Physiology, Pathology at University of Arizona

The big question here is what happens after that rocky first year. Arizona's Physiology and Pathology graduates start at $28,435—below the national median and barely above minimum wage for full-time work. But four years later, they're earning $41,210, representing 45% growth that outpaces many bachelor's programs. This is the only program of its kind in Arizona, which makes direct state comparisons impossible, but the relatively modest debt load of $19,500 gives graduates breathing room during those lean early years.

The real concern is that even after strong growth, these graduates still trail the national 75th percentile by about $5,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is manageable, and you're looking at roughly 2-3 years to pay off loans if graduates dedicate a portion of earnings to debt. However, the 33rd percentile national ranking suggests this program underperforms compared to similar offerings elsewhere—though it's worth noting that physiology programs often serve as pre-med pathways, where the real payoff comes after graduate school.

For families, this makes sense primarily as a stepping stone. If your student plans to pursue medical or graduate school, the reasonable debt and University of Arizona's research opportunities could justify the investment. If they're entering the workforce directly after graduation, expect a challenging first few years before earnings improve. The growth trajectory is promising, but this isn't a program that delivers immediate financial returns.