Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,729 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,916 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,521 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,763/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,796/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,958/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $28,831 | $8,418 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $26,817 | $16,624 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $24,421 | $8,110 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,156 | $3,166 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $20,140 | $8,192 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $18,315 | $7,790 |
The Risk Factor
54.7% of students at Pima Medical Institute-Aurora graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora is a low-debt, low-return school. You will borrow a median of $8,521, which is far below what most colleges leave you with, and the 54.70% graduation rate means you have a better-than-coin-flip chance of finishing. The problem is what comes after. None of the listed programs clear $29,000 a year, and every one of them trains you for the same regional healthcare support field around Aurora and metro Denver.
The best-paying option here, medical assisting, tops out at $28,831 and costs you about $8,400 in debt. That is a manageable ratio, but the salary itself sits near what many entry-level jobs pay without any credential at all. The clinical/medical laboratory certificate is the smartest bet on paper: $20,156 in earnings against just $3,166 in debt, the lightest loan load on this list. The veterinary technology associate degree is the trap. It pays $26,817 but saddles you with $16,624 in debt, roughly double what the certificate programs cost, for earnings no better than shorter tracks.
The real risk is the price. At $18,729 a year for a two-year program, you pay more than $37,000 to earn credentials that lead to wages in the low-to-mid $20,000s. If your family earns under $30,000, you still face a net price near $18,800, barely discounted, and the $75,000-$110,000 tier actually pays the most at $25,958.
This school fits you if you want a fast healthcare credential, will finish, and target the lab or medical assisting tracks with the debt-to-earnings ratios that work. Look elsewhere if you are considering the vet tech degree or expect these certificates to pay more than the local market gives them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-Aurora worth the cost?
With a net price of $18,729 per year and median debt of only $8,521, Pima Medical Institute-Aurora offers reasonable value for healthcare training. The 54.7% graduation rate is concerning, but graduates who complete programs typically enter stable healthcare fields.
What are the highest paying programs at Pima Medical Institute-Aurora?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting leads at $28,831 median earnings, followed by Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies at $26,817. These salaries are modest but provide decent returns given the relatively low debt levels.
How much debt do Pima Medical Institute-Aurora students graduate with?
The median debt is $8,521, which is quite low compared to many career colleges. This manageable debt load makes the programs more financially viable even with moderate starting salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Pima Medical Institute-Aurora?
Only 54.7% of students graduate, meaning nearly half don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.