Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Scottsdale Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Scottsdale Community College's nursing graduates earn $73,683 in their first year—placing them in the 75th percentile nationally but squarely at Arizona's median for nursing programs. Among the state's 23 nursing programs, there are notably stronger options: Estrella Mountain's graduates earn $5,000 more annually, and several Carrington campuses also outperform Scottsdale. The debt load of $21,230 is reasonable with a 0.29 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe about three months' salary.
The concerning pattern here is flat-to-declining earnings over time. While first-year income is solid, graduates actually earn slightly less four years later ($72,317). This suggests limited wage growth potential compared to programs where nurses see meaningful salary increases as they gain experience. Given that nursing typically offers strong earning progression, this stagnation warrants attention.
For Arizona families, this program offers a financially viable path into nursing—the debt is manageable and starting pay covers living expenses. However, if your student has admission options at Estrella Mountain or the Carrington campuses, those programs deliver better first-year outcomes at similar debt levels. Scottsdale works as a solid backup choice, but it's not the strongest value in the Phoenix metro area for associate-level nursing education.
Where Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Scottsdale Community College graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 75th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale Community College | $73,683 | $72,317 | $21,230 | 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 Scottsdale Community College, approximately 14% 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 140 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.