Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,356
73rd percentile
80th percentile in California
Est. Median Debt
$15,516
Est. from national median (26 programs)

Analysis

This accounting certificate delivers earnings well above what similar California programs typically produce—first-year outcomes of $37,356 land in the 80th percentile statewide, where the median sits at just $27,620. That's a meaningful advantage in a state where many accounting certificate holders struggle to break $30,000. The estimated debt load of $15,516 is higher than California's typical $7,177, likely reflecting differences in how adult education programs are financed, but the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 remains manageable by certificate standards.

What makes this particularly notable is how these outcomes compare nationally. Ventura's program places graduates in the 73rd percentile among the 952 schools offering accounting certificates across the country, suggesting the combination of California's job market and this program's preparation creates genuine value. For an adult education certificate serving a population where 35% receive Pell grants, producing earnings that beat three-quarters of national peers is substantial.

The practical takeaway: while you're working with estimated debt figures rather than this school's actual student loan data, the earnings performance is real and competitive. If your child can complete this certificate with debt near the estimated $15,516—or ideally lower—they're likely positioned for solid first-year earnings that should make repayment straightforward. Just verify actual costs and financial aid before committing, as adult education financing can vary considerably from traditional college programs.

Where Ventura Adult and Continuing Education Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Ventura Adult and Continuing Education graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (133 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Ventura Adult and Continuing EducationVentura$37,356$15,516*
Cabrillo CollegeAptos$1,270$57,294*
Stellar Career CollegeModesto$35,186$28,896$7,248*0.21
Summit CollegeSan Bernardino$20,055$36,962$7,177*0.36
CET-San JoseSan Jose$14,972$16,580$6,729*0.45
CET-El CentroEl Centro$14,972$16,580$6,729*0.45
National Median$31,684$13,047*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, approximately 35% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 10 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.