Analysis
California's coding bootcamps and certificate programs typically produce first-year earnings around $60,500, making this program's estimated $43,700 outcome notably lower than the state benchmark. While the debt load appears manageable at roughly $13,300—translating to a 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio—the earnings gap is substantial. That $17,000 difference in first-year income compounds quickly over a career, and it raises questions about whether this certificate opens the same doors as comparable programs elsewhere in California.
The caveat here is significant: these figures come from peer programs nationally, not from Moreno Valley's actual graduates. Without school-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting that this program will perform like the national median rather than matching California's typically higher-earning tech market. Given that even University of Phoenix graduates in this credential clear $60,000, the estimated outcome seems disconnected from California's reality.
If your student is set on this route, compare it directly against community colleges with reported data. California's tech sector rewards coding skills generously, but not all programs deliver equal access to those opportunities. The manageable debt is reassuring, but only if the credential actually yields competitive earnings in the state's job market.
Where Moreno Valley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Computer Programming certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (69 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,420 | $43,727* | — | $13,274* | — | |
| — | $60,496* | — | $14,431* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | — | $43,727* | — | $14,340* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Network Support Specialists
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 Moreno Valley College, approximately 20% 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 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.