Head-to-head comparison
American National University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: which has better ROI?
Option A Salem, VA
American National University
- Net price / year
- $18,036
- Earnings, 10 years
- $26,370
- Payback
- No payback
Option B Falls Church, VA
Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church
- Net price / year
- $38,690
- Earnings, 10 years
- $34,657
- Payback
- No payback
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church comes closer — median earnings $34,657 against a $154,760 total, vs $26,370 at American National University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American National University | Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,036 | $38,690 |
| Total net cost | $36,072 | $154,760 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $26,370 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $12,814 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$475,872 | -$428,820 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, American National University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?
American National University, at $18,036 a year after aid versus $38,690 — a gap of $20,654 a year, or $118,688 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do American National University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?
Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates report a median $34,657 ten years after entry, $8,287 more than the $26,370 at American National University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, American National University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?
Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $12,814 at American National University, a difference of $3,314. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.