University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe: which has better ROI?
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-Tempe. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,520 | $31,681 |
| Total net cost | $54,080 | $126,724 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $37,752 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $31,553 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$266,240 | -$400,784 |
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-Tempe?
University of Phoenix-Arizona, at $13,520 a year after aid versus $31,681 — a gap of $18,161 a year, or $72,644 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-Tempe 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-Tempe. 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-Tempe?
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe: 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.
Which graduates more of its students?
89% of students finish at Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe, against 21% at University of Phoenix-Arizona. 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.