Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,085
Est. from national median (76 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,928
Est. from national median (12 programs)

Analysis

A business certificate in Los Angeles earning $39,000 within a year faces an immediate challenge: California's own programs in this field typically produce graduates earning $52,633—a $13,500 gap that's hard to ignore in one of the country's most expensive metros. These estimated figures come from national peer programs since ABCO Technology's graduate pool is too small for direct reporting, but that state benchmark is real and suggests this program may be underperforming compared to local alternatives like Cerrinos College, where graduates earn nearly $57,000.

The estimated debt load of $12,928 is manageable at roughly a third of first-year earnings, which means graduates could theoretically pay it off within a few years if they live modestly. But that calculation assumes steady work in Los Angeles, where even studios can eat up half a month's take-home pay. The real question is whether this certificate opens doors that justify any debt when community colleges across California offer similar credentials—often at lower cost—with stronger placement outcomes.

For families weighing this investment, the concerning element isn't the debt level itself but the opportunity cost. When peer programs in the same state produce 35% higher earnings on average, parents should dig deeper into ABCO's specific career services, employer partnerships, and job placement rates before committing. The certificate format suggests speed to employment, but that only works if the specific school's network delivers results competitive with nearby alternatives.

Where ABCO Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (121 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
ABCO TechnologyLos Angeles$39,085*$12,928*
Cerritos CollegeNorwalk$1,364$56,738*$49,556$8,021*0.14
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario$48,528*$65,468$12,928*0.27
National Median$39,085*$14,699*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At ABCO Technology, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 76 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.