Employment
IT support technician, part-time
Current Household Income
$41,600
Paul lives in Placerville and is the primary caregiver for his aging grandmother. He currently works part-time as an IT support technician at a small firm, but his goal is to advance into a network systems administrator role. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a specialized certification in cloud security. The nearest university offering the program is a 90-minute commute each way that conflicts with his caregiving duties at home. While online programs exist, many still require in-person labs. Paul has calculated that the four-year degree alone would cost him about $36,000, not including the $4,000 certification exam he would need afterward. With a lower household income and no financial cushion, he worries about taking on substantial debt while also supporting his grandmother’s medical needs.
Region
Central Sierra
Minimum Wage
$16.50 per hour
Housing Cost
$730,000 average home price
$1,870 to rent a one-bedroom apartment
Cost of Living
43.7% higher than the national average
4.1% lower than the average California city
What does Paul have the right to expect from our learning systems and policies?