At $14,380/yr net price, Scottsdale Community College graduates earn $47,905/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,905/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,380 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,905/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,905/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,905/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,717/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,160/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,348/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,126/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 | $58,673 | $7,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Associate | $28,816 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,035 | $8,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Certificate | $21,781 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
23.8% of students at Scottsdale 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
Scottsdale Community College delivers weak financial returns despite its attractive Arizona location. With median 10-year earnings of $47,905 against a $14,380 annual net price, you face a steep uphill climb to positive ROI.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $58,673 with just $7,000 in debt. This creates genuine career mobility in Arizona's growing healthcare market. Every other major program falls dramatically short, with design arts topping out at $30,771 and most others clustered around $24,000 to $28,000.
The 23.8% graduation rate exposes a major financial risk. Three out of four students leave without completing their program, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The low 13.6% financial aid participation rate suggests limited institutional support for affordability.
You should consider Scottsdale Community College only if you plan to enter the nursing program or if you need specific prerequisites for transfer to a four-year university. The school works financially for students with clear healthcare career goals who can handle the completion challenge.
Skip this school if you want to study liberal arts, culinary arts, or creative fields. The earning outcomes do not justify even the modest debt levels, and the completion rates suggest institutional challenges that could derail your academic progress. Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University offer better long-term earning potential for similar program costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottsdale Community College worth the cost?
Scottsdale Community College can be worth it if you choose the right program and transfer to a four-year school. The nursing program pays well at $58,673 median earnings, but other programs like culinary arts and liberal arts show poor returns at $24,035 annually.
What is the ROI for Scottsdale Community College graduates?
Most Scottsdale Community College graduates earn $47,905 ten years after enrollment, which is low considering the $14,380 annual cost. Only 24% of students graduate, making completion a bigger concern than debt for most students.
Which programs at Scottsdale Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and nursing administration at Scottsdale Community College lead to median earnings of $58,673, making them the only programs with strong financial returns. Design and arts programs pay significantly less at around $30,000 annually.
How much debt do Scottsdale Community College students typically have?
Scottsdale Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The bigger risk is the 76% of students who don't graduate and may still owe money without a credential.