Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Pasadena City College

Similar IT certificate programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $46,000—right at the state median but below what graduates from University of Phoenix-California and other comparable schools are seeing. For a relatively quick credential, these earnings are decent, though Pasadena City College's program doesn't appear to provide the competitive edge that some peer institutions offer.

The estimated $12,000 debt load produces a manageable 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months of their first-year salary. That's better than many bachelor's degree programs and keeps financial risk contained. Since this is a certificate rather than a two-year degree, the time-to-completion advantage matters—your child could be earning sooner than students pursuing longer credentials.

The challenge is uncertainty. These figures come from state and national benchmarks because Pasadena City College's graduate sample was too small to report. You're essentially betting that this program performs like typical California IT certificates rather than the stronger ones in the state. If your child needs affordable, fast-track IT training and lives near Pasadena, the risk-reward balance works. But if maximizing earnings potential is the priority, programs with reported outcomes in the $48,000-$50,000 range deserve consideration, even if they cost slightly more upfront.