At $7,420/yr net price, Cochise County Community College District graduates earn $38,033/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,033/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,420 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,033/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,033/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,731/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,628/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,624/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,978/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,638/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 | $57,047 | |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,134 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $23,340 | $8,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $21,964 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 | $9,702 |
The Risk Factor
30.3% of students at Cochise County Community College District 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
Cochise County Community College delivers solid returns for specific career paths but offers limited upward mobility for most graduates. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $57,047 annually compared to the overall median of $38,033.
Your program choice determines your financial outcome at this school. Nursing and intelligence operations programs justify the investment, while general studies and liberal arts tracks leave you with minimal earning potential in southern Arizona's constrained job market. The $6,750 median debt load stays manageable, but the 30% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to consider seriously.
This school works best if you live locally and can attend part-time while working. Commuting costs and housing expenses will quickly erode the low $7,420 net price if you relocate. The regional economy limits high-paying opportunities outside healthcare and defense-related fields, making program selection critical.
You should look elsewhere if you want bachelor's degree options or access to diverse career paths. The school serves its local community well but cannot compete with larger institutions for employer recruiting or alumni networks. Financial aid reaches fewer than 40% of students, so you will likely pay most costs out of pocket.
Choose Cochise County if you need affordable healthcare certification, want to stay in southern Arizona, and can commit to completing your program. Skip it if you are undecided about your major or expect a community college degree to significantly boost your earning power in competitive fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cochise County Community College District worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,420 per year and graduates earning $38,033 after 10 years, the school offers decent value for a community college. However, the 30% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Cochise County Community College District?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $57,047, followed by Intelligence and Command Control operations at $46,087. Most other programs result in below-average earnings, with criminal justice graduates earning just $33,993.
How much debt do Cochise County Community College District graduates have?
The median debt is $6,750, which is manageable for a community college. This low debt load helps offset the modest earnings many graduates see.
Should I attend Cochise County Community College District if I'm not studying nursing?
Only consider it if you're pursuing nursing or intelligence operations programs, which show strong returns. Other programs offer weak earning potential relative to even this affordable school's costs.