Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Phoenix College

Phoenix College nursing graduates earn above the national average at $72,843 in their first year, but there's a puzzling detail in the Arizona numbers: despite strong absolute earnings, this program ranks only in the 40th percentile statewide. That's because Arizona nursing salaries run particularly hot—the state median is $73,629, and several community college competitors are placing graduates who earn $75,000-$78,000. Phoenix College graduates are essentially earning at the state average rather than leading the pack.

The debt load of $22,937 is reasonable for nursing, translating to a 0.31 ratio that's well within manageable territory. However, earnings actually slip to $69,461 by year four, a 5% decline that's unusual for a field where experience typically commands higher pay. This could reflect part-time work choices, career transitions, or the reality that associate-degree RNs sometimes face a ceiling without advancing to BSN credentials—though we're working with a moderate sample size, so individual circumstances could be skewing the picture.

For parents weighing Arizona nursing programs, Phoenix College provides solid entry to the profession at community college pricing, but it's not the top performer in the state. If location flexibility exists, programs like Estrella Mountain or Glendale show meaningfully higher early earnings. Still, the debt-to-earnings fundamentals work here, and any nursing credential opens doors in a high-demand field.