Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario

The college offers one degree program: a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The curriculum is notoriously rigorous, with students warning that balancing work or personal life is nearly impossible. Reddit threads describe it as a 'no-life-for-three-years' commitment, though the accelerated timeline appeals to those eager to enter the workforce faster. Classes are small, with only about 11 degrees awarded annually in nursing, suggesting tight-knit cohorts and focused faculty attention.

With 279 students, the Ontario campus is small and lacks traditional undergraduate amenities—no dorms, no athletics, and few clubs. The vibe is career-focused, with off-campus life revolving around study groups and local hangouts. The college emphasizes 'personalized support' and community, but social opportunities are limited by the program’s intensity. Campus resources are tailored to nursing students, including simulation labs and career advising, but don’t expect a typical college experience here.

The graduation rate is 53%, slightly above the abysmal 9% rate at the college’s Tempe campus. Early career earnings are modest: graduates earn $31,810 one year out and $34,040 after five years—below the national average for BSN holders, likely due to regional wage differences or entry-level roles. The program’s focus on speed over prestige means it won’t open doors to elite hospitals, but it does deliver a licensure-ready degree efficiently.

The sticker price is $52,480, with an average financial aid package of $8,003, bringing the net cost to $44,477. The college offers federal aid and scholarships, but the high net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.—for a program with middling post-grad salaries—raises questions about ROI. Unlike many nursing programs at public universities, there’s no clear pipeline to loan forgiveness or employer tuition reimbursement.

This college is singularly focused on one thing: getting students through a CCNE-accredited BSN program fast. The three-year timeline and no-nonsense admissions (no SATs, just GPA and HESI scores) make it a pragmatic choice for career-changers or those certain about nursing. But it’s not for the faint-hearted: the workload is brutal, the social scene minimal, and the financial payoff gradual. Ideal for students who see nursing as a job, not an identity, and want to minimize time in school.