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

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.