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-Garden Grove's Business Operations Support program produces graduates earning slightly below the California median for this field, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. While first-year earnings of $25,094 match the national average exactly, California students typically earn about $500 more annually in this role. The gap becomes more apparent when comparing to top performers—Central Coast College graduates earn $9,000 more in their first year, suggesting location and employer networks matter significantly in this field.

The financial picture is manageable with $9,500 in median debt creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—well within reasonable bounds. Earnings do grow 12% over four years to $28,125, though this modest increase means graduates shouldn't expect dramatic salary progression. Given that 75% of students receive Pell grants, this program serves a population seeking affordable workforce entry, and the relatively low debt burden supports that goal.

For parents considering this program, the key question is whether slightly below-average California earnings justify the cost versus exploring higher-performing alternatives. The program delivers predictable, entry-level business support skills with reasonable debt, but families might want to research whether better-paying programs are accessible before committing to below-median outcomes in California's competitive job market.

Where UEI College-Garden Grove Stands

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

UEI College-Garden GroveOther 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-Garden Grove graduates compare to all programs nationally

UEI College-Garden Grove 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-Garden Grove$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-Garden Grove, approximately 75% 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.