University of Arizona vs Northern Arizona University: which has better ROI?
University of Arizona has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,696 in 5.7 years versus 9.4 years at Northern Arizona University, on median earnings of $59,979 vs $54,384 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Arizona | Northern Arizona University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,674 | $14,158 |
| Total net cost | $66,696 | $56,632 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,979 | $54,384 |
| Median debt | $19,620 | $19,000 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 9.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $165,684 | $63,848 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $16,674 — a gap of $2,516 a year, or $10,064 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University graduates earn more?
University of Arizona graduates report a median $59,979 ten years after entry, $5,595 more than the $54,384 at Northern Arizona 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, University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University?
Northern Arizona University: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $19,620 at University of Arizona, a difference of $620. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at University of Arizona, against 61% at Northern Arizona University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.