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-San Jose's ground transportation program sits right at California's median for earnings, which tells you something important: this field pays less on the West Coast than in many other states. While graduates earn $34,665 initially—below the $41,414 national median—they're performing solidly among California peers, landing at the 60th percentile statewide.

The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $6,650, it's manageable enough that graduates cover it with roughly 19% of their first year's salary. Earnings grow steadily to $38,368 by year four, suggesting reasonable career progression for entry-level transportation roles. The program serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (37%), indicating it provides accessible training for students who need it.

Here's the reality check: if your child could attend a similar program in a state where transportation jobs pay better, they'd likely see stronger returns. But for California residents committed to staying local, this program delivers fair value—low debt, predictable outcomes, and earnings that match what most California ground transportation programs produce. The key question is whether these salary levels work for your family's financial situation, particularly in the expensive San Jose market.

Where CET-San Jose Stands

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

CET-San JoseOther 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-San Jose graduates compare to all programs nationally

CET-San Jose 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-San Jose$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
Advanced Career Institute$38,651$40,715$6,2010.16
CET-El Centro$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
CET-Colton$34,665$38,368$6,6500.19
CET-Oxnard$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-El Centro
El Centro
—$34,665$6,650
CET-Colton
Colton
—$34,665$6,650
CET-Oxnard
Oxnard
—$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-San Jose, approximately 37% 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.