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

Pima Community College's nursing program gets graduates earning immediately—$73,629 in year one puts it in the top 25% nationally. But this is a program where you might already be at your peak salary right out of the gate. Earnings actually tick down slightly by year four, and compared to other Arizona nursing programs, Pima sits squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile statewide.

The financial picture is solid but not spectacular. At $18,500 in debt, graduates owe less than both the state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25. That means about three months of first-year salary covers the debt—reasonable for healthcare. However, several other Arizona community colleges produce slightly higher earners. Estrella Mountain and the Carrington College locations all show graduates earning $3,000-$5,000 more annually, which compounds meaningfully over a career.

The practical upshot: this program delivers reliable entry into a stable profession with minimal debt burden. For a Tucson-area student seeking the fastest path to nursing credentials, it's a sound choice that won't create financial stress. Just understand you're buying access to the profession rather than premium earning potential within it. If maximizing income matters most and mobility isn't an issue, the Phoenix-area programs show stronger returns.