In 1996, San Diego Mesa College conducted a study investigating the efficacy of their vocational programs in preparing students for the labor market. Economic gains were examined by tracking student wages and employment rates for three years after graduation through the Post-Education Employment Tracking System (PEETS). Findings indicated that Mesa College students who completed a vocational program were slightly more likely to be employed for a longer term (68.7% compared to 60.2%) and had a faster rate of wage gain than those who did not. Students under the age of 25 received a greater wage gain than older students; their wages had increased by 38.5% three years after college. Non-minority students had slightly higher wages than minority students three years out of college, $29,359 per year compared to $25,168. Though a greater number of female students than male acquired had more long term employment and earned rapid wage increases, male students earned a slightly higher average wage. Nursing students showed the highest employment rates. The average wages of Mesa College students were slightly lower than the average wages for San Diego and aggregate California community college students. Appendices include separate wage rate tables for vocational students under 25, and for all ages. (YKH)