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

Human Development, Family Studies, certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (112 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
CET-San Jose$27,800
Santa Ana College$23,863$6,6300.28
Cabrillo College$23,686$22,130
Coalinga College$18,810$27,959$9,5000.51
Modesto Junior College$15,819$18,330$9,1360.58
National Median$21,341$11,1600.52

Other Human Development, Family Studies, Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana
$1,180$23,863$6,630
Cabrillo College
Aptos
$1,270$23,686
Coalinga College
Coalinga
$1,384$18,810$9,500
Modesto Junior College
Modesto
$1,270$15,819$9,136

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.