At $39,975/yr net price, Carrington College-Tucson 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) | $39,975 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $159,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,718/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,718/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 58.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.2% |
| 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 | $39,030/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $41,013/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $40,651/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,099/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 |
| 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
62.2% of students at Carrington College-Tucson graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Carrington College-Tucson delivers mixed financial returns that depend entirely on which program you choose. The nursing program justifies the investment with graduates earning $64,281 annually, but every other major struggles to provide adequate returns on the $39,975 annual cost.
If you pursue nursing, your career earnings will likely cover the debt load despite borrowing over $32,000. The program's strong salary outcomes reflect Tucson's healthcare job market and nursing shortages across Arizona. However, the other four programs create concerning financial gaps. Health administration graduates earn just $27,758 while paying the same tuition, creating a poor return that worsens with medical assisting and dental support programs paying under $25,000.
The school's 62% graduation rate adds risk since dropping out leaves you with debt but no credential. Your financial aid package becomes critical here since 61% of students receive assistance. Without substantial grants or scholarships, the debt-to-income ratios for non-nursing programs become problematic.
You should consider Carrington College-Tucson only if you plan to complete the nursing program and can secure financial aid to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. The nursing track offers legitimate career prospects in Arizona's growing healthcare sector. However, if you're interested in medical assisting, dental support, or health administration, community colleges offer similar programs at much lower costs with better financial outcomes.
Avoid this school if you're uncertain about your program choice or lack strong financial aid. The high costs combined with weak earnings potential in most programs create unnecessary financial risk when more affordable alternatives exist throughout Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrington College-Tucson worth the cost?
With a net price of nearly $40,000 per year and median earnings of $36,718 ten years after graduation, most graduates earn less than they paid annually for tuition. The nursing programs offer better returns, but other health programs lead to significantly lower wages.
What are the best paying programs at Carrington College-Tucson?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $64,281 annually, making it the only program that clearly justifies the tuition cost. Health administration ($27,758) and medical assisting ($24,298) programs result in much lower earnings relative to the school's price.
How much debt do Carrington College-Tucson graduates have?
The median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with most graduates earning under $40,000 annually, even this modest debt burden can be challenging to repay.
Does Carrington College-Tucson have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 62.2%, which means more than one-third of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is concerning given the high tuition costs and limited earning potential in most programs.