Northern Michigan University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Northern Michigan University comes closer — median earnings $47,107 against a $56,340 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Michigan University | Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,085 | $38,786 |
| Total net cost | $56,340 | $155,144 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $47,107 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $21,474 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$81,400 | -$429,204 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Michigan University or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield?
Northern Michigan University, at $14,085 a year after aid versus $38,786 — a gap of $24,701 a year, or $98,804 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northern Michigan University or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield graduates earn more?
Northern Michigan University graduates report a median $47,107 ten years after entry, $12,450 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield. 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, Northern Michigan University or Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield?
Arizona College of Nursing-Southfield: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $21,474 at Northern Michigan University, a difference of $11,974. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.