At $3,123/yr net price, Pima Community College graduates earn $39,810/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,810/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,123 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,492 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,810/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,810/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,605/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,578/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,383/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,872/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $82,440 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,606 | $12,125 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,231 | $8,731 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,254 | $7,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $41,823 | $9,500 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $40,605 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $40,402 | $4,900 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $39,369 |
The Risk Factor
21.5% of students at Pima 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
Pima Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career programs despite its low graduation rate. Your net cost of $3,123 annually makes this one of the most affordable pathways to middle-class earnings in Arizona.
Business Administration graduates earn $82,440 within 10 years, creating an strong return on your minimal investment. The nursing program produces $60,606 earners with manageable debt of $12,125. Dental support services and allied health programs also generate solid returns above $45,000, making healthcare your strongest bet for reliable employment in Tucson's growing medical sector.
The 21% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving without a credential, making program selection critical. Stick to career-focused programs with clear job pathways rather than general studies that lead nowhere.
You should choose Pima if you need affordable job training for healthcare, business, or skilled trades. The school works best for working adults who can handle part-time schedules and students who know exactly what career they want. Skip Pima if you need a traditional college experience or plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the low completion rates suggest weak academic support.
Only one-third of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay the already-low sticker price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return. The median debt of $7,000 across all programs keeps your financial risk minimal, but only if you actually finish your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Community College worth the money?
Pima Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,123 per year and median debt of only $7,000. However, the 21.5% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Pima Community College?
Business Administration leads earnings at $82,440 annually, followed by nursing programs at $60,606. These career-focused programs offer solid returns compared to the school's low cost, but success depends on actually graduating.
How much debt do Pima Community College graduates have?
Pima Community College graduates have a median debt of $7,000, which is relatively low for higher education. The manageable debt load makes this school less risky financially than four-year institutions.
Do Pima Community College graduates make good money after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $39,810 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. The earnings vary significantly by program, with business and healthcare fields paying much better than the overall average.