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 gives you a low-debt path with a big completion risk attached. Median debt sits at $6,750, which is far below what you'd borrow at most four-year schools, and ten-year earnings of $46,147 clear that debt several times over. If you finish, the math works in your favor.
The problem is finishing. A 19.6% graduation rate means most people who enroll do not walk away with the credential. Retention is only 60.71%, so four in ten don't even return for a second year. Every dollar you spend before dropping out is a dollar with no degree behind it, and that is the central financial risk here.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so treat this as a place to keep costs down while you complete a two-year credential or prepare to transfer. The low debt load is your safety net: if you leave early, you're not buried, but you also haven't gained the earnings bump a completed degree brings.
The net price tiers run backwards from what you might expect. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $12,010. if you earn over $110k, you pay $18,316. The gap between the lowest and highest tier is about $6,300 a year, so aid does shave costs for lower-income families, but even the cheapest tier isn't cheap for a community college.
This school fits you if you're cost-conscious, disciplined about finishing on your own, and clear about transferring or entering a specific field. Look elsewhere if you need structure to stay enrolled, since the odds of completing here are against you. Enroll only with a concrete plan to be in the 20% who graduate.
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.