Science Technologies/Technicians at University of Arizona

University of Arizona graduates from this science technology program start below both national and state averages at $48,334, but the trajectory matters here. With 28% earnings growth over four years—reaching $62,072—these graduates eventually surpass typical outcomes for this degree. Among Arizona's four schools offering this program, U of A sits solidly in the middle at the 40th percentile, trailing both ASU options but well ahead of Northern Arizona's $44,338.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,875, translating to a 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable even in that slower first year. The strong sample size of 100+ graduates gives these numbers credibility, and the upward earnings arc suggests graduates are gaining valuable technical skills that employers increasingly value. However, the low starting salary—ranking only in the 29th percentile nationally—means the first few years will require financial discipline.

This program makes sense for students willing to invest in building expertise over time rather than chasing immediate post-graduation salary. The debt load won't be crushing, and by year four, earnings catch up to where they need to be. If your child thrives in technical environments and can handle a modest starting income while skills compound, the math works out. But if they need strong earnings right out of the gate, ASU's options deliver $12,000 more annually from day one.