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University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Phoenix-Arizona comes closer — median earnings $37,752 against a $54,080 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Phoenix-ArizonaArizona College of Nursing-Phoenix
Net price / yr$13,520$36,660
Total net cost$54,080$146,640
Median earnings, 10 yrs$37,752$34,657
Median debt$31,553$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$266,240-$420,700

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

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

University of Phoenix-Arizona, at $13,520 a year after aid versus $36,660 — a gap of $23,140 a year, or $92,560 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 Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix graduates earn more?

University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates report a median $37,752 ten years after entry, $3,095 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, University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?

Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona, a difference of $22,053. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix: frequently asked questions

Is University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix a better value?
University of Phoenix-Arizona 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, University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix?
University of Phoenix-Arizona: $13,520/yr net price after aid versus $36,660/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a difference of $23,140 a year, or about $92,560 over four years.
Do University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix graduates earn more?
University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates earn a median $37,752 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix — a $3,095 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.