University of Phoenix-Arizona vs South University-Savannah Online
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Phoenix-Arizona and South University-Savannah Online come out about even on financial return. University of Phoenix-Arizona scores 8/100 and South University-Savannah Online scores 7/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Phoenix-Arizona runs $13,520 a year against $28,049 at South University-Savannah Online - $14,529 more a year, or about $58,116 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn a median $37,752 against $34,421 at South University-Savannah Online. The cost earns itself back in 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona and 999 years at South University-Savannah Online.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave South University-Savannah Online owing a median $26,123 versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.80 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Phoenix-Ari... | South University-Savannah... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $18,145 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,552 | $18,145 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,520 | $28,049 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,080 | $112,196 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $32,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,752 | $34,421 |
| Graduation Rate | 20.8% | 6.9% |
| Payback Period | 70.5 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,553 | $26,123 |
| Monthly Payment | $335 | $277 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.80 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 45.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.1% | 27.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 85,991 | 6,433 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Phoeni... | South University-Sav... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,776 | $27,856 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,833 | $28,368 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,963 | $29,209 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,177 | $34,126 |
| $110,001+ | $19,150 | $34,298 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Phoeni... | South University-Sav... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $109,844 | $91,363 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,425 | $53,445 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,662 | $46,322 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $54,365 | $46,885 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Phoeni... | South University-Sav... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 11 | 6 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 7 | 15 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 5 | 1 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 6 |
| Overall ROI Score | 8 | 7 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Phoenix-Arizona edges out South University-Savannah Online by 1 points (8 vs 7), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
South University-Savannah Online
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.