At $11,728/yr net price, Phoenix College graduates earn $40,870/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,870/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,728 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,870/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,870/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.7% |
| 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 | $11,099/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,271/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,660/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,093/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,033/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 | $57,811 | $6,937 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,436 | $6,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $33,993 | $9,452 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $32,467 | $9,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
17.7% of students at Phoenix 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
Phoenix College delivers solid returns for students who complete healthcare programs, but the extremely low graduation rate creates major financial risks. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,811 annually against modest debt of $6,937, making it one of the strongest ROI options among Arizona community colleges.
Healthcare tracks dominate the high-earning outcomes. Clinical laboratory science graduates earn $49,436, while other allied health programs cluster around $42,000. These fields align well with Phoenix's growing medical sector and aging population. Criminal justice graduates earn $39,009, which barely exceeds the overall median but requires careful consideration of local law enforcement hiring trends.
The 17.7% graduation rate represents the biggest financial threat. Most students leave without credentials, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. Your risk of joining this majority increases if you lack strong study habits or need extensive remedial coursework. The $11,728 annual net price becomes expensive when spread across multiple years without completion.
You should consider Phoenix College if you can realistically complete a healthcare program within two years and have clear career goals in nursing or medical technology. The school works well for working adults who need flexible scheduling and local clinical placement opportunities.
Avoid Phoenix College if you're uncertain about your major, struggle with self-directed learning, or hope to transfer to a four-year university. The low completion rates suggest many students would benefit from more structured environments or different educational paths. Focus on programs with clear job placement data rather than exploring general education requirements that may not lead anywhere productive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix College worth the cost?
Phoenix College offers decent value for students who complete nursing or medical programs, with graduates earning $50,000-$58,000 annually. However, the 18% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it risky for those unsure about their path.
What is the ROI of Phoenix College nursing programs?
Phoenix College nursing graduates earn around $57,800 annually, providing strong returns given the relatively low cost and debt levels. The nursing programs represent the school's best financial outcomes for completers.
How much debt do Phoenix College students graduate with?
Phoenix College graduates carry a median debt of $6,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the modest $40,870 average earnings.
Why is Phoenix College's graduation rate so low?
Only 18% of Phoenix College students graduate, reflecting typical community college completion challenges including part-time enrollment and competing work obligations. Students should have clear program goals and realistic timelines before enrolling.