Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $44,338 place Northern Arizona University below the $53,961 national median for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Science Technologies/Technicians, Other career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $44,338 far exceeding the $20,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other is offered at just 7 schools in our analysis. Northern Arizona University's #5 ranking should be read in that context.
A 31% earnings increase from $44,338 to $58,141 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.