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
The math at San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center is tough. You pay around $24,000 a year, and the typical graduate earns about $38,000 a decade later. That means one year of net price nearly equals what you'll make in eight months on the job, and this is a two-year program where costs stack up fast.
The programs split sharply. The auto tech associate degree pays the best at over $52,000, but it also carries the heaviest debt on the list at roughly $20,000. The HVAC associate degree lands lowest at under $35,000, and its certificate version pays more than the degree does. That's a warning sign: paying for the extra associate credential in HVAC buys you less earning power, not more. Heavy equipment maintenance, a certificate, beats both HVAC options while presumably costing less time and money.
The clearest financial risk here is the price itself. Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay only about $2,000 less than a family earning over $110,000. Low-income families get almost no break, so you carry nearly the full sticker cost regardless of what you can afford. The 58% graduation rate also means a real chance you pay in and leave without the credential.
This school makes sense for you if you're targeting the auto tech or heavy equipment path specifically, plan to finish, and want to work in the Fresno-area trades. Skip the HVAC associate degree. the certificate gets you further for less. If you're weighing this against a public community college trades program, compare prices closely, because California community colleges typically cost a fraction of $24,000 a year for similar hands-on training. The return here only works if you pick the right program and graduate.
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.