University of Phoenix-Arizona vs South University-Tampa
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Phoenix-Arizona and South University-Tampa are closely matched on financial return. University of Phoenix-Arizona scores 8/100 while South University-Tampa scores 8/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of Phoenix-Arizona comes in at $13,520 per year (net price after aid) versus $20,434 at South University-Tampa - a difference of $6,914 annually, or roughly $27,656 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn a median of $37,752 compared to $34,421 at South University-Tampa. The payback period is 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona versus 999 years at South University-Tampa.
Graduates leave South University-Tampa with a median $26,123 in debt versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.80 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Phoenix-Ari... | South University-Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $18,145 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,552 | $18,145 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,520 | $20,434 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,080 | $81,736 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $32,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,752 | $34,421 |
| Graduation Rate | 20.8% | 23.3% |
| 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 | 388 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Phoeni... | South University-Tam... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,776 | $20,347 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,833 | $19,364 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,963 | $20,759 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,177 | $22,442 |
| $110,001+ | $19,150 | N/A |
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-Tam... |
|---|---|---|
| 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-Tam... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 11 | 6 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 7 | 15 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 5 | 6 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 6 |
| Overall ROI Score | 8 | 8 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Phoenix-Arizona edges out South University-Tampa by 0 points (8 vs 8), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
South University-Tampa
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.