A College Education is Worth it!
If you’ve been wondering if a college education is worth the investment, the answer is undeniably yes! Employees with an associate’s degree can expect to earn approximately 33% more over their lifetime than high
school graduates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Surveys
You do the math. The choice is clear.
DeVry University $11,790
University of Phoenix $9,765
Axia College $6,600 |
University of Arizona $4,764
Arizona State University $4,592
Mesa Community College $1,560 |
Figures are based on approximate full-time annual tuition comparison based on two 12-credit semesters.
Specific program costs and fees may vary.
|
JUSTICE AND FIRE SCIENCE | top
Administration of Justice
| Fire Science
|
Prepares you for careers in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and related technical occupations including Certified Peace Officer, a career as a firefighter or related fields.
Average Yearly Earnings
Detective/Investigator: Starting $30,000 - Median $37,000
Sheriff: Starting $82,000 - Median $87,000
Police Sergeant: Starting $51,000 - Median $58,000
Campus Security: Starting $53,000 - Median $66,000
Fire Fighter: Starting $28,000 - Median $37,000
Fire Inspector: Starting $43,000 - Median $47,000
Police and Sheriff Patrol Officer - Median $45,210
|
AGRICULTURE / HORTICULTURE | top
Agriculture/Animal Science
|
Horticulture
|
Prepares you for entry-level employment in agricultural business occupations such as agricultural machinery and equipment, agricultural chemicals, animal feeds and supplies, production and marketing of farm products, commercial
and residential landscaping, and parks and golf course maintenance. Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Horticulture Specialist: Starting $22,800 - Median $44,300
Horticulture Work Supervisor: Starting $19,500 - Median $37,200
Golf Course Groundskeeper: Starting $17,600 - Median $29,400
Landscape Designer: Starting $18,900 - Median $37,000 |
BIOTECHNOLOGY | top
Prepares you for positions supporting research and processes that support health care applications.
Average Yearly Earnings
Biotechnology Lab Assistant: Starting $34,000 - Median $64,000 |
BUSINESS/MANAGEMENT | top
Business
- Business
- International Trade
- Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Computer Applications: Microsoft Office Specialist/Basic
- Computer Applications: Microsoft Office Specialist/Advanced
- Technology Support Analyst Level I
- Technology Support Analyst Level II
- Real Estate
- Retail Management
- Salesmanship
- Small Business
- Organizational Management
- Organizational Leadership
- See their website
Computer Information Systems
|
Information Assurance
- Information Assurance
- Cyber Forensics Technicians
Network Administration
Networking System Administration
|
Prepares you for entry-level and supervisory positions in a variety of businesses such as credit unions, retail stores; positions specializing in press relations, community relations or consumer relations; or starting your
own business among others. Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Manager/Supervisor: Starting $50,100 - Median $59,300
Business Administrator: Starting $46,500 - Median $74,000
Prepares you for positions in organizations including accounting/CAP firms, small businesses, large corporations, banks, hospitals, schools systems and government agencies, entry-level positions, helpdesk support, application specialist, microcomputer
service technician, network installation and implementation, network associates, network administrators, network supervisors, computer security, a variety of entry-level positions in real estate offices, and other similar businesses, a variety of
entry-level positions in international businesses, entry-level positions in advertising agencies or consumer product companies and many others. Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Cisco Certified Network Associate: Median $71,380
Paraprofessional Accountant: Starting $50,800 - Median $62,100
Business Administrator: Starting $46,500 - Median $74,200
Computer Technician: Starting $14,000 - Median $32,000
Network Technician: Starting $51,000 - Median $87,000
PC Maintenance Technician: Starting $36,300 - Median $41,200
Microsoft Certified Applications Developer: Starting $58,900 - Median $78,000
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator: Starting $55,000 - Median $84,626
Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician: Median $57,167
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Starting $51,500 - Median $64,550
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Starting $51,500 - Median $63,700
Oracle Database Professional: Median $71,740
Software Engineer: Starting $46,500 - Median 65,400
Realtor: Starting $50,100 - Median $59,300
International Sales Manager: Starting $47,000 - Median $68,000
Manager/Supervisor: Starting $50,100 - Median $59,300
Business Administrator: Starting $46,500 - Median $74,000
Marketing Assistant: Starting $31,400 - Median $36,200 |
CATERPILLAR TRAINING | top
Prepares you for entry-level positions as service technician for Caterpillar dealerships.
Average Yearly Earnings
Machine Repairer Industrial: Starting $27,000 - Median $35,000 |
EDUCATION/TEACHER SUPPORT | top
- English as a Second Language Endorsement
- Bilingual Endorsement
- Instructional Assistance
- Reading Specialist Endorsement
- See their website
Prepares you for jobs that help others change their lives through careers in education
and teacher support roles.
