Private nonprofit Institution

CET-Santa Maria — Santa Maria, California

Compare Visit Website

Annual Tuition $2,869

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 125

Active Students

Avg. Salary $32,986

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Santa Maria, California

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Council on Occupational Education

Founded 5/1/1986

Academic Mission & Environment

"CET-Santa Maria stands as a pillar of higher education in Santa Maria, providing a robust academic foundation for 125 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does CET-Santa Maria offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at CET-Santa Maria. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

71.8%

Enrollment Share

Construction Trades

16.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

11.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Construction Trades College

The Construction Trades program at CET-Santa Maria provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at CET-Santa Maria?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%

Difficulty Low

CET-Santa Maria maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 28.8%

Women Enrollment 71.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

CET-Santa Maria follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Review admissions details, program options, and the official next steps for CET-Santa Maria.

Official Admission Portal

How much does CET-Santa Maria cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $N/A

Out-of-State Tuition $N/A

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 30.5%

Median Student Debt $7,041

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $2,869, graduates see a median starting salary of $32,986, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can CET-Santa Maria graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $32,986

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $2,869

Median Salary (6yr) $33,264

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at CET-Santa Maria in Santa Maria?

125 Students

Gender Comparison

28.8% Men

71.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

Pacific Islander

0.8%

Black

0.8%

White

1.6%

Hispanic

96%

Two or More Races

0.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 29

🎓

First-Generation 69.3%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 91.1%

🎖️

Veterans 2.9%

💍

Married Students 22.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$55,670
Average Family Income	$17,278
Median Family Income	$13,272

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Santa Maria Campus Environment

Located at 509 W Morrison Ave, CET-Santa Maria offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

⚖️

How does CET-Santa Maria compare?

Direct Comparison CET-Santa Maria vs Allan Hancock College →

Direct Comparison CET-Santa Maria vs San Joaquin Valley College-Santa Maria →

Common Questions about CET-Santa Maria

Is CET-Santa Maria a good college in Santa Maria, California?

CET-Santa Maria is a recognized institution in Santa Maria with an enrollment of 125 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in California.

Is CET-Santa Maria worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $32,986 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does CET-Santa Maria cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at CET-Santa Maria is approximately $2,869. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $0. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of CET-Santa Maria after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending CET-Santa Maria for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 91.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is CET-Santa Maria good for Health Professions and Construction Trades programs?

CET-Santa Maria reports program activity in Health Professions and Construction Trades. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending CET-Santa Maria?

Graduates of CET-Santa Maria often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $32,986, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for CET-Santa Maria?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on CET-Santa Maria's official admissions website.

Does CET-Santa Maria require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on CET-Santa Maria's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can CET-Santa Maria graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of CET-Santa Maria earn a median salary of $32,986 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is CET-Santa Maria a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Compare CET-Santa Maria's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in California to judge value for your goals.

Where is CET-Santa Maria located and what is the campus like?

CET-Santa Maria is located at 509 W Morrison Ave in Santa Maria, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 125 learners.

Who typically attends CET-Santa Maria in Santa Maria, CA?

The student body at CET-Santa Maria is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 69.3% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

🏆

2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare CET-Santa Maria with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration