Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 based on comparable business associate's programs suggests a manageable financial picture—graduates earning around $36,600 could theoretically pay off $11,000 in debt within a year if they dedicated about a third of their income. That's relatively conservative compared to many two-year programs. However, these figures come from national peer programs rather than Lemoore's own graduates, and the actual range for California business associate's degrees is wide: similar programs in the state report first-year earnings from $26,000 to over $43,000. Where Lemoore graduates will land in that spectrum remains uncertain.
The estimated earnings sit above California's state median for this credential by about $1,600, while the projected debt falls below what most national programs report. For a community college serving a substantial Pell-eligible population (38%), that lighter debt load matters—even if actual outcomes vary from these estimates. The question is whether Lemoore's program prepares students for positions in the higher end of that earnings range or closer to the bottom, where the value proposition becomes shakier.
Given the data limitations, focus on what happens after the degree: does the program offer clear pathways to local employers, internship connections, or articulation agreements with four-year schools? The financial projections suggest reasonable potential, but without verified outcomes from this specific program, the practical supports around it become the deciding factor.
Where Lemoore College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in California (78 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,384 | $36,591* | — | $11,000* | — | |
| $17,488 | $43,716* | — | $30,444* | 0.70 | |
| $1,425 | $26,272* | $36,492 | $5,250* | 0.20 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591* | — | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Lemoore College, approximately 38% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.