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 costs $9,765 a year and gets you to median earnings of $38,018 a decade out. That's a modest return, and it hinges almost entirely on which program you pick. The gap between the two programs with data is enormous: nursing grads clear over $61,000, while liberal arts and general studies grads land under $19,000. Same school, same net price, but one path pays three times the other.
The nursing associate degree is the reason to come here. At $61,144, it beats what many bachelor's holders earn, and you get there in two years for under $20,000 total. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, the math works clearly in your favor.
The liberal arts and general studies track is a financial trap if you stop there. Under $19,000 in earnings barely clears minimum-wage territory, and it won't cover much beyond basic living costs. Treat it only as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, not an endpoint.
The main risk here is the 35.8% graduation rate. Nearly two out of three students don't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, you get the cost without the payoff. That risk applies to you personally before you enroll.
The net price is nearly flat across income levels, and it's actually higher for families earning over $110,000 ($15,217) than for those under $30,000 ($8,571). If your family earns under $48,000, you'll pay under $9,600 a year, which keeps the nursing path affordable.
Come here for nursing or as a cheap transfer launch to a state university. Look elsewhere if you plan to stop at a general associate degree and expect it to pay off on its own.
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.