Analysis
A business associate's degree from Solano Community College offers a manageable debt load, with estimated borrowing of $11,000—well below what many California programs require. While peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,600, that's actually above California's typical median of $35,000 for this credential. Community college business programs in the state show enormous variation, from Victor Valley's $26,300 to DeVry's $43,700, making it difficult to predict where Solano graduates will land without actual outcome data.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 indicates borrowers would owe roughly three months' salary, a threshold that typically allows for comfortable repayment. However, the lack of reported data means you're working with national averages rather than this school's track record. For context, California business associate's programs typically produce lower debt ($8,500 median) than the estimate here, though the $11,000 figure remains modest by any standard.
The real test is whether an associate's degree alone meets your child's career goals, or if it's a stepping stone to a bachelor's. Business is a field where additional credentials often matter significantly for advancement. If this is the endpoint, track down Solano's actual job placement rates and typical employer partnerships—those concrete details matter more than estimated earnings when the data is this limited.
Where Solano Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,172 | $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 Solano Community College, approximately 21% 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.