Archaeology Degree in Mesa, AZ — Salary & ROI 2026

Archaeology in Mesa, AZ Overview

Mesa is one of Arizona's top college towns, with 31 institutions and a student population of 36,638. Public tuition averages $12,467/year here — near the national average for public universities. Although national enrollment in Archaeology has been declining, graduates with skills in Excavation and Artifact Analysis remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Mesa is approximately $55,000.

Archaeology Salary in Mesa (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Mesa's cost of living index of 110 (national average = 100).

Archaeology ROI Calculator for Mesa

Estimate your return on investment for a Archaeology degree using local Mesa tuition and cost of living data.

Student Loan Payoff for Archaeology in Mesa

Colleges in Mesa for Archaeology

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Archaeology in Mesa

Mesa offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Archaeology graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Key Mesa Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Common Archaeology Job Titles

Archaeology in Nearby Arizona Cities

Other Social Sciences Majors in Mesa

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Archaeology degree outcomes in Mesa, AZ: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

1. Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Archaeology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Arizona.
2. Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Mesa using regional CPI data.
3. 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
4. Job market outlook for Archaeology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
5. Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

• IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
• College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Archaeology career projections
• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
• NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
• BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Archaeology grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Mesa Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Arizona students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Archaeology Degree in Mesa — FAQ