At $9,582/yr net price, Arizona Western College graduates earn $36,857/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,857/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,582 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,857/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,857/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,826 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,887/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,871/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,563/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,849/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,357/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,196 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,267 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
25.4% of students at Arizona Western College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Arizona Western College delivers strong returns if you target the right programs, but choosing poorly will leave you financially worse off than before you enrolled. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $64,196 annually compared to the overall median of $36,857. This represents genuine economic mobility in Yuma's healthcare-focused job market.
Allied health programs offer decent middle-ground returns at $37,208, aligning closely with the school's overall graduate outcomes. However, criminal justice graduates earn just $24,267 annually while liberal arts majors make only $21,508. Education majors face the weakest prospects at $18,087, barely above minimum wage despite completing a degree program.
The school's 25% graduation rate creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your credential. Your median debt load of $4,826 remains manageable if you complete nursing or allied health programs, but becomes problematic if you end up in lower-earning majors or fail to graduate entirely.
Arizona Western makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health careers and can commit to program completion. The school serves Yuma's regional healthcare economy well, and nursing graduates see genuine salary premiums. Skip this school if you're considering criminal justice, liberal arts, or education programs where earnings barely justify the time investment. With only 39% of students receiving aid, expect limited scholarship opportunities beyond standard federal programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona Western College worth the cost?
Arizona Western College offers strong value with a low net price of $9,582 per year and minimal debt of $4,826. However, the 25% graduation rate is concerning and most graduates earn around $37,000 annually, which limits long-term financial returns.
What are the best paying programs at Arizona Western College?
Nursing programs at Arizona Western College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $37,000, while education and liberal arts programs typically lead to lower salaries around $18,000-$21,000.
How much debt do Arizona Western College graduates have?
Arizona Western College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $4,826. The school's affordable tuition keeps borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Arizona Western College?
Only 25% of students graduate from Arizona Western College, which is below average for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students leave without credentials, reducing the school's overall value proposition.