At $47,290/yr net price, Carrington College-Mesa graduates earn $36,718/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,718/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $47,290 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $189,160 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,718/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,718/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 69.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| 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 | $45,475/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $49,457/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $48,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $47,673/yr |
| $110,001+ | $49,457/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 | $64,281 | $32,311 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,775 | $27,688 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $50,272 | $28,291 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $27,758 | $9,431 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $24,298 | $8,958 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $22,493 | $8,789 |
| Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies. | Certificate | $19,144 | $7,222 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Carrington College-Mesa graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Carrington College-Mesa delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely reaching $37,000 annually against a steep net price approaching $50,000 per year. Your investment only pays off if you pursue specific healthcare programs.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $64,000 in median earnings that can justify the higher debt load of $32,000. Dental support services also deliver solid returns at nearly $54,000 annually. These programs tap into Arizona's growing healthcare sector and chronic nursing shortages.
Avoid the lower-tier programs entirely. Health administration and medical assisting graduates earn just $25,000-$28,000 annually, creating a devastating return on your educational investment. You can earn similar wages in retail or food service without accumulating debt.
The 53% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never complete their programs, leaving them with debt but no credential. The school's for-profit structure means your financial aid gets consumed quickly by high tuition costs.
This school makes financial sense only if you gain admission to nursing or dental programs and can handle the academic demands. Community colleges in Arizona offer similar healthcare training at fraction of the cost. Consider Carrington only if other programs have denied you admission and you need the more flexible scheduling that for-profit schools typically provide.
Financial aid covers about half of students, but the aid rarely reduces costs enough to improve the overall return equation for lower-paying programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-Mesa worth the cost?
Carrington College-Mesa's high net price of $47,290 per year leads to poor financial outcomes, with graduates earning only $36,718 ten years after enrollment. The nursing programs offer better returns at around $64,000, but other programs leave graduates earning less than $30,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Carrington College-Mesa?
Carrington College-Mesa has a 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This adds risk to an already expensive education with limited earning potential.
Which programs at Carrington College-Mesa have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing programs at Carrington College-Mesa lead to the highest earnings at $64,281, followed by dental support services at $53,775. Health administration and medical assisting programs result in much lower salaries around $25,000-$28,000.
How much debt do Carrington College-Mesa graduates have?
The median debt for Carrington College-Mesa graduates is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the school's high annual costs. However, many graduates earn too little to justify even this modest debt load outside of nursing programs.