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
Earnings Distribution
How CET-San Jose 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-San Jose | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| Advanced Career Institute | $38,651 | $40,715 | +5% |
| CET-El Centro | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| CET-Colton | $34,665 | $38,368 | +11% |
| CET-Oxnard | $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-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.