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Virginia State University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: which has better ROI?

Public, Petersburg VA · vs · Private for-profit, Falls Church VA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Virginia State University comes closer — median earnings $45,543 against a $63,360 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVirginia State UniversityArizona College of Nursing-Falls Church
Net price / yr$15,840$38,690
Total net cost$63,360$154,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$45,543$34,657
Median debt$26,500$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$119,700-$428,820

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

Which is cheaper, Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?

Virginia State University, at $15,840 a year after aid versus $38,690 — a gap of $22,850 a year, or $91,400 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?

Virginia State University graduates report a median $45,543 ten years after entry, $10,886 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church. 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, Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?

Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $26,500 at Virginia State University, a difference of $17,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Virginia State University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: frequently asked questions

Is Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church a better value?
Virginia State University 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, Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?
Virginia State University: $15,840/yr net price after aid versus $38,690/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church — a difference of $22,850 a year, or about $91,400 over four years.
Do Virginia State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?
Virginia State University graduates earn a median $45,543 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church — a $10,886 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.