Arapahoe Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arapahoe Community College comes closer — median earnings $48,341 against a $46,284 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Arapahoe Community College | Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,571 | $37,153 |
| Total net cost | $46,284 | $148,612 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,341 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $11,884 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$46,664 | -$422,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Arapahoe Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Arapahoe Community College, at $11,571 a year after aid versus $37,153 — a gap of $25,582 a year, or $102,328 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Arapahoe Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?
Arapahoe Community College graduates report a median $48,341 ten years after entry, $13,684 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, Arapahoe Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $11,884 at Arapahoe Community College, a difference of $2,384. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.