Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at UEI College-Gardena

UEI College-Gardena's business operations certificate sits right at the middle of the pack—60th percentile both nationally and within California—but that positioning masks a troubling pattern. First-year graduates earn $26,109, which beats the state median slightly, but by year four those earnings drop to $24,346. This backward trajectory is unusual for a career-focused certificate and suggests graduates may struggle to advance beyond entry-level administrative roles.

The $9,500 debt load seems manageable at first glance—it's exactly the national and state median, and the 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming. However, when earnings actually decline over time, even moderate debt becomes harder to justify. Compare this to top California programs like Central Coast College, where graduates earn $34,301, demonstrating that better outcomes are achievable in this field. The high Pell grant percentage (76%) indicates this program primarily serves students with limited financial resources, making the earnings decline particularly consequential for graduates who have few alternatives.

For parents considering this certificate, the core issue is simple: their child would be taking on debt for a credential that leads to stagnant or declining wages. While the program isn't the worst option available, it's also far from the best in a crowded field. Unless your student has specific reasons to attend this location, look for programs where graduates actually see earnings growth rather than regression.