Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,349
95th percentile
Median Debt
$16,400
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
389
Adequate data

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

Sonoran Desert InstituteOther precision systems maintenance and repair technologies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Sonoran Desert Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Sonoran Desert Institute graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all precision systems maintenance and repair technologies associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (2 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Sonoran Desert Institute$49,349$61,770$16,4000.33
National Median$44,665—$18,2000.41

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.