At $9,765/yr net price, Eastern Arizona College graduates earn $38,018/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,018/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,765 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,018/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,018/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,571/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,553/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,134/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,076/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,217/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 | $61,144 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 |
The Risk Factor
35.8% of students at Eastern 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
Eastern Arizona College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $61,144 annually, making it one of the stronger ROI options among Arizona community colleges. However, the liberal arts track produces median earnings of just $18,771, barely above minimum wage levels.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 35.8% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs. This creates substantial opportunity cost if you end up with debt but no credential. The low completion rate particularly hurts students in programs like liberal arts where the degree itself provides most of the earning power.
Eastern Arizona works best financially if you can secure one of the nursing seats and complete the program. The $9,765 annual net price becomes reasonable when weighed against nursing salaries in rural Arizona healthcare facilities. You should also consider this school if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at lower cost.
Skip Eastern Arizona if you're considering liberal arts as a terminal degree or if you struggle with program completion. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in non-nursing fields creates poor financial outcomes. Only 17.2% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability beyond the base tuition structure.
Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisites here before transferring, or securing admission to the nursing program with a clear completion plan. Avoid accumulating debt in programs that historically produce low earnings at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Arizona College worth the cost for most students?
Eastern Arizona College offers a relatively low net price at $9,765 per year, but graduates earn only $38,018 annually after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 36% means many students don't finish their programs, making the investment risky for most majors outside of nursing.
Which programs at Eastern Arizona College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Eastern Arizona College provide strong ROI with graduates earning around $61,144 annually. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $18,771 per year, making these programs poor financial investments.
What are the biggest financial risks of attending Eastern Arizona College?
The main risk is the 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their degree. Students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the credential needed for better-paying jobs.
How do Eastern Arizona College graduates' earnings compare to the cost?
With graduates earning $38,018 after 10 years and annual costs around $9,765, most students need about 2.5 years of post-graduation earnings to break even. This is reasonable if you graduate, but the low completion rate makes it a gamble for many students.