San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center ★ Hidden gem
Fresno, California · Private, for-profit · 364 undergraduates
All 7 programs with reported earnings leave graduates out-earning a typical California high-school graduate (about $36,976/yr).
What families actually pay
| Family income | Net price per year |
|---|---|
| Under $30k | $27,311 |
| $30k to $48k | $27,372 |
| $48k to $75k | $27,785 |
| $75k to $110k | $28,790 |
| $110k and up | $32,312 |
| All families (average) | $27,887 |
Net price is the yearly cost after grants and scholarships, by family income (College Scorecard). Credit: TuitionTracker.
Program earnings vs a high-school graduate
| Program | Credential | Median earnings | vs HS grad | Verdict | Median debt | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $58,405 | +$21,429 | clears the bar | $11,667 | 0.5 yrs |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $54,977 | +$18,001 | clears the bar | $20,000 | 1.1 yrs |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $55,594 | +$18,618 | clears the bar | $13,000 | 0.7 yrs |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Associate's Degree | $61,662 | +$24,686 | clears the bar | $17,710 | 0.7 yrs |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $72,975 | +$35,999 | clears the bar | $9,500 | 0.3 yrs |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate's Degree | $75,468 | +$38,492 | clears the bar | $20,125 | 0.5 yrs |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Associate's Degree | $49,445 | +$12,469 | clears the bar | $19,584 | 1.6 yrs |
Access and outcomes: 60% of students receive Pell grants · 80% complete their program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10). Earnings are median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing, compared to the state high-school-graduate earnings threshold. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Something look wrong? Report it.