Education at Pima Community College

Pima Community College's post-baccalaureate education certificate presents an unusual situation: it's the only program of its kind in Arizona, making it both easier and harder to evaluate. Graduates earn around $48,000 annually with no meaningful income growth over four years—about $7,300 below the national median for similar programs. That said, the debt load of $15,750 is significantly lower than the national median of $19,625, which keeps the financial burden manageable at a 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The real concern isn't affordability but career trajectory. Earning in the 5th percentile nationally suggests this certificate doesn't position graduates as competitively as programs elsewhere, though without other Arizona options for comparison, it's difficult to know if this reflects the local market or program quality. The flat earnings from year one to year four is particularly troubling—most education professionals see at least modest salary increases as they gain experience or complete certification requirements.

For parents, the question is whether this certificate serves as a necessary credential for an existing teacher looking to add endorsements or switch roles. If that's the case, the low debt makes it viable. But if your child is considering this as their primary entry into education, they should understand they're likely looking at a ceiling around $48,000 with limited upward mobility compared to teachers who completed traditional certification routes elsewhere.