Nursing at Central Arizona College

Coolidge, AZ · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

a smaller institution with 4,892 students in Coolidge, AZ.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $70,026/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 168.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

With first-year pay of $70,026 far exceeding the $13,829 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #72 ranking out of 947 Nursing programs nationally puts Central Arizona College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

89 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
83
Low End
89
Score
90
High End
Earnings $70,026/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$758K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
168.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,500
Out-of-state: $9,000
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,829
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Arizona College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central Arizona College's Nursing program score?
This program scores 89/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Central Arizona College?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Central Arizona College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from Central Arizona College?
At $13,829 in median debt, Nursing graduates from Central Arizona College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing Central Arizona College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →