At $13,478/yr net price, Paradise Valley Community College graduates earn $47,196/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,196/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,478 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,196/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,196/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,995 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,872/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,999/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,708/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,710/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,032/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 | $65,517 | $6,781 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,848 |
The Risk Factor
19.8% of students at Paradise Valley 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
Paradise Valley Community College offers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The nursing program delivers strong value at $65,517 median earnings with manageable debt of $6,781, making it one of the better nursing investments among Arizona community colleges.
Your success here depends almost entirely on completing your degree. With only a 19.8% graduation rate, most students leave without credentials and face limited earning potential. The 64.55% retention rate signals that many students struggle to persist beyond their first year.
Allied health programs show weaker returns at around $32,000 annually, which barely justifies the time and cost investment. Other programs at PVCC generally lead to earnings below $40,000, making them poor financial bets given Arizona's job market.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (18.74%) suggests limited need-based support, though the relatively low median debt of $6,995 indicates manageable borrowing levels for those who do graduate. Your net cost of $13,478 annually is reasonable for a public institution.
PVCC makes financial sense if you can commit to nursing and have the academic preparation to succeed. The program's graduates earn enough to justify the investment. However, if you're uncertain about your major or lack strong study skills, the low completion rates make this a risky choice. Students who struggle academically should consider more supportive four-year options, even at higher cost, to improve their odds of finishing with a valuable credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paradise Valley Community College worth the money?
Paradise Valley Community College offers decent value for students who complete programs, with a net price of $13,478 annually and median debt of just $6,995. However, the 19.8% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Paradise Valley Community College?
Nursing programs at Paradise Valley Community College provide the strongest ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning around $65,517 annually. Allied health programs pay moderately well at $32,925, but most other programs offer limited earning potential.
How much debt do Paradise Valley Community College students graduate with?
Paradise Valley Community College students graduate with relatively low debt at $6,995 median. The bigger financial risk comes from the low graduation rate, as students who don't complete programs still face costs without earning credentials.
Do Paradise Valley Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Paradise Valley Community College graduates earn $47,196 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Earnings vary dramatically by program, with nursing students doing well but other fields offering limited income growth.