Software Developmentat University of Phoenix-California
Graduates earn $83,476/yr in their first year — about 80.0% above the national Software Development average. Base-case 10-year earnings $821K; scenarios range from $657K to $866K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Phoenix-California
While the earnings figures look impressive, it's crucial to understand the context. University of Phoenix often serves working adults who are already established in their careers. You're likely looking at the salaries of mid-career professionals who used this degree to secure a promotion or transition into a senior tech role, not students starting from scratch. The program's location in Southern California's Inland Empire also provides access to a sprawling economy with logistics, defense, and corporate tech employers. Your peers won't be typical 18-year-olds; they'll be experienced colleagues.
For your own success, investigate the program's direct connections to local employers. Ask admissions counselors for specific examples of companies that hire graduates and what roles they fill. This will clarify if the program is a true launchpad or primarily a credential for those already in the industry.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Phoenix-California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Software Development
How University of Phoenix-California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Phoenix-California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Phoenix-California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Software Development offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Software Development trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Software Development at University of Phoenix-California
How does University of Phoenix-California's Software Development program score?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Software Development graduates.
How vulnerable is Software Development to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Software Development careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 70% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Phoenix-California rank so high for Software Development?
The #14 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.