Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Eastern Arizona College at a Glance
Eastern Arizona College (EAC), is a community college in Graham County, Arizona, United States. The main campus is in Thatcher, with satellite locations in Gila County and Greenlee County. It is the oldest community college in Arizona and the only one in the state with a marching band.
1888
138 years old
5,004
Identity
Is Eastern Arizona College Worth It?
Eastern Arizona College offers moderate value at $9,197/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $38,018, which is 29% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Eastern Arizona College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in AZ
Ranked #43 of 156 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #43 | Eastern Arizona College | 43 | $9,197 | $38,018 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Eastern Arizona College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in AZ.
Best Programs at Eastern Arizona College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Eastern Arizona College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,197/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in AZ
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Thatcher, AZ
- Student Body
- 2,643 students
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,197
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,018