University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Strayer University-South Carolina

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Phoenix-Arizona and Strayer University-South Carolina come out about even on financial return. University of Phoenix-Arizona scores 8/100 and Strayer University-South Carolina scores 9/100 - 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 $17,979 at Strayer University-South Carolina - $4,459 more a year, or about $17,836 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Strayer University-South Carolina graduates earn a median $40,092 against $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The cost earns itself back in 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona and 41.6 years at Strayer University-South Carolina.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Phoenix-Arizona owing a median $31,553 versus $40,621 at Strayer University-South Carolina. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 1.06 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.