Colorado Mesa University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Colorado Mesa University comes closer — median earnings $45,823 against a $60,412 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Colorado Mesa University | Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,103 | $37,153 |
| Total net cost | $60,412 | $148,612 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,823 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$111,152 | -$422,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Colorado Mesa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Colorado Mesa University, at $15,103 a year after aid versus $37,153 — a gap of $22,050 a year, or $88,200 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Colorado Mesa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?
Colorado Mesa University graduates report a median $45,823 ten years after entry, $11,166 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, Colorado Mesa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Colorado Mesa University, a difference of $12,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.