Location: Modesto, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,270•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,870
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,009
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,500
Est. from national median (5 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 looks manageable on paper, but this program's estimated figures deserve scrutiny against California's retail reality. While peer programs nationally suggest $41,000 in first-year earnings and around $20,500 in debt, the actual median for sales and merchandising certificates in California sits at just $15,849—less than 40% of the national figure. That's a dramatic gap, and it raises questions about whether Modesto's local job market will mirror national patterns or follow the state trend of lower retail wages.

The underlying issue is straightforward: retail and merchandising jobs in California's Central Valley don't necessarily command the same salaries you'd see in other states or industries. If graduates end up closer to the $15,849 California median, that $20,500 debt load becomes substantially harder to manage, pushing the ratio well above 1.0. Even if outcomes land somewhere between state and national benchmarks, you're looking at entry-level retail work that may not justify certificate-level debt.

Before committing, find out where Modesto JC's graduates actually work and what they earn. If the school can show placement data demonstrating outcomes closer to the national estimate, that changes the calculation. If not, this certificate may cost more than the career boost it provides in California's competitive, lower-wage retail environment.

Where Modesto Junior College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all general sales, merchandising certificate's programs nationally

Modesto Junior College (estimated ±10%)Other general sales, merchandising programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

General Sales, Merchandising certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (62 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Modesto Junior CollegeModesto$1,270$41,009*—$20,500*—
CET-San JoseSan Jose—$15,849*$15,181—*—
CET-El CentroEl Centro—$15,849*$15,181—*—
National Median—$41,008*—$20,500*0.50
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with general sales, merchandising graduates

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors

Contact new or existing customers to determine their solar equipment needs, suggest systems or equipment, or estimate costs.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Advertising Sales Agents

Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

$61,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.

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 Modesto Junior College, approximately 26% 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 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.