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 gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on what you study. Median debt sits low at $8,000, so you won't leave buried. But the 23.8% graduation rate is the number to watch: most people who enroll don't finish, and a credit-hours-only transcript with no credential rarely moves your earnings.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At $58,673, the associate nursing track pays nearly double what most other programs here produce, and it does so on $7,000 of debt. Arizona's Phoenix-metro hospitals keep demand steady, and this is a credential that transfers directly into a licensed, paid job.
The creative programs are where the math gets rough. Design, film and photography, and culinary arts all land under $31,000. Culinary and general liberal arts both come in around $24,000, which after a full net price load leaves you close to what you'd earn without the degree. These are not majors to take on for the income. take them only if you have a specific plan for the field.
The main risk is finishing at all. Pay for two years, drop before the credential, and you carry the cost with none of the nursing-level upside. The net price also climbs as income rises, from roughly $12,900 for families under $30k to over $19,000 above $110k, so higher earners pay a real premium here with less aid cushioning.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or plan to knock out transferable credits cheaply before moving to a four-year program. If you're chasing the arts or culinary tracks expecting them to pay for themselves, look at the earnings first and decide with eyes open.
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.