Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Pima Community College

The backwards earnings trajectory here demands attention: graduates start at $36,004 but see income drop 18% to $29,330 by year four. While first-year earnings beat the national median by about $3,000 and land in the 60th percentile among Arizona programs, that advantage evaporates quickly. This pattern suggests many graduates may be taking interim positions before moving into roles requiring additional credentials, or the field itself has limited advancement without further education.

The positives are real but narrow. Pima's debt load of $5,250 is exceptionally low—just 15% of first-year earnings and far below the $19,132 national median. For a program serving a significant population of Pell grant students (33% of the college), this manageable debt matters. You're not loading up on loans for a credential that might serve as a stepping stone rather than a destination.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making every number less reliable. Combined with declining earnings, this suggests either a program in transition or one where outcomes vary widely based on individual paths post-graduation. If your student plans to continue toward a bachelor's degree in social work or counseling, Pima offers an affordable start. As a standalone credential for immediate career entry, the earnings decline is a red flag worth investigating directly with the program.