Business/Commerce at Ohlone College

Based on comparable business associate's programs nationally, this degree appears to offer solid value—with estimated first-year earnings around $36,600 against roughly $11,000 in debt, you're looking at a manageable 30-cent debt burden for every dollar earned. That's a reasonable starting point, especially considering California's business programs cluster around $35,000 in first-year earnings, so Ohlone's estimated trajectory sits right in the middle of the pack.

The debt figure is particularly encouraging. At an estimated $11,000, it falls well below the national median of $13,400 for business associate's degrees and closer to California's typical $8,500. For a two-year credential in the Bay Area—where living costs run high—keeping borrowing in check matters enormously. Similar programs in California show dramatic range (DeVry grads earn $43,700 while Victor Valley sits at $26,300), which underscores how much your child's internships, networking, and follow-through will shape outcomes beyond the credential itself.

The caveat: these are estimates drawn from peer programs, not actual reported outcomes from Ohlone's business graduates. If your child is considering this path, connect directly with the business department to understand where recent grads actually landed and what local employer relationships exist. In Fremont's competitive job market, proximity to Silicon Valley could provide advantages the estimates don't capture—or challenges if employers prioritize four-year degrees.