Location: Mission Viejo, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,432•Out-of-State Tuition: $13,732
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,727
Est. from national median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,274
Est. from national median (7 programs)

Analysis

California's computer programming landscape tells a stark story: the University of Phoenix reports first-year earnings of over $60,000 for similar certificates, which is also the state median. Meanwhile, estimates from comparable national programs suggest Saddleback graduates might start around $44,000—nearly $17,000 less. That's a significant gap for a credential that typically carries similar debt loads across institutions.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 looks manageable on paper, but context matters. With estimated debt of $13,000 and projected earnings well below what other California programs achieve, students here may be getting training that prepares them for a lower tier of the tech market. Community colleges often excel at affordable workforce preparation, but in California's competitive tech ecosystem, this program's estimated outcomes suggest it may not be connecting graduates to the stronger employment opportunities that make programming certificates worthwhile.

Before committing, compare this against coding bootcamps or other community college programming certificates in California. The state median of $60,000 represents what's actually achievable in this market—but these estimates suggest Saddleback's specific program may not be delivering that level of career access. Find out where their graduates actually get hired and what roles they fill.

Where Saddleback College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer programming certificate's programs nationally

Saddleback College (estimated ±10%)Other computer programming programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer Programming certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (69 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo$1,432$43,727*—$13,274*—
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario—$60,496*—$14,431*0.24
National Median—$43,727*—$14,340*0.33
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer programming graduates

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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 Saddleback College, approximately 15% 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.