Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at GateWay Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
GateWay Community College's nursing program launches graduates into solid first-year earnings of $74,062—well above the national median of $68,409 and placing graduates in the 76th percentile nationally. That's strong initial performance for an associate degree program that costs just $21,225 in median debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29.
The complication is trajectory. Within four years, earnings slip slightly to $72,265, and the program ranks at the 60th percentile among Arizona's 23 nursing programs—respectable but not elite. Top performers like Estrella Mountain ($78,359) and several Carrington College campuses show what stronger positioning looks like in the same state market. Still, GateWay beats the state median of $73,629 initially and carries lower debt than Arizona's typical $22,872.
For families weighing community college nursing options in Phoenix, this program delivers immediate job-market value at reasonable cost. The modest earnings dip likely reflects Arizona's nursing market dynamics rather than program quality, and the debt burden remains manageable even if income plateaus. If your child can access higher-performing programs like Estrella Mountain without significantly more debt, compare carefully. Otherwise, GateWay offers a dependable path into nursing that won't saddle graduates with outsized loans.
Where GateWay Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates'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 GateWay Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
GateWay Community College graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GateWay Community College | $74,062 | $72,265 | $21,225 | 0.29 |
| Estrella Mountain Community College | $78,359 | $69,166 | $34,003 | 0.43 |
| Carrington College-Tucson | $76,515 | $76,747 | $32,969 | 0.43 |
| Carrington College-Mesa | $76,515 | $76,747 | $32,969 | 0.43 |
| Carrington College-Phoenix North | $76,515 | $76,747 | $32,969 | 0.43 |
| Glendale Community College | $75,418 | $75,496 | $24,741 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale | $2,358 | $78,359 | $34,003 |
| Carrington College-Tucson Tucson | — | $76,515 | $32,969 |
| Carrington College-Mesa Mesa | — | $76,515 | $32,969 |
| Carrington College-Phoenix North Phoenix | — | $76,515 | $32,969 |
| Glendale Community College Glendale | $2,358 | $75,418 | $24,741 |
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 GateWay Community College, approximately 29% 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 159 graduates with reported earnings and 295 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.