Education Degree in Phoenix, AZ — Salary & ROI 2026
Education degree analysis for Phoenix, AZ. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Phoenix
Cost of Living
152
index (100 = avg)
Education in Phoenix, AZ Overview
Phoenix is one of Arizona's top college towns, with 72 institutions and a student population of 118,169. Public tuition averages $12,467/year here — near the national average for public universities. Education enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Phoenix is approximately $0.
Category
Education
Local Colleges
72
Public Tuition
$12,467/yr
Private Tuition
$22,100/yr
Room & Board
$14,782/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,630/yr
Unemployment
4.4%
Graduation Rate
53%
Education Salary in Phoenix (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Phoenix's cost of living index of 152 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Education salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Phoenix adjustment factor: 1.52x based on the local cost of living index.
Education ROI Calculator for Phoenix
Estimate your return on investment for a Education degree using local Phoenix tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $12,467 | Private avg: $22,100
Phoenix avg aid: $8,630/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$108,996
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-53,200
vs HS diploma in Phoenix
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Phoenix
$-108,996
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($108,996)
Student Loan Payoff for Education in Phoenix
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Phoenix for Education
Arizona State University
public
$12,467/yr
$49,868 total
Grand Canyon University
private
$17,800/yr
$71,200 total
University of Advancing Technology
private
$26,400/yr
$105,600 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Maricopa Community Colleges
$2,580/yr
Top Employers for Education in Phoenix
Phoenix offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Phoenix Hiring Sectors for Education
School districts
Universities
EdTech companies
Non-profits
Training organizations
Common Education Job Titles
Education in Nearby Arizona Cities
Tucson, AZ
$0 starting · COL 116
24 colleges
Mesa, AZ
$0 starting · COL 110
31 colleges
Chandler, AZ
$0 starting · COL 124
22 colleges
Gilbert, AZ
$0 starting · COL 119
26 colleges
Glendale, AZ
$0 starting · COL 105
16 colleges
Scottsdale, AZ
$0 starting · COL 126
16 colleges
Peoria, AZ
$0 starting · COL 103.8
7 colleges
Tempe, AZ
$0 starting · COL 113
5 colleges
Other Education Majors in Phoenix
Instructional Design & Technology
$76K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Educational Psychology
$76K starting · 5 yr ROI
Higher Education Administration
$76K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Elementary Education
$76K starting · 5 yr ROI
Special Education
$76K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Music Education
$76K starting · 6 yr ROI
Physical Education
$76K starting · 5 yr ROI
Early Childhood Education
$76K starting · 6 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Education degree outcomes in Phoenix, AZ: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Education programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Arizona.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Phoenix using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Education graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Education career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Education grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Phoenix Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Arizona programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "arizona higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Education Degree in Phoenix — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Phoenix.