Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers the only bachelor's program in Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research in Arizona, making state-level comparisons impossible—but the national picture reveals a program that starts slowly yet builds momentum impressively. First-year earnings of $26,457 trail the already-modest national median by about $3,300, landing this program in just the 5th percentile nationally. However, by year four, earnings jump 59% to nearly $42,000, suggesting graduates gain valuable skills that take time to translate into compensation. The debt load of $22,500, while high nationally for this field (95th percentile), remains manageable at 0.85 times first-year earnings.

This trajectory makes sense for a specialized research field where entry positions may involve graduate assistantships or lower-paying evaluation roles before graduates move into institutional research, assessment coordination, or educational consulting positions. The concern is that initial year: your child will likely need financial runway or supplemental income while building experience. If they're passionate about education policy, program evaluation, or institutional effectiveness, this specialized degree could open doors in a niche field. But if they're uncertain about the career path, the weak initial earnings and limited employer recognition of this bachelor's-level credential present real risks. The strong growth curve only pays off for graduates who stick with the field long enough to leverage their specialized training.