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

Social Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in California (75 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fresno City College$23,311
Merced College$34,168$31,414$7,8430.23
Sierra College$30,103$7,8340.26
Pasadena City College$29,847
Santa Rosa Junior College$27,691$40,616
Butte College$26,482$40,005$9,0360.34
National Median$26,231$9,3140.36

Other Social Sciences Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Merced College
Merced
$1,194$34,168$7,843
Sierra College
Rocklin
$1,156$30,103$7,834
Pasadena City College
Pasadena
$1,180$29,847
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa
$1,318$27,691
Butte College
Oroville
$1,336$26,482$9,036

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 Fresno City College, approximately 28% 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.