University of Phoenix-Arizona logo

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ Private ยท Urban www.phoenix.edu
Grad Rate
18.7%
Enrollment
76,996
Tuition
$9,552
Median Salary
$37,752
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
A
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Phoenix-Arizona feels like a bustling, non-traditional hub for working adults balancing education with careers and families. It has a highly pragmatic, career-focused atmosphere rather than a classic residential college campus vibe. The energy is driven by real-world application and flexible scheduling.

Academics & Majors

Academic strengths are heavily focused on practical, career-oriented fields like Business, Health Professions, and Computer Science. The curriculum is designed for adult learners with flexible online and evening formats, emphasizing immediate job relevance over theoretical research. Faculty are typically industry professionals bringing current practices into the classroom.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
56.9%
Health Professions
17%
Computer Science
11.2%
Criminal Justice
6%
Public Administration
2.6%
Psychology
2.3%
Education
1.4%
Communications
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

18.7%
Graduation Rate
40.9%
Retention Rate
76,996
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$9,552
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,571
After financial aid
Total Cost
$19,449
Cost of attendance/year
45.3%
Receive Pell Grants
60.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Phoenix

Phoenix offers a vibrant urban environment with professional sports, a thriving arts scene, and extensive outdoor recreation in the surrounding desert. Students can enjoy hiking Camelback Mountain, exploring the Roosevelt Row arts district, or attending events at Desert Botanical Garden. The city's size provides endless networking and entertainment options.

Local Rent Check

$1,599 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Phoenix
Explore Phoenix

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$38,208
$0Est. 4 Years: $38,208

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($37,752):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

As primarily an online and commuter institution, traditional campus safety is less of a primary concern than at residential colleges. Students should exercise standard urban awareness when attending in-person sessions or events in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely flexible scheduling for working adults
  • โœ“ Career-focused curriculum with practical application
  • โœ“ Open admissions policy making it accessible
  • โœ“ Strong focus on online learning infrastructure

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation (18.7%) and retention (40.9%) rates
  • โœ— Limited traditional campus life and residential experience
  • โœ— Moderate median earnings compared to cost of degree

Notable Alumni

Tawnya Folsom
Award-winning filmmaker and producer known for independent film work
Dr. Lisa M. Dull
Healthcare executive and leader in nursing education
Michael R. Smith
Prominent business leader in the technology sector

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Phoenix-Arizona is known for pioneering online education for working adults. It specializes in career-focused programs in business, healthcare, and technology designed for non-traditional students. The university emphasizes flexible scheduling and practical, job-relevant curriculum.

No, University of Phoenix-Arizona has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. The acceptance rate is nearly 100%, and they focus on providing access to adult learners. However, students must still meet specific program requirements and maintain academic progress to graduate.

Campus life is non-traditional and primarily online or evening-based. There is no residential campus experience; most students commute for classes and return home. Student interaction often occurs virtually or during group projects, with a strong focus on networking with working professionals.

The value depends heavily on your career goals and how you utilize the degree. With an average net price of $13,571 and flat-rate tuition, it is more affordable than many private institutions. However, with median 10-year earnings of $37,752, the return on investment is modest, so it is best suited for career advancement rather than a major career switch.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Amazon Banner Health Walmart Maricopa County State of Arizona
Smart Start Score
43

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 112,151
  • In-State Tuition $9,552
  • Zip Code 85040

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 29.2% โ™€ 70.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $13,571 and flat-rate tuition, the degree is relatively affordable compared to many private universities. However, the 10-year median earnings of $37,752 suggest a moderate return on investment, making it crucial to align your degree with high-demand fields. The value is maximized for students leveraging education to advance in existing careers rather than starting from scratch.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $9,552
Housing (12 mo) $19,188
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $35,940
With avg financial aid:
$13,571/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.