At $20,904/yr net price, Pima Medical Institute-Mesa graduates earn $38,673/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,673/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,904 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,673/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,673/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 17.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,241/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,225/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,330/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,842/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 | $60,933 | $27,552 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,438 | $26,923 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,723 | $26,524 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,140 | $8,890 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $25,194 | $8,894 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,121 | $8,508 |
The Risk Factor
62.9% of students at Pima Medical Institute-Mesa graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $60,933 annually, easily justifying the $27,552 debt load. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $54,438 in median earnings.
The financial picture turns problematic for lower-tier programs. Practical nursing graduates earn just $25,194 annually with $8,894 in debt, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio. Medical assisting programs show similar weakness, with one track paying only $27,140 despite similar debt levels to higher-earning programs.
Your program choice determines your financial fate at this school. If you can gain admission to the RN program and handle the academic rigor, the investment pays off within Arizona's healthcare job market. The 62.9% graduation rate suggests significant academic challenges, so you need realistic assessment of your ability to complete the program.
Skip this school if you're considering practical nursing or basic medical assisting programs. Community colleges offer these same credentials at lower costs with similar job prospects. Only 46% of students receive financial aid, limiting options if you need significant assistance.
The school works best for students who can afford the full cost upfront and have strong academic preparation for nursing coursework. Mesa's healthcare market supports nursing graduates well, but lower-level healthcare workers face wage competition and limited advancement opportunities that don't justify the private school premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pima Medical Institute-Mesa worth the cost?
The answer depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $60,933 annually, making the $20,904 yearly cost reasonable, but some allied health programs lead to salaries under $30,000 which creates poor ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Pima Medical Institute-Mesa?
Registered Nursing and Nursing Administration programs offer the best financial returns at nearly $61,000 annually. Allied Health Diagnostic programs also pay well at $54,438, while practical nursing and medical assisting programs start around $25,000-$27,000.
How much debt do Pima Medical Institute-Mesa graduates have?
The median debt is relatively low at $9,500, which is manageable for nursing graduates but problematic for lower-paying programs. With some programs leading to salaries under $30,000, even modest debt can strain budgets.
What is the graduation rate at Pima Medical Institute-Mesa?
About 63% of students graduate, which is below average for most colleges. This means over one-third of students leave without completing their program, losing both time and money invested.