Degree Dividend
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Pima Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Pima Community College comes closer — median earnings $39,810 against a $13,620 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePima Community CollegeArizona College of Nursing-Phoenix
Net price / yr$3,405$36,660
Total net cost$13,620$146,640
Median earnings, 10 yrs$39,810$34,657
Median debt$7,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$184,620-$420,700

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

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

Pima Community College, at $3,405 a year after aid versus $36,660 — a gap of $33,255 a year, or $133,020 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

Pima Community College graduates report a median $39,810 ten years after entry, $5,153 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, Pima Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?

Pima Community College: its completers carry a median $7,000 in federal loans versus $9,500 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

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

Is Pima Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix a better value?
Pima 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, Pima Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?
Pima Community College: $3,405/yr net price after aid versus $36,660/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a difference of $33,255 a year, or about $133,020 over four years.
Do Pima Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix graduates earn more?
Pima Community College graduates earn a median $39,810 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a $5,153 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.