Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at CET-San Jose

CET-San Jose's Business Operations certificate manages a difficult balance: very low debt ($5,894, among the lowest 5% nationally) but earnings that lag most alternatives. First-year graduates earn $23,009, placing this program below the median for similar California programs ($25,627) and well behind top performers like Central Coast College at $34,301. That $2,600 gap compared to the state median compounds over time—potentially $10,000+ over four years.

The silver lining is genuine: you're looking at minimal financial risk. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly three months of salary, far better than most certificate programs. And earnings do grow 16% by year four, reaching $26,671. For a family concerned about debt burden—particularly relevant given that 37% of students here receive Pell grants—this keeps the downside manageable.

The practical question is opportunity cost. Other Bay Area community colleges and career programs deliver similar low debt but stronger initial earnings, which matters significantly in San Jose's expensive housing market. This works if keeping debt minimal is the absolute priority and you're willing to accept below-average starting pay for a business certificate. But if your student can access comparable programs at other California institutions, the data suggests they should explore those options first.