At $12,871/yr net price, GateWay Community College graduates earn $46,147/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,147/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,871 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,147/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,147/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.6% |
| 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 | $12,010/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,492/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,629/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,316/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 | $57,995 | $7,328 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,168 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $48,667 | $9,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,208 | $4,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,847 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,348 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
19.6% of students at GateWay Community 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
GateWay Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but struggles with completion rates that undermine its financial value. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,995 annually against just $7,328 in debt, creating an strong debt-to-income ratio for a two-year degree.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 19.6% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you get debt without credentials. The 60.7% retention rate means four out of ten students leave after the first year, often with loans to repay.
Healthcare programs justify the investment. Registered nursing and allied health diagnostics both produce graduates earning above $57,000, while medical assisting reaches $48,667. These salaries work well in Phoenix's healthcare market, where demand stays strong. Practical nursing pays less at $37,208 but requires minimal debt.
Liberal arts graduates earn $47,260 with no reported debt data, suggesting either grant coverage or students transferring before borrowing. This makes GateWay useful as a low-cost transfer option to four-year universities.
The $12,871 annual cost stays reasonable for Phoenix, but only 28.6% of students receive financial aid. This suggests either strict aid criteria or a student body that doesn't qualify for need-based assistance. Merit aid opportunities appear limited.
You should consider GateWay if you want healthcare training with manageable debt or need affordable general education credits for transfer. Avoid it if you lack clear career direction or struggle with self-motivation, given the low completion rates. Students who need extensive academic support should look at schools with stronger retention infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GateWay Community College worth the money?
GateWay Community College offers decent value for career-focused programs, especially nursing degrees that lead to $58k+ salaries. However, the 20% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for undecided students.
What are the best paying programs at GateWay Community College?
Registered nursing and allied health programs at GateWay Community College pay $48k-58k annually, well above the school's overall graduate average of $46k. Liberal arts graduates earn $47k, while practical nursing leads to lower $37k salaries.
How much debt do GateWay Community College students graduate with?
GateWay Community College graduates have relatively low debt at $6,750 median, making loan repayment manageable even for lower-paying careers. The bigger financial risk is not graduating at all given the low completion rate.
Does GateWay Community College have good job placement after graduation?
GateWay Community College graduates in nursing and healthcare fields generally find work given strong local demand in Phoenix. However, nearly 80% of students don't graduate, so completing your program is the main challenge rather than job placement.