Degree Dividend
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Naropa University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Boulder CO · vs · Private for-profit, Aurora CO

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora comes closer — median earnings $34,657 against a $148,612 total, vs $28,720 at Naropa University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNaropa UniversityArizona College of Nursing-Aurora
Net price / yr$29,179$37,153
Total net cost$116,716$148,612
Median earnings, 10 yrs$28,720$34,657
Median debt$24,712$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$509,516-$422,672

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

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

Naropa University, at $29,179 a year after aid versus $37,153 — a gap of $7,974 a year, or $31,896 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates report a median $34,657 ten years after entry, $5,937 more than the $28,720 at Naropa University. 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, Naropa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?

Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $24,712 at Naropa University, a difference of $15,212. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

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

Is Naropa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora a better value?
Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora 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, Naropa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Naropa University: $29,179/yr net price after aid versus $37,153/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora — a difference of $7,974 a year, or about $31,896 over four years.
Do Naropa University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?
Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn a median $34,657 ten years after entry, versus $28,720 at Naropa University — a $5,937 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.