Degree Dividend
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Virginia Western Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Virginia Western Community College comes closer — median earnings $38,787 against a $19,864 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVirginia Western Community CollegeArizona College of Nursing-Falls Church
Net price / yr$4,966$38,690
Total net cost$19,864$154,760
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,787$34,657
Median debt$11,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$211,324-$428,820

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

Which is cheaper, Virginia Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?

Virginia Western Community College, at $4,966 a year after aid versus $38,690 — a gap of $33,724 a year, or $134,896 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 Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?

Virginia Western Community College graduates report a median $38,787 ten years after entry, $4,130 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 Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?

Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $11,000 at Virginia Western Community College, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Virginia Western Community College vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: frequently asked questions

Is Virginia Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church a better value?
Virginia Western 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, Virginia Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?
Virginia Western Community College: $4,966/yr net price after aid versus $38,690/yr at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church — a difference of $33,724 a year, or about $134,896 over four years.
Do Virginia Western Community College or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?
Virginia Western Community College graduates earn a median $38,787 ten years after entry, versus $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church — a $4,130 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.