Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson produces graduates earning $85,169 in their first year—well above the national median and on par with Arizona's competitive nursing market. That 84th percentile national ranking tells you this program delivers strong outcomes. However, there's a significant cost attached: median debt of $51,854 is nearly double the state median and dramatically higher than the typical $27,000 nursing graduates carry nationally.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 means graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary. While nursing salaries make this manageable compared to many fields, Arizona offers cheaper paths to similar earnings. The state's median nursing program produces graduates with just $32,000 in debt while earning $84,000—nearly identical outcomes for $20,000 less in loans. With a 100% admission rate and primarily serving Pell-eligible students, this institution provides access but at a premium price point.
The calculation is straightforward: your child will likely earn a strong nursing salary, but they'll be paying off significantly more debt than necessary to reach that income level. If cost is a major concern, other Arizona nursing programs deliver comparable market outcomes with substantially less borrowing.
Where Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson graduates compare to all programs nationally
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson graduates earn $85k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $98,826 | $99,385 | $27,235 | 0.28 |
| Aspen University | $94,023 | — | $36,787 | 0.39 |
| Grand Canyon University | $92,781 | $88,666 | $25,500 | 0.27 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix | $9,552 | $98,826 | $27,235 |
| Aspen University Phoenix | $6,264 | $94,023 | $36,787 |
| Grand Canyon University Phoenix | $17,450 | $92,781 | $25,500 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe Tempe | $24,853 | $85,169 | $51,854 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix Phoenix | $24,853 | $85,169 | $51,854 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson, approximately 64% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 167 graduates with reported earnings and 178 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.