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

Yavapai College's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $74,560—well above the national median and landing in the 77th percentile nationally. That's $6,000 more than typical nursing associate's degree holders earn right out of the gate. With debt of $21,500, graduates face a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning the loan burden represents less than four months of income. However, within Arizona's competitive nursing landscape, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Estrella Mountain and several Carrington campuses by $2,000-$4,000 annually.

The downside requires attention: earnings actually decline to $66,759 by year four, a 10% drop that's unusual for nursing careers. This could reflect local market dynamics in Prescott's smaller healthcare economy, where advancement opportunities may be limited compared to Phoenix or Tucson. Graduates seeking career growth might need to relocate or pursue additional credentials earlier than expected.

For families prioritizing immediate employment and manageable debt in a desirable Arizona location, this program works. The first-year salary alone justifies the investment. But if your child plans to stay local long-term, understand that this isn't a pathway to steadily growing income without additional steps. Consider whether Prescott's lifestyle appeal outweighs the stronger earning trajectories available at Phoenix-area community colleges.