Location: Sierra Vista, AZ•In-State Tuition: $2,232•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,000
2026 ROI Award Winner
#3 Military Technologies
Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,755
95th percentile
Median Debt
$16,642
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.34 ManageableSample: 268 graduates

Analysis

Cochise County Community College's intelligence and command control program sits near Fort Huachett, and that geography matters enormously. Graduates earning $48,755 right out of the gate is exceptional for an associate degree—this lands at the 95th percentile nationally among similar programs. The debt load of $16,642 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans in under a year of focused repayment. With only 14 schools nationwide offering this specialized credential, competition is limited.

The earnings trajectory tells an even better story: graduates see a 19% bump to $58,181 by year four, suggesting strong demand for these skills as workers gain experience. The proximity to military installations likely drives both the program's existence and its outcomes—defense contractors and government agencies actively recruit these specialized skill sets. While Arizona state rankings put this at the 60th percentile, that's less meaningful when only three programs exist statewide.

For families near Sierra Vista or willing to relocate, this represents one of the stronger two-year pathways available. The combination of low debt, high starting pay, and consistent earnings growth makes this particularly attractive for students seeking technical careers without bachelor's degree requirements. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence these aren't outlier results.

Where Cochise County Community College District Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all intelligence, command control and information operations associates's programs nationally

Cochise County Community College DistrictOther intelligence, command control and information operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Cochise County Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cochise County Community College District earns $49k — 95th percentile among intelligence, command control and information operations associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cochise County Community College DistrictSierra Vista$2,232$48,755$58,181$16,6420.34
National Median—$48,755—$16,6420.34

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with intelligence, command control and information operations graduates

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Command and Control Center Officers

Manage the operation of communications, detection, and weapons systems essential for controlling air, ground, and naval operations. Duties include managing critical communication links between air, naval, and ground forces; formulating and implementing emergency plans for natural and wartime disasters; coordinating emergency response teams and agencies; evaluating command center information and need for high-level military and government reporting; managing the operation of surveillance and detection systems; providing technical information and advice on capabilities and operational readiness; and directing operation of weapons targeting, firing, and launch computer systems.

Special Forces Officers

Lead elite teams that implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces officers often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include directing advanced reconnaissance operations and evaluating intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; leading raids and invasions on enemy territories; training personnel to implement individual missions and contingency plans; performing strategic and tactical planning for politically sensitive missions; and operating sophisticated communications equipment.

Command and Control Center Specialists

Operate and monitor communications, detection, and weapons systems essential for controlling air, ground, and naval operations. Duties include maintaining and relaying critical communications between air, naval, and ground forces; implementing emergency plans for natural and wartime disasters; relaying command center information to high-level military and government decisionmakers; monitoring surveillance and detection systems, such as air defense; interpreting and evaluating tactical situations and making recommendations to superiors; and operating weapons targeting, firing, and launch computer systems.

Special Forces

Implement unconventional operations by air, land, or sea during combat or peacetime as members of elite teams. These activities include offensive raids, demolitions, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. In addition to their combat training, special forces members often have specialized training in swimming, diving, parachuting, survival, emergency medicine, and foreign languages. Duties include conducting advanced reconnaissance operations and collecting intelligence information; recruiting, training, and equipping friendly forces; conducting raids and invasions on enemy territories; laying and detonating explosives for demolition targets; locating, identifying, defusing, and disposing of ordnance; and operating and maintaining sophisticated communications equipment.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cochise County Community College District, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 268 graduates with reported earnings and 376 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.