University of Phoenix: Programs, Cost & Outcomes (2026)

University of Phoenix is a for-profit institution based in Phoenix, AZ. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), it is one of the oldest and most recognized names in online education. With 85,991 students enrolled, the university offers programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, including competency-based options in business and technology.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

Published tuition at University of Phoenix is $9,552 per year (same rate for all students). The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,520 per year.

50% of students receive Federal Pell Grants — the highest rate among the major online schools profiled on this site. 63% of students take out federal student loans. Median graduate debt is $31,553.

Net Price by Family Income

Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your Student Aid Index and see what grants you may qualify for.

Student Outcomes

University of Phoenix graduates earn a median salary of $37,752 ten years after enrollment and $35,359 at the six-year mark.

ROI Snapshot

With median debt of $31,553 and median 10-year earnings of $37,752, University of Phoenix graduates earn approximately $1.20 for every $1 of debt at graduation. The 20% graduation rate and relatively high median debt warrant careful consideration — students should evaluate whether the specific program they are interested in has stronger outcomes than the institution-wide average. Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

University of Phoenix offers programs across 7 major fields, from associate through doctoral levels.

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• RN to BSN
• RN to BSN (Competency-Based)
• M.S. Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Largest online nursing programs; competency-based BSN option available.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• A.A. Business
• B.S. Business Administration
• MBA
• MBA (Competency-Based)
• DBA

Competency-based MBA option; doctoral programs available.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• B.A. Education
• M.A. Education
• Ed.D. Education

Continuing teacher education courses; doctoral programs.

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

• A.A. Information Technology
• B.S. Information Technology
• B.S. IT (Competency-Based)
• M.S. Information Technology
• M.S. Information Systems (Competency-Based)

Competency-based and direct-assessment IT options; cybersecurity and data analytics concentrations.

Criminal Justice

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

• A.A. Criminal Justice
• B.S. Criminal Justice
• B.S. Public Administration
• M.S. Criminal Justice
• M.S. Public Administration

Public administration degree tracks at bachelor’s and master’s level.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Psychology
• M.S. Psychology
• B.S. Human Services
• B.S. Social Work
• M.S. Counseling

Behavioral sciences, social work, and counseling tracks; competency-based psychology master’s.

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Degree levels: Bachelor’s

• B.A. Liberal Arts
• B.A. Communications

Who University of Phoenix Is Best For

University of Phoenix serves working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility and open admission. The competency-based options in business and IT may allow experienced professionals to move through familiar material faster. However, the 20% graduation rate and $31,553 median debt are important data points — prospective students should weigh these against alternatives with stronger completion rates and lower debt loads, such as Western Governors University (48% graduation rate, $11,116 median debt) or Purdue University Global (49% graduation rate, $7,770 average net price).

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact University of Phoenix directly for the most current information.