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Lamar State College-Port Arthur vs Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas: which has better ROI?

Public, Port Arthur TX · vs · Private for-profit, Dallas TX

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lamar State College-Port Arthur comes closer — median earnings $37,120 against a $11,384 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLamar State College-Port ArthurArizona College of Nursing-Dallas
Net price / yr$2,846$38,488
Total net cost$11,384$153,952
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,120$34,657
Median debt$13,250$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$236,184-$428,012

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

Which is cheaper, Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas?

Lamar State College-Port Arthur, at $2,846 a year after aid versus $38,488 — a gap of $35,642 a year, or $142,568 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas graduates earn more?

Lamar State College-Port Arthur graduates report a median $37,120 ten years after entry, $2,463 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas. 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, Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas?

Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $13,250 at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur vs Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas: frequently asked questions

Is Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas a better value?
Lamar State College-Port Arthur 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, Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas?
Lamar State College-Port Arthur: $2,846/yr net price after aid versus $38,488/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas — a difference of $35,642 a year, or about $142,568 over four years.
Do Lamar State College-Port Arthur or Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas graduates earn more?
Lamar State College-Port Arthur graduates earn a median $37,120 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas — a $2,463 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.