Trade and career programs at CET-San Diego
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Certificate | 85 | $40,502 | $47,291 | $8,305 |
| Construction trades | Certificate | 66 | $35,524 | $39,229 | $9,500 |
| Electrician | Certificate | 14 | n/a | n/a | $8,710 |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 3 | $36,000 | $37,870 | $6,846 |
CET-San Diego cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $15,500 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $29,963 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $23,892 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $22,461 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $23,319 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $26,275 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $29,963 |
| Over $110,000 | $29,963 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 73% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 97% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $39,846 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $7,685 in federal student loans.
- 33% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Council on Occupational Education.
Frequently asked questions
How much does CET-San Diego cost?
Tuition and fees are $15,500 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $23,892 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at CET-San Diego?
73% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do CET-San Diego graduates earn?
Welding certificate graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $40,502 one year after finishing.
Is CET-San Diego accredited?
CET-San Diego is accredited by Council on Occupational Education, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Alliant International University-San Diego, San Diego: $15,392 a year
- Associated Barber College of San Diego, San Diego: $22,245 a year
- California Barber and Beauty College, San Diego: $13,450 a year
- Concorde Career College-San Diego, San Diego: $19,453 a year
- ICOHS College, San Diego: $24,300 a year
- Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego, San Diego: $15,875 a year
More: all trade schools in California · CET-San Diego on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.