Business/Commerce at Modesto Junior College

A $8,457 debt load positions this program well below the national median of $13,437 for business associate degrees, which matters when first-year earnings estimates from comparable programs hover around $36,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 suggests graduates could reasonably manage repayment even at the lower end of typical outcomes for this credential.

The concerning detail is that fourth-year earnings drop to $30,905—well below the first-year estimate. While that first-year figure comes from national peer programs rather than Modesto's actual graduates, the documented decline by year four is real data. This backward trajectory is unusual and could reflect students transferring to four-year programs (leaving the workforce temporarily) or the volatile nature of entry-level business positions in California's Central Valley economy. It's worth noting that business associate programs across California show wide variation, with outcomes ranging from $26,000 to over $43,000 annually.

The manageable debt gives this program a cushion that more expensive options lack. Even if actual outcomes fall short of the $36,600 estimate, starting with under $9,000 in debt means less financial pressure while building a career. The key question is whether your student plans to transfer for a bachelor's degree or enter the workforce directly—that fourth-year dip suggests this credential alone may not provide strong earning momentum.