Western Colorado University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Western Colorado University comes closer — median earnings $46,833 against a $65,700 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Colorado University | Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,425 | $37,153 |
| Total net cost | $65,700 | $148,612 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $46,833 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $20,250 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$96,240 | -$422,672 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Colorado University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Western Colorado University, at $16,425 a year after aid versus $37,153 — a gap of $20,728 a year, or $82,912 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Colorado University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora graduates earn more?
Western Colorado University graduates report a median $46,833 ten years after entry, $12,176 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora. 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, Western Colorado University or Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora?
Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $20,250 at Western Colorado University, a difference of $10,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.