At $28,789/yr net price, Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson 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) | $28,789 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $115,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$657/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 175.3 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 | $22,137/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,559/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,730/yr |
Analysis
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson delivers below-average financial returns despite its specialized nursing focus. Your median earnings of $34,657 ten years after graduation fall well short of what most nursing programs produce, creating a concerning gap between program cost and career outcomes.
The school's $28,789 annual net price puts significant financial pressure on graduates who enter a job market where their credentials appear to underperform. While the relatively low median debt of $9,500 provides some protection, this figure likely reflects high dropout rates rather than affordability. The 75% retention rate signals that one in four students leave before completing their degree, often after accumulating debt with no credential to show for it.
Nursing remains the school's primary pathway, but the earnings data suggests either weak job placement support or regional market challenges that limit graduate success. You should investigate whether the school maintains strong clinical partnerships and job placement rates before enrolling, as these factors could explain the earnings gap.
This school works best for students who can minimize borrowing and have backup financial support. If you need substantial loans or lack family financial backing, stronger nursing programs with better earnings outcomes exist elsewhere. The 64% of students receiving aid face particular risk, as the combination of high costs and modest earnings creates a difficult repayment scenario.
You should compare this program directly with community college nursing programs and public university options in Arizona, which typically offer better value propositions. The specialized focus on nursing makes this a high-stakes choice where program quality directly impacts your entire career trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson worth the cost compared to other nursing schools?
With graduates earning a median of $34,657 ten years after enrollment and annual costs around $28,789, Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson shows weak financial returns. Most nursing programs offer better salary outcomes relative to their cost.
What is the job market like for Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson graduates?
The low post-graduation earnings of $34,657 suggest graduates may struggle to find well-paying nursing positions or face regional salary limitations. This is below average for nursing degree holders nationally.
How much debt do Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson students typically graduate with?
The median debt of $9,500 is relatively low, which helps offset the poor earnings outcomes. However, even with manageable debt levels, the low salary potential raises questions about career prospects.
Does Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson have good job placement rates after graduation?
While the school accepts all applicants, the low median earnings of $34,657 ten years post-graduation suggests either poor job placement or placement in lower-paying nursing roles. Prospective students should research specific program outcomes and employer partnerships.