Biological and Physical Sciences at Cerritos College

The 81% earnings jump from year one to year four tells the real story here: Cerritos College's biological and physical sciences associate's appears to serve as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree. That first-year salary of $25,221 sits squarely in the middle of the pack—40th percentile among California programs—but by year four, graduates are earning $45,641, suggesting many either complete bachelor's degrees or gain enough experience to access better-paying roles.

The $8,945 in debt is manageable, particularly given that earnings trajectory. While nearby Riverside City College graduates start at $33,201, Cerritos students catch up significantly over time, likely because they're following similar pathways to four-year degrees or specialized training. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves as an affordable entry point into science fields for students who need to minimize upfront costs.

The critical caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so they may not represent the typical experience. If your child plans to stop at an associate's degree and work immediately, the initial $25,221 salary is barely above minimum wage in California. But if they're using this as a foundation for further education—which the earnings pattern strongly suggests—the combination of low debt and proven upward mobility makes this a sensible starting point.