Head-to-head comparison
Norfolk State University vs Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church: which has better ROI?
Option A Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- Net price / year
- $15,282
- Earnings, 10 years
- $44,666
- 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 Norfolk State University comes closer — median earnings $44,666 against a $61,128 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Norfolk State University | Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,282 | $38,690 |
| Total net cost | $61,128 | $154,760 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,666 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $29,000 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$135,008 | -$428,820 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Norfolk State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church?
Norfolk State University, at $15,282 a year after aid versus $38,690 — a gap of $23,408 a year, or $93,632 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 Norfolk State University or Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church graduates earn more?
Norfolk State University graduates report a median $44,666 ten years after entry, $10,009 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Falls Church. 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, Norfolk State 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 $29,000 at Norfolk State University, a difference of $19,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.