Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,094
50th percentile (40th in CA)
Median Debt
$9,500
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
358
Adequate data

Analysis

UEI College-Chula Vista's Business Operations Support certificate delivers exactly average results nationally but falls short within California's competitive landscape. While graduates earn the national median of $25,094 in their first year, this places them in just the 40th percentile among California programs—meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes.

The debt load of $9,500 is manageable, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that graduates can typically handle. Earnings do grow modestly to $28,125 by year four, representing 12% growth, though this still lags behind top California programs where graduates can earn over $34,000 initially. The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student population (68%), suggesting it provides access to students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether settling for below-average California outcomes makes sense when stronger alternatives exist in-state. The debt is reasonable and the program appears legitimate with robust graduate data, but California offers significantly better-performing options in this field. If location in Chula Vista is crucial or other programs aren't accessible, this provides a viable path to steady employment—just don't expect standout financial returns.

Where UEI College-Chula Vista Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business operations support and assistant services certificate's programs nationally

UEI College-Chula VistaOther business operations support and assistant services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How UEI College-Chula Vista graduates compare to all programs nationally

UEI College-Chula Vista graduates earn $25k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all business operations support and assistant services certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (149 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
UEI College-Chula Vista$25,094$28,125$9,5000.38
Central Coast College$34,301$40,657——
Milan Institute-Visalia$27,868$31,742$7,4990.27
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia$27,731$29,398$9,5000.34
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield$27,731$29,398$9,5000.34
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno$27,731$29,398$9,5000.34
National Median$25,094—$9,5000.38

Other Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Central Coast College
Salinas
—$34,301—
Milan Institute-Visalia
Visalia
—$27,868$7,499
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
Visalia
—$27,731$9,500
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield
Bakersfield
—$27,731$9,500
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno
Fresno
—$27,731$9,500

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 UEI College-Chula Vista, approximately 68% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 358 graduates with reported earnings and 431 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.