Class of 2027 · University of Phoenix

Officially, finally, graduating!

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

📅 Saturday, April 10, 2027 ⏰ 10:00 AM (Arizona time) 📍 Chase Field, Phoenix

Dressed in the colors I'm wearing on the big day 💛

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Exploratory data analysis

The degree, by the numbers

101 / 120credits earned while working full time (as of Oct 2026)
4courses targeted for credit through prior learning (certificates & nanodegrees)
2Udacity Nanodegrees finished on the side (Azure Generative AI & Azure Applications), for fun (sort of)

A little announcement

While I was in school…

Aristeia Labs

aristeia: the moment someone is at their very best.

I started my own LLC, Aristeia Labs, built a few websites, put together a business plan (sort of!), and I'm now starting a blog chronicling it all.

Visit Aristeia Labs Read the blog on dev.to

Model output

>>> model.predict(samira) { "graduates": true, "confidence": 1.00, "next_steps": ["software developer", "MIS master's", "more data"], "family_attending": "hopefully everyone 💛" }

Cost analysis

What this degree costs

Yes, I ran a cost breakdown. I'm a data science student. Of course I did.

    Where you can help

    The last two pieces

    I'm covering my own flight and room. These two graduation items are what's left:

    🎓 Cap & gown (regalia), ordering in February$281.45 + tax
    💍 Second half of my graduation ring$344.00 + tax
    $625.45 + tax

    $0 of $625.45 covered so far. Anything at all helps, and there's no pressure — having you there is the best part.

    Trip planning

    Getting to Phoenix

    Thursday, April 8 → Monday, April 12, 2027 (4 nights). Everyone books their own flight and room, so each room checks in on its own.

    ✈️ Flights Delta nonstop

    FromTimesMain ClassicComfort Classic
    Detroit (DTW)Out 4:35 PM · Back 3:10 PM$579$719
    Atlanta (ATL)Out 9:59 AM · Back 12:05 PM$679$864

    Round trip, per person, taxes included. Pick a "Classic" fare so you can choose seats and we can sit together — Comfort Basic doesn't guarantee the extra-legroom seat. Checked bag is +$90 round trip. Set a free Google Flights price alert.

    🏨 Hotels you can walk to the ceremony from

    HotelRewards4 nights / roomEach, if 2 share
    Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown sofa bedHyatt~$1,302~$651
    Hyatt Regency PhoenixHyatt~$1,315~$658
    AC Hotel Phoenix DowntownMarriott~$1,379~$690
    Renaissance Phoenix DowntownMarriott~$1,424~$712
    Westin Phoenix DowntownMarriott~$1,545~$773
    SpringHill Suites Downtown fits 3Marriott~$1,665~$555 (3 share)

    Per room, taxes included. Book a refundable rate, and join Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt free for member pricing.

    🏠 Lower-cost option: Airbnb

    2–3 bedroom apartments and homes near downtown run about $600–$1,600 for all 4 nights. Shared by 4–6 people, that's about $100–$400 each. Most are in Roosevelt Row or Garfield, about 1–2 miles from Chase Field.

    💵 Rough total per person Detroit + lodging

    $1,230–1,350Main flight + shared hotel room
    $1,370–1,490Comfort flight + shared hotel room
    $680–980Main flight + shared Airbnb

    Food, bags, and rides not included. Prices checked October 22, 2026 and change often.