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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends heavily on what you study. You carry only about $6,750 in median debt when you leave, which is small enough that even the school's middle-tier earnings clear it without much strain. That low debt is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The clear winners here are the health programs. Registered Nursing pays roughly $57,800 and is the standout, followed by Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science near $49,400 and the allied health tracks in the low-to-mid $40,000s. These are associate degrees that plug directly into Phoenix's large hospital and clinical job market, so the return on two years of tuition is real. Criminal Justice trails the pack around $39,000 but still beats the school's overall median.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. Fewer than one in five students graduate, so the low sticker price only pays off if you actually complete your degree. Enrolling, borrowing, and leaving without the credential is the main way you lose money here, and it's a common outcome at this school.
Watch the net price by income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $11,000 to $11,300. Above $48,000 the cost climbs steadily, reaching about $18,000 for families over $110,000. Lower-income families get the better deal, and the health programs make that deal worth taking.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing, lab science, or an allied health credential and you're committed to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a general associate degree with no clear career track attached, because the median outcome of about $40,900 is thin and the low graduation rate makes that middle path a gamble.
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.