Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,665
24th percentile (60th in CA)
Median Debt
$6,650
14% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19
Manageable
Sample Size
172
Adequate data

Analysis

CET-Oxnard's Ground Transportation certificate sits right at California's median for earnings, but that's less impressive than it sounds—the state's programs collectively lag behind the national standard by nearly $7,000 annually. While graduates here start at $34,665 and see modest growth to $38,368 after four years, they're still earning in just the 24th percentile compared to similar programs nationwide. The $6,650 in debt is manageable with a 0.19 debt-to-earnings ratio, though even this relatively low borrowing amount ranks in the 69th percentile nationally, suggesting many ground transportation programs require minimal or no debt.

The real question is whether this particular pathway makes sense when transportation careers don't necessarily require a certificate. Starting salaries hover just above $34,000—wages that many entry-level commercial driving or logistics positions offer without formal credentials. The 11% earnings growth over four years is positive but underwhelming given the low starting point.

For parents, this comes down to whether their student needs structured training to enter the field. If your child is motivated and can secure a CDL or transportation job through direct hiring and employer training, that route avoids debt entirely. If they need the structure and job placement support a program provides, CET-Oxnard delivers market-rate California outcomes with debt that won't derail their finances. Just understand they're paying for access and structure rather than earnings that significantly exceed what's available through alternative entry points into transportation careers.

Where CET-Oxnard Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all ground transportation certificate's programs nationally

CET-OxnardOther ground transportation programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How CET-Oxnard graduates compare to all programs nationally

CET-Oxnard graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all ground transportation certificate programs nationally.

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

Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CET-Oxnard$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
Advanced Career Institute$38,651$40,715$6,2010.16
CET-San Jose$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
CET-El Centro$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
CET-Colton$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
CET-Santa Maria$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
National Median$41,414$7,7060.19

Other Ground Transportation Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Advanced Career Institute
Visalia
$38,651$6,201
CET-San Jose
San Jose
$34,665$6,650
CET-El Centro
El Centro
$34,665$6,650
CET-Colton
Colton
$34,665$6,650
CET-Santa Maria
Santa Maria
$34,665$6,650

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 CET-Oxnard, approximately 21% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 172 graduates with reported earnings and 124 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.