University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Strayer University-Georgia
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 Strayer University-Georgia are closely matched on financial return. University of Phoenix-Arizona scores 8/100 while Strayer University-Georgia scores 9/100 - 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 $18,318 at Strayer University-Georgia - a difference of $4,798 annually, or roughly $19,192 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Strayer University-Georgia graduates earn a median of $40,092 compared to $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The payback period is 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona versus 41.9 years at Strayer University-Georgia.
Graduates leave University of Phoenix-Arizona with a median $31,553 in debt versus $40,621 at Strayer University-Georgia. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 1.06 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Phoenix-Ari... | Strayer University-Georgi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $13,920 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,552 | $13,920 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,520 | $18,318 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,080 | $73,272 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $38,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,752 | $40,092 |
| Graduation Rate | 20.8% | 21.4% |
| Payback Period | 70.5 yr | 41.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,553 | $40,621 |
| Monthly Payment | $335 | $431 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 1.06 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 42.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.1% | 30.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 85,991 | 4,299 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Phoeni... | Strayer University-G... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,776 | $14,598 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,833 | N/A |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,963 | $19,559 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,177 | N/A |
| $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... | Strayer University-G... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $75,805 | $82,304 |
| Accounting | $63,113 | $66,108 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $56,662 | $53,916 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Phoeni... | Strayer University-G... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 11 | 14 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 13 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 7 | 4 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 5 | 5 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 4 |
| Overall ROI Score | 8 | 9 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Strayer University-Georgia edges out University of Phoenix-Arizona by 1 points (9 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
Strayer University-Georgia
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.