At $24,093/yr net price, San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduates earn $38,317/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,317/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,093 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,317/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,317/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 22.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,674 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,061/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,404/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,393/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,990/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,657/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $52,107 | $20,125 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $46,869 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $39,009 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $34,921 |
The Risk Factor
58.7% of students at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center delivers solid returns for students who choose the right programs, but your major selection will make or break your financial outcome. Vehicle maintenance graduates earn $52,107 annually, creating a strong payoff despite higher debt loads of $20,125. Heavy equipment maintenance also pays well at $46,869, positioning graduates for stable careers in California's construction and agriculture sectors.
The school's HVAC programs show more mixed results, with earnings ranging from $34,921 to $39,009 depending on the specific track. These lower-earning programs may struggle to justify the $24,093 annual cost, especially given the modest median debt of $10,674 suggests many students pay significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Your biggest financial risk here is choosing a program that doesn't align with the Central Valley's strongest job markets. The region's heavy reliance on agriculture, logistics, and construction creates natural demand for vehicle and equipment technicians, but other trades may offer fewer opportunities locally.
This school works best for you if you can commit to the automotive or heavy equipment programs and plan to work in California's Central Valley region. The 58.7% graduation rate means four out of ten students don't finish, so you need strong motivation to complete your program. With 58% of students receiving financial aid, explore federal grants and state aid before taking on debt.
Skip this school if you're considering the lower-paying HVAC tracks or if you're uncertain about your program choice. The for-profit structure means higher costs than community colleges offering similar programs, so you need clear career focus to justify the expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center worth the cost?
The school's $24,093 annual cost leads to median earnings of $38,317 after 10 years, which means a relatively low return on investment. With a 58.7% graduation rate, many students don't complete their programs.
Which programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center have the best ROI?
Vehicle maintenance graduates earn around $52,107 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Heavy equipment maintenance ($46,869) and HVAC programs ($34,921-$39,009) also offer decent earning potential compared to the cost.
How much debt do San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center graduates have?
The median debt is $10,674, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, this debt level could still be challenging given the moderate post-graduation earnings of $38,317.
What are the job prospects after San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center?
Graduates in trades programs typically find steady work, but earnings vary significantly by field. The 10-year median salary of $38,317 suggests limited income growth potential for many programs.