165,684

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.