University of Phoenix-Arizona vs University of Advancing Technology
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 Advancing Technology holds a 20-point ROI advantage over University of Phoenix-Arizona, scoring 28/100 versus 8/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Phoenix-Arizona comes in at $13,520 per year (net price after aid) versus $28,522 at University of Advancing Technology - a difference of $15,002 annually, or roughly $60,008 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Advancing Technology graduates earn a median of $50,719 compared to $37,752 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The payback period is 70.5 years at University of Phoenix-Arizona versus 16.2 years at University of Advancing Technology.
Graduates leave University of Advancing Technology with a median $28,812 in debt versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.71 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Phoenix-Ari... | University of Advancing T... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,552 | $19,365 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,552 | $19,365 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,520 | $28,522 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,080 | $114,088 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,200 | $40,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $37,752 | $50,719 |
| Graduation Rate | 20.8% | 35.1% |
| Payback Period | 70.5 yr | 16.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,553 | $28,812 |
| Monthly Payment | $335 | $305 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.71 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 67.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 32.1% | 61.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 98.1% |
| Enrollment | 85,991 | 855 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Phoeni... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,776 | $25,687 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,833 | $25,896 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,963 | $28,841 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,177 | $31,691 |
| $110,001+ | $19,150 | $32,685 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Phoeni... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $75,805 | $84,302 |
| Computer Programming | $76,918 | $72,462 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Phoeni... | University of Advanc... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 11 | 26 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 10 | 35 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 7 | 27 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 5 | 15 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 34 |
| Overall ROI Score | 8 | 28 |
The Verdict
University of Advancing Technology significantly outperforms University of Phoenix-Arizona on financial ROI (28 vs 8). The 20-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless University of Phoenix-Arizona offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors University of Advancing Technology.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Advancing Technology
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.