Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (111 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State University-Fresno$57,955
East Los Angeles College$33,628$41,868$5,7010.17
San Diego Mesa College$33,015$35,843$6,1250.19
San Diego City College$32,438$37,781$7,9350.24
San Diego Miramar College$31,804$43,527$6,5000.20
Santiago Canyon College$31,050$42,978$5,5000.18
National Median$27,024$9,3750.35

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park
$1,238$33,628$5,701
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego
$1,150$33,015$6,125
San Diego City College
San Diego
$1,150$32,438$7,935
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego
$1,150$31,804$6,500
Santiago Canyon College
Orange
$1,164$31,050$5,500

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 California State University-Fresno, approximately 56% 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.