The cost of college in Arizona — and what it pays back
Across the 63 Arizona institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,439/yr, $533 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $39,217 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 11 of the 63 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,439
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$39,217
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
13.5 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
11/63
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Arizona's 63 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong3
Solid2
Slow3
Weak55
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Arizona | $40,096 | $92,405 | 3.6 yrs |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $14,967 | $62,668 | 4.2 yrs |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | $40,287 | $84,131 | 4.5 yrs |
| University of Arizona | $16,674 | $59,979 | 5.7 yrs |
| Northern Arizona University | $14,158 | $54,384 | 9.4 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College | $3,405 | $39,810 | no payback |
| Tohono O'odham Community College | $4,233 | $39,229 | no payback |
| Central Arizona College | $4,714 | $40,513 | no payback |
| Mohave Community College | $5,974 | $35,522 | no payback |
| Dine College | $6,057 | $29,188 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Arizona?
The median net price across Arizona colleges is $17,439/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Arizona cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Arizona net price of $17,439/yr runs about $533/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Arizona college graduates earn?
A median $39,217 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which Arizona college pays for itself fastest?
Chamberlain University-Arizona — about 3.6 years to clear its $160,384 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-arizona page.