Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 tells a straightforward story: based on comparable associate's programs nationally, graduates would need to dedicate roughly three months of their first year's salary to pay off what they borrowed. That's manageable debt for a two-year credential, particularly when national data suggests business associate's degrees typically produce first-year earnings around $36,600. The estimated $11,000 debt load sits below the national median of $13,437 for this credential, which matters when you're looking at an entry-level salary.
California's business associate's programs show significant variance in outcomes—reported data ranges from $26,000 to over $43,000 in first-year earnings—so Moorpark's peer-program estimates fall solidly in the middle. The state median of $35,000 suggests these estimated figures are reasonable benchmarks, though without actual graduate data from Moorpark specifically, there's inherent uncertainty about where this program lands within that spectrum.
The practical calculation: if similar programs produce the estimated outcomes, a graduate earning $36,600 could reasonably manage $11,000 in debt while building business experience. That's a defensible foundation for either continuing education or entering the workforce. Just recognize you're making this decision based on peer program performance rather than Moorpark's track record with this specific cohort.
Where Moorpark 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,416 | $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 Moorpark College, approximately 19% 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.