Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 represents manageable borrowing—the estimated $11,000 in loans would equal roughly three months of first-year income based on what graduates of comparable business associate's programs typically earn. That's a reasonable financial commitment for a two-year credential, especially at a community college where costs tend to stay controlled. The estimated $36,591 starting salary aligns with the national median for business associate's degrees, suggesting Sacramento City positions students competitively despite the lack of program-specific data.
What's harder to gauge is where this program sits within California's landscape. Business programs across the state show wide variation—from DeVry's $43,716 outcomes to Victor Valley's $26,272—and Sacramento's estimated figures land in the middle. The lower state median debt of $8,457 suggests many California students complete similar programs with even less borrowing, though that varies considerably by institution. For families prioritizing affordable entry into business careers, community colleges typically deliver solid value, and these estimates support that pattern.
The key limitation is that we're working entirely from benchmarks—peer programs nationally and across California—rather than tracking actual Sacramento City graduates. If your student is considering this path, connecting with the career services office to learn about typical employer partnerships and job placement could help fill in what the estimates can't tell you about this specific program's track record.
Where Sacramento City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,288 | $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 Sacramento City College, approximately 25% 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.