At $4,591/yr net price, Central Arizona College graduates earn $40,513/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,513/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,591 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,513/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,513/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,010 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,321/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,230/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,109/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,223/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. | Certificate | $59,124 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $30,277 | $8,101 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Certificate | $25,967 |
The Risk Factor
23.5% of students at Central Arizona 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
Central Arizona College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $40,513 ten years after enrollment and a concerning 23.5% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a program here are roughly one in four.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, generating median earnings of $59,124 annually. This program justifies the investment and aligns with strong healthcare demand in Arizona. Every other major produces disappointing returns. Liberal Arts graduates earn only $30,277 despite carrying $8,101 in debt, while Dietetics programs lead to even lower earnings at $25,967.
The low graduation rate creates your biggest financial risk. You could easily spend money on courses without earning a credential that meaningfully boosts your income. The median debt of $10,010 may seem manageable, but it becomes burdensome when paired with poor completion rates and weak earning outcomes outside nursing.
Central Arizona College makes financial sense if you can gain admission to the nursing program and have strong confidence in your ability to complete it. The program's earnings justify the investment. For all other programs, you face poor financial prospects that likely leave you worse off than entering the workforce directly.
With only 28.7% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay the full net price of $4,591 annually. The school offers limited merit scholarship opportunities, making affordability dependent on your family's ability to pay out of pocket. Consider community colleges with stronger completion rates or four-year universities with better earning outcomes for non-nursing fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Arizona College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Central Arizona College offers decent value with a low net price of $4,591 per year and manageable debt levels around $10,000. However, the 23.5% graduation rate is concerning and significantly below national averages for community colleges.
What are the highest paying programs at Central Arizona College?
Nursing programs at Central Arizona College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $59,124 annually. Liberal arts graduates earn much less at $30,277, while nutrition services graduates earn only $25,967.
How much debt do Central Arizona College graduates typically have?
Central Arizona College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $10,010. This manageable debt load helps offset concerns about the school's below-average graduation rates.
Do Central Arizona College graduates earn good salaries after graduation?
Central Arizona College graduates earn $40,513 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Earnings vary significantly by program, with nursing majors earning 50% more than the average.