Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$657/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
Analysis
Arizona College of Nursing-Sarasota delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $34,657 ten years after graduation. This falls well below the national average for college graduates and creates concerning debt-to-income ratios even with relatively low median debt of $9,500.
The school's focus on nursing should theoretically lead to stronger outcomes, but these earnings figures suggest graduates struggle to secure well-paying positions in Florida's competitive healthcare market. Registered nurses in the Tampa-Sarasota metro typically earn $65,000-$75,000 annually, indicating many graduates may not be landing RN roles or are working in lower-paying healthcare support positions.
Your biggest financial risk here is program completion and licensing success rates. For-profit nursing programs often have lower NCLEX pass rates than traditional programs, which directly impacts your earning potential. If you cannot pass the licensing exam, your degree has minimal value in the job market.
This school only makes financial sense if you have limited options for nursing education and can minimize costs through the 60% of students who receive financial aid. You should exhaust community college ADN programs and state university BSN options before considering this route, as both typically offer better outcomes at lower cost.
The low debt levels suggest either strong financial aid or affordable tuition, but the weak earnings undermine any cost advantage. You would likely see better returns investing the same time and money in a public nursing program, even if it means relocating or waiting for acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona College of Nursing-Sarasota worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $34,657 ten years after enrollment and relatively low debt of $9,500, the ROI is modest but manageable. The earnings are below national averages for nursing programs, which typically see higher returns.
Do Arizona College of Nursing-Sarasota graduates make good money?
Graduates earn about $34,657 annually ten years out, which is lower than many nursing programs nationally. This income level may limit your ability to quickly pay off student loans or build wealth compared to other nursing schools.
How much debt do Arizona College of Nursing-Sarasota students typically have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to many private colleges. However, given the modest earning potential of graduates, even this amount may take several years to pay off comfortably.
What programs at Arizona College of Nursing-Sarasota have the best ROI?
As a specialized nursing college, program options are limited to nursing-related fields. The lower-than-average earnings suggest that even the core nursing programs may not deliver strong financial returns compared to similar programs elsewhere.