Head-to-head comparison
University of Phoenix-Arizona vs Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson: which has better ROI?
Option A Phoenix, AZ
University of Phoenix-Arizona
- Net price / year
- $13,520
- Earnings, 10 years
- $37,752
- Payback
- No payback
Option B Tucson, AZ
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson
- Net price / year
- $37,136
- Earnings, 10 years
- $34,657
- Payback
- No payback
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Phoenix-Arizona comes closer — median earnings $37,752 against a $54,080 total, vs $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,520 | $37,136 |
| Total net cost | $54,080 | $148,544 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $37,752 | $34,657 |
| Median debt | $31,553 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$266,240 | -$422,604 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson?
University of Phoenix-Arizona, at $13,520 a year after aid versus $37,136 — a gap of $23,616 a year, or $94,464 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 University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson graduates earn more?
University of Phoenix-Arizona graduates report a median $37,752 ten years after entry, $3,095 more than the $34,657 at Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson. 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, University of Phoenix-Arizona or Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson?
Arizona College of Nursing-Tucson: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $31,553 at University of Phoenix-Arizona, a difference of $22,053. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.