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GateWay Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: which has better ROI?

Public, Phoenix AZ · vs · Private for-profit, Phoenix AZ

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but GateWay Community College comes closer — median earnings $46,147 against a $53,356 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGateWay Community CollegeArizona College of Nursing-Phoenix
Net price / yr$13,339$36,660
Total net cost$53,356$146,640
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,147$34,657
Median debt$6,750$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$97,616-$420,700

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

Which is cheaper, GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?

GateWay Community College, at $13,339 a year after aid versus $36,660 — a gap of $23,321 a year, or $93,284 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix graduates earn more?

GateWay Community College graduates report a median $46,147 ten years after entry, $11,490 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix. 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, GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?

GateWay Community College: its completers carry a median $6,750 in federal loans versus $9,500 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

GateWay Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: frequently asked questions

Is GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix a better value?
GateWay Community College 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, GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?
GateWay Community College: $13,339/yr net price after aid versus $36,660/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a difference of $23,321 a year, or about $93,284 over four years.
Do GateWay Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix graduates earn more?
GateWay Community College graduates earn a median $46,147 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a $11,490 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.