Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Pima Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
pima.eduAnalysis
Pima Community College's nursing certificate program is an exceptional value for Arizona students, ranking in the 95th percentile statewide—meaning it outperforms nearly every competing program in the state. While first-year earnings of $47,205 trail the top programs like GateWay Community College, the trajectory tells a more compelling story: graduates see 38% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $65,000. That places Pima solidly above the national median and far ahead of Arizona's state median of just $29,376.
The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $9,562, graduates carry minimal burden compared to the national norm of $14,803, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.20—meaning graduates owe less than three months' salary. This is particularly important for a certificate program where students often need to start earning quickly. For families concerned about affordability, this combination of low debt and strong earning potential is hard to beat.
If you're comparing Arizona nursing programs, Pima offers the best combination of outcomes and affordability outside of the GateWay system. The strong earnings growth suggests this program builds skills that become increasingly valuable with experience, making it a smart investment for students who plan to build a long-term career in nursing.
Where Pima Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Pima Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College | $47,205 | $64,928 | +38% |
| GateWay Community College-Central City | $60,620 | $51,283 | -15% |
| GateWay Community College | $60,620 | $51,283 | -15% |
| Pima Medical Institute-East Valley | $28,834 | $35,578 | +23% |
| Pima Medical Institute-Mesa | $28,834 | $35,578 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pima Community CollegeTucson | $2,370 | $47,205 | $64,928 | $9,562 | 0.20 |
 GateWay Community CollegePhoenix | $2,358 | $60,620 | $51,283 | $12,898 | 0.21 |
| GateWay Community College-Central CityPhoenix | — | $60,620 | $51,283 | $12,898 | 0.21 |
 East Valley Institute of TechnologyMesa | — | $53,918 | — | $14,076 | 0.26 |
 Brookline College-TempeTempe | — | $29,376 | $28,675 | $9,500 | 0.32 |
| Brookline College-PhoenixPhoenix | — | $29,376 | $28,675 | $9,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
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 Pima Community College, approximately 33% 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 81 graduates with reported earnings and 108 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.