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
Earnings Distribution
How CET-Oxnard graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| CET-Oxnard | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| Advanced Career Institute | $38,651 | $40,715 | +5% |
| CET-San Jose | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| CET-El Centro | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| CET-Colton | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Ground Transportation certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (14 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,665 | $38,368 | $6,650 | 0.19 | |
| $38,651 | $40,715 | $6,201 | 0.16 | |
| $34,665 | $38,368 | $6,650 | 0.19 | |
| $34,665 | $38,368 | $6,650 | 0.19 | |
| $34,665 | $38,368 | $6,650 | 0.19 | |
| $34,665 | $38,368 | $6,650 | 0.19 | |
| National Median | $41,414 | — | $7,706 | 0.19 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with ground transportation graduates
Locomotive Engineers
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Pile Driver Operators
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Logging Equipment Operators
Bus Drivers, School
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
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.