Average Yearly Earnings
Teacher w/Endorsement: Starting $42,000 - Median $47,000
Teacher’s Aide: Starting $17,000 - Median $18,000 |
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE | top
Child and Family Studies
- Early Care and Education
- Early Care Specialist
- Family Life Education
- Parent Education
- Adolescent Development
- Adult Development and Aging
- Child and Family Organizations Management and Administration
- See their website
|
Community Health Advocate
Culinary Studies
|
Prepares you for positions working with children from infancy through middle school in day care centers, nursery schools and head start programs. Also working with teenagers, adults, families and seniors depending upon
specialization. Positions behind-the-scenes and out-front in restaurants and various other food service settings Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Child Care Director: Starting $48,000 - Median $57,000
Teacher: Starting $30,000 - Median $40,000
Dietician: Starting $35,000 - Median $42,000
|
FASHION, ART AND DIGITAL DESIGN | top
Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Fashion Merchandising and Design
- Costume Design & Production
- Image Consultant
- Retail Sales Manager
- Alteration Specialist
- See their website
Interior Design
|
Media Arts
|
Prepares you for employment in advertising, publishing, printing and multimedia businesses, entry-level positions in fashion merchandising and interior design. Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Graphic Artist/Illustrator: Starting $40,100 - Median $45,000
Graphic Designer: Starting $32,600 - Median $41,600
Package Designer: Starting $91,000 - Median $100,000
Print Manager: Starting $56,000 - Median $66,000
Interior Designer: Starting $30,000 - Median $55,000 |
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS | top
Prepares you for a horizontal technology that has broad applications. Job opportunities in engineering, city management, traffic control, health services, real estate, business, natural resource management, travel,
and others. Designated a high-growth industry by the Dept. of Labor.
Average Yearly Earnings
GIS Manager/Coordinator: Starting $51,800 - Median $69,500
GIS Specialist: Starting $38,700 - Median $57,400
GIS Technician: Starting $31,000 - Median $34,800
GIS Database Manager: Starting $51,700 - Median $64,500
Quality Assurance Analyst: Starting $38,800 - Median $49,100 |
HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLNESS OCCUPATIONS | top
Dental
Direct Care Practice
Emergency Medical Technology
- Basic Emergency Medical Technology
- Intermediate Emergency Medical Technology
- See their website
Nursing
|
Physical Education/Exercise Science/Recreation
Paramedicine
|
Prepares you for entry-level positions in laboratories, care centers, doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other medical facilities, positions as a paramedic or in medical support. Positions
within the fitness industry, including fitness centers, health clubs, trainers, coaches, and a variety of fitness facilities.
Average Yearly Earnings
Dental Hygienist: Starting $61,100 - Median $71,800
Emergency Medical Services Coordinator: Starting $24,700 - Median $37,000
Group Fitness Instructor: Starting $33,000 - Median $42,000
Medical Assistant: Starting $18,700 - Median 24,000
Medical Technician: Starting $23,700 - Median $38,000
Massage Therapist: Starting $41,000 - Median $50,000
Paramedic: Starting $29,500 - Median $33,000
Personal Trainer: Starting $33,000 - Median $37,000
Registered Nurse: Starting $49,700 - Median $55,500
Nursing Assistant: Starting $22,000 - Median $24,000 |
LIBRARY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | top
Library Science and Technology
|
Prepares you for positions in libraries to acquire, prepare, and organize material and assist users in finding information.
Average Yearly Earnings
Library Information Technician: Starting $24,000 - Median $31,500
Library Assistant: Starting $21,500 - Median $25,500 |
MORTUARY SCIENCE | top
Prepares you for positions arranging details and handling the logistics of funerals.
Average Yearly Earnings
Funeral Director: Starting $32,500 - Median $42,500 |
MUSIC | top
Prepares you for careers in fields of music, recording, studio, conductor, private instructor, or other related positions. Also, can prepare you to transfer to a 4-year university.
Average Yearly Earnings
Music Teacher: Starting $24,000 - Median $37,000
Production Manager: Starting $51,000 - Median $62,000
Music Director: Median $34,570 |
PUBLIC RELATIONS | top
Prepares you for positions as a journalist in TV, radio, or print media such as newspapers or magazines; journalism advisor or teacher.
Average Yearly Earnings
Writer: Starting $20,600 - Median $33,500
Broadcast Journalist: Starting $23,700 - Median $42,300
Technical Writer: Starting $48,000 - Median $58,000 |
TECHNOLOGY AND TRADE INDUSTRIAL | top
Architecture
- Architecture
- Residential Drafting CADD Level II
- Commercial Drafting CADD Level II
- Architectural Detailing CADD Level III
- Architectural CADD Level III
- See their website
Automotive Technology
Construction
|
Drafting
Electromechanical Automation Technology
Electronics Technology
Machine Technology
Manufacturing Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Manufacturing CNC
- Manufacturing Machining
- Manufacturing Management
- See their website
Micro Circuit Mask Design
Welding Technology
|
Prepares you for employment as an automobile technician within the automotive service industry, positions in middle management with construction companies, architectural engineering firms and land developers, positions
with residential and commercial builders and architect and designer’s offices. Positions in the aviation industry, such as technicians and pilots, with airlines and related aviation companies.
Average Yearly Earnings
Pilot: Median $53,870
Aircraft Mechanic: Median $21.77/hour
Auto Mechanic: Starting $27,000 - Median $48,000
Construction Manager: Starting $95,000 - Median $111,000
Power Plant Scheduler: Starting $54,000 - Median $63,000
Assistant Construction Superintendent: Starting $43,500 - Median $69,000
Civil Engineer: Starting $51,600 - Median $66,200
Building Safety Inspector: Starting $46,000 - Median $51,000
CAD Drafter: Starting $34,300 - Median $39,300
CAD Designer: Starting $38,000 - Median $42,000
Welder: Starting $20,700 - Median $33,700
Robot Technician: Starting $31,000 - Median $39,000
Electrical Power Line Installer and Repairer: Median $23.33/hour |
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY | top
Prepares you for positions in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, kennels, animal shelters, research facilities, or zoos.
Average Yearly Earnings
Veterinary Technician: Starting $19,000 - Median $23,500 |
Salary Sources: www.salary.com and www.salaryexpert.com
|