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Adams State University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: which has better ROI?

Public, Alamosa CO · vs · Private for-profit, Aurora CO

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Adams State University comes closer — median earnings $44,372 against a $51,920 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAdams State UniversityArizona College of Nursing-Aurora
Net price / yr$12,980$37,153
Total net cost$51,920$148,612
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,372$34,657
Median debt$19,500$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$131,680-$422,672

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?

Adams State University, at $12,980 a year after aid versus $37,153 — a gap of $24,173 a year, or $96,692 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?

Adams State University graduates report a median $44,372 ten years after entry, $9,715 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?

Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Adams State University, a difference of $10,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Adams State University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: frequently asked questions

Is Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora a better value?
Adams State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Adams State University: $12,980/yr net price after aid versus $37,153/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora — a difference of $24,173 a year, or about $96,692 over four years.
Do Adams State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?
Adams State University graduates earn a median $44,372 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora — a $9,715 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.