Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations at Cochise County Community College District

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.