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Science Technologies/Technicians, Other at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,338/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (17,900 openings/yr)

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 7 Science Technologies/Technicians, Other programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Science Technologies/Technicians, Other graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$553K	$546K	$504K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	10.8x	10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.7x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,141

31% growth from Year 1

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.

About Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,041 students enrolled in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →

Top Career Paths

Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other $60,130/yr

Hydrologic technicians $58,570/yr

Environmental science and protection technicians, including health $49,490/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Science Technologies/Technicians, Other at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other at Northern Arizona University?

At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Science Technologies/Technicians, Other programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Science Technologies/Technicians, Other at Northern Arizona University?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Northern Arizona University a good choice for Science Technologies/Technicians, Other despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Arizona University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →