At $12,158/yr net price, Glendale Community College graduates earn $43,108/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,108/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,158 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,632 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,108/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,108/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,960 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,978/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,805/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,975/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,912/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,914/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 | $60,025 | $6,696 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,330 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $33,138 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $28,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,351 | $6,176 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $23,649 |
The Risk Factor
14.4% of students at Glendale 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
Glendale Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice and whether you complete your degree. The 14% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for most students.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $60,025 annually while carrying minimal debt. This program justifies the investment and offers strong job prospects in Arizona's healthcare market. Vehicle maintenance and criminal justice programs provide modest returns but still beat the overall median earnings.
Business administration graduates earn just $30,771, making it a weaker choice given the time and money invested. The low graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no credential, creating a substantial risk of poor financial outcomes.
You face better odds if you can access the nursing program and commit to completion. The college works best for students with clear vocational goals who can handle the completion challenge. Non-traditional students returning for specific skills training may find value in targeted programs.
Financial aid reaches only 26% of students, suggesting limited grant opportunities. The relatively low debt levels help those who do graduate, but the completion problem remains the biggest financial hazard. Students uncertain about their commitment or lacking strong academic preparation should consider other options with higher graduation rates.
This college makes financial sense primarily for nursing students and those seeking specific technical training who can realistically complete their programs. Everyone else faces significant risk of leaving with debt and no degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glendale Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $12,158 per year and median earnings of $43,108 after 10 years, Glendale Community College offers reasonable value for specific programs like nursing. However, the 14% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Glendale Community College?
Nursing programs at Glendale Community College lead to the highest earnings at $60,025 annually, making them the clear financial winners. Vehicle maintenance and repair pays $35,330, while business and criminal justice programs earn around $31,000-34,000.
How much student debt do Glendale Community College graduates have?
Glendale Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,960, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load makes the school less risky financially, especially for students who complete their programs.
Why is Glendale Community College's graduation rate so low?
Only 14% of students graduate from Glendale Community College, which is below average even for community colleges. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making the investment risky despite the affordable cost.