University of Phoenix-Arizona vs University of Arizona: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | University of Phoenix-Arizona | University 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 |
| Payback | — | 5.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$266,240 | $165,684 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Phoenix-Arizona or University of Arizona?
University of Phoenix-Arizona, at $13,520 a year after aid versus $16,674 — a gap of $3,154 a year, or $12,616 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Phoenix-Arizona or University of Arizona graduates earn more?
University of Arizona graduates report a median $59,979 ten years after entry, $22,227 more than the $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Phoenix-Arizona or University of Arizona?
University of Arizona: its completers carry a median $19,620 in federal loans versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona, a difference of $11,933. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Arizona, against 21% at University of Phoenix-Arizona. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.