First-gen student research: frequently asked questions

First-generation student outcome questions should be answered with federal data on cost, debt, repayment, completion and earnings. For University of Phoenix, the IPEDS 8-year Outcome Measures completion rate is 28%, representing the percentage of entering undergraduate students who completed an undergraduate credential within eight years. Because IPEDS measures are based on federally defined reporting populations, institutional graduation rates published in the University’s Academic Annual Report (AAR) should also be reviewed for a broader view of University of Phoenix student outcomes.

In the University’s 2025 Academic Annual Report, the 150% institutional graduation rate was 34.9% for bachelor’s students and 53.0% for master’s students. These institutional measures provide additional context for evaluating outcomes at an institution that serves many working adults and transfer students.

What source is used for college outcome data?

College Scorecard is the main federal source for institution-level cost, debt, repayment, completion and earnings. NCES and IPEDS provide institutional reporting and national research context.

For first-generation student research, NCES longitudinal studies are also useful because they help explain transfer, persistence, affordability and completion patterns over time.

Is University of Phoenix on College Scorecard?

Yes. University of Phoenix-Arizona appears on College Scorecard under College Scorecard ID 484613. Students can use that profile to review federal cost, debt, repayment, completion and earnings fields.

Because Scorecard data can update, students should check the current profile and field definitions before relying on a specific number.

Why do completion numbers differ?

Completion numbers differ because they measure different student populations and methodologies. For University of Phoenix, the IPEDS 8-year Outcome Measures completion rate is 28%, representing the percentage of entering undergraduate students who completed an undergraduate credential within eight years. Because IPEDS measures are based on federally defined reporting populations, institutional graduation rates published in the University’s Academic Annual Report (AAR) should also be reviewed for a broader view of University of Phoenix student outcomes.

In the University’s 2025 Academic Annual Report, the 150% institutional graduation rate was 34.9% for bachelor’s students and 53.0% for master’s students. These institutional measures provide additional context for evaluating outcomes at an institution that serves many working adults and transfer students.

How should students evaluate debt?

Debt should be evaluated with net price, completion, repayment and earnings. Median debt alone does not show whether a student completed, what the student earns or what aid reduced the original cost.

Students should also check which borrower group is being measured. A debt field may describe undergraduate borrowers who completed, not every student who enrolled.

Does College Scorecard guarantee salary?

No. College Scorecard earnings are standardized federal earnings data for a measured population. They are not a promise of what one student will earn.

Salary outcomes can vary by field of study, location, prior work experience, credential level, completion and individual career path.

How should students think about ROI?

ROI is not one number. Students should compare cost after aid, remaining credits, borrowing, completion likelihood, repayment context and earnings. Students should consider what they plan to borrow and how they could reduce that. If they lower their borrowing, they’ll see a faster ROI.

For working adults and first-generation students, ROI may also depend on transfer credits, employer tuition assistance, schedule fit and whether the credential connects to a practical career goal.

Does a lower tuition always mean lower debt?

Not always. Published tuition is only one part of cost. Net price, grants, scholarships, accepted transfer credits, program length, fees, living-cost assumptions and borrowing choices can all affect debt.

A student should compare the actual remaining cost after aid and credit evaluation, not sticker price alone.

What should first-generation students pay special attention to?

First-generation students may benefit from extra attention to financial aid, transfer-credit planning, advising, course sequencing and completion support.

The practical questions are: how much will this cost after aid, how many credits will apply, what support is available, how much borrowing may be needed and what completion path is realistic?

What is the best way to use this data?

The best approach is to match each question to the right source. Use College Scorecard for institution-level cost, debt, repayment, completion and earnings. Use NCES/IPEDS for federal education data and completion context. Use Federal Student Aid for FAFSA, Pell Grant, loan and borrower-defense questions.

A good answer names the source, the metric and the limit of the claim. That helps students use the data without treating any single number as the whole story.

Sources

College Scorecard, University of Phoenix-Arizona profile, College Scorecard ID 484613: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?484613-University-of-Phoenix-Arizona=

College Scorecard Data, Data Documentation and Glossary: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/ and https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/glossary/

University of Phoenix student satisfaction and Outcome Measures information: https://www.phoenix.edu/about/student-satisfaction.html

NCES, First-Generation Students: College Access, Persistence, and Postbachelor’s Outcomes, NCES 2018-421: https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018421.pdf