Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Coconino Community College

Coconino Community College's nursing program carries higher debt than most—landing at just the 17th percentile nationally—yet delivers earnings that trail the Arizona median by over $5,000 four years out. With first-year earnings of $68,955 and debt at $29,500, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, manageable but not exceptional. The 40th percentile state ranking means roughly six in ten Arizona nursing programs produce stronger earnings, including several Phoenix-area community colleges where graduates earn $75,000+.

The numbers do improve: earnings climb 11% to $76,440 by year four, suggesting decent career progression for those who stay in nursing. Still, that trajectory doesn't close the gap with stronger Arizona programs. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—a few outliers could skew the picture significantly. Flagstaff's rural location may also factor in, as nurses in smaller markets typically earn less than those in metropolitan areas, though this might be offset by lower living costs.

For families committed to staying in Flagstaff or who value the community college experience, this program gets graduates working as nurses with debt that's ultimately repayable. But if your child has options at Phoenix-area community colleges—particularly Estrella Mountain or Glendale—those programs deliver $7,000-10,000 more in annual earnings with comparable or lower debt loads. That difference compounds over a nursing career.