Yavapai College
Yavapai College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Yavapai College at a Glance
Yavapai College is a public community college in Yavapai County, Arizona. The main campus is in Prescott, with locations in Clarkdale, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Sedona.
1965
61 years old
$23M
$22.8 million (2024)
11,616
114
Identity
Is Yavapai College Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Yavapai College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,890 — 26% below average — while paying $8,683/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Yavapai College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Yavapai College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in AZ
Ranked #92 of 196 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #92 | Yavapai College | 38 | $8,683 | $39,890 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Yavapai College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in AZ.
Best Programs at Yavapai College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Yavapai 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 $8,683/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
- Prescott, AZ
- Student Body
- 3,988 students
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,683
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,890
- Median Student Debt
- $9,000