Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,349
95th percentile
Median Debt
$16,400
10% below national median

Analysis

With only two schools offering this specialized program in Arizona, Sonoran Desert Institute stands out as a rare option that delivers exceptional national performance. Graduates earn $49,349 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally for precision systems programs—and see strong growth to $61,770 by year four. The debt load of $16,400 is actually below the national average for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33, which is excellent for any technical program.

The numbers become even more impressive when viewed nationally. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile within Arizona (where there's limited competition), it dramatically outperforms the national median of $44,665 for first-year earnings. The 25% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are building valuable, marketable skills in precision systems maintenance—a field critical to manufacturing, aerospace, and other technical industries.

For parents considering this program, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a compelling financial picture. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes, and the specialized nature of the training appears to translate into real career advancement. This represents solid preparation for a technical career with strong earning potential and manageable debt.

Where Sonoran Desert Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all precision systems maintenance and repair technologies associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Sonoran Desert Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Sonoran Desert Institute$49,349$61,770+25%
Colorado School of Trades$39,981$37,234-7%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Sonoran Desert InstituteTempe$12,280$49,349$61,770$16,4000.33
Colorado School of TradesLakewood—$39,981$37,234$20,0000.50
National Median—$44,665—$18,2000.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with precision systems maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.

$49,140/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Gem and Diamond Workers

Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.

$49,140/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

Perform precision assembling or adjusting, within narrow tolerances, of timing devices such as digital clocks or timing devices with electrical or electronic components.

$43,570/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners

Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.

Watch and Clock Repairers

Repair, clean, and adjust mechanisms of timing instruments, such as watches and clocks. Includes watchmakers, watch technicians, and mechanical timepiece repairers.

Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other

All precision instrument and equipment repairers not listed separately.

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers

Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks and safe combinations, and install and repair safes.

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other

All installation, maintenance, and repair workers not listed separately.

Geothermal Technicians

Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.

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 Sonoran Desert Institute, approximately 27% 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 389 graduates with reported earnings and 377 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.