At $39,581/yr net price, Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario graduates earn $34,657/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $657/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,581 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $158,324 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$657/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 241 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $37,506/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $38,479/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $39,928/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $43,703/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,703/yr |
Analysis
Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario delivers poor financial returns despite strong student retention. With median 10-year earnings of just $34,657 against a net price of $39,581 annually, graduates earn less than what one year of attendance costs.
The school's single focus on nursing creates both opportunity and risk. While nursing offers stable employment in Southern California's healthcare market, these particular graduates earn significantly below national averages for registered nurses, who typically make $50,000-70,000 starting out. This suggests either program quality issues or graduates entering lower-paying nursing roles.
The financial structure works against you. At nearly $40,000 per year for a specialized program, you're paying premium private school prices for outcomes that don't justify the investment. Even with 59% of students receiving financial aid, the return on investment remains weak.
One positive factor is the relatively low median debt of $9,500, indicating either strong financial aid or many students paying cash. However, this doesn't change the fundamental problem of low post-graduation earnings.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support to minimize borrowing and are committed specifically to nursing despite lower expected earnings. If you need to finance your education significantly or want stronger financial returns, you should consider nursing programs at California State Universities or community colleges with RN bridge programs that cost far less and often produce better employment outcomes.
The 92% retention rate suggests students stay enrolled, but the earnings data indicates they're not getting the career launch that justifies the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario worth the cost?
The numbers suggest this school is not worth the cost for most students. Graduates earn a median of $34,657 ten years after enrollment while paying $39,581 annually, meaning the degree costs more per year than graduates typically earn.
What is the return on investment for Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario graduates?
The ROI is poor compared to other nursing programs. With annual costs of nearly $40,000 but median earnings of only $34,657 after ten years, graduates struggle to recover their educational investment.
How much debt do Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario students graduate with?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the high annual tuition costs. However, even this modest debt burden is concerning given the low post-graduation earnings of $34,657.
Does Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario have good job placement rates?
While the school accepts all applicants, the low earnings data suggests graduates may struggle to find well-paying nursing positions. The median salary of $34,657 is below typical nursing wages in California.