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 charges $28,789 a year in net price, and ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $34,657. That gap is the whole story here: you pay close to a full year's salary in cost each year, and the earnings that follow barely clear what many jobs pay without a degree. The financial return is weak.
The one bright spot is debt. The median borrower leaves with $9,500, which is low and keeps monthly payments manageable even on modest earnings. If you finish, you likely won't be buried in loans. That matters, because the risk here isn't debt load , it's whether the price you paid ever gets recovered through pay.
The retention rate is 75 percent, meaning one in four first-year students doesn't come back. If you're part of that quarter, you've paid $28,789 or more and left with no credential, which is the worst outcome the numbers point to. The high net price makes any incomplete year expensive.
The income tiers show almost no protection for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay $22,137 , only about $10,000 less than the $32,730 charged to families over $110,000. Nursing programs elsewhere, including community college routes into the same field, cost far less for the same licensure.
This school makes financial sense only if you finish quickly, land a nursing job in the Tucson market, and treat the low debt as the payoff. If you're price-sensitive or unsure you'll complete, a public nursing program will get you to the same career for a fraction of $28,789 a year.
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.