At $3,659/yr net price, California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates earn $57,162/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,162/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,659 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,162/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,162/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,807 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,624/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,970/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,942/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,028/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,878/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $117,274 | $23,500 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $110,878 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $93,875 | $10,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $86,867 | $19,579 |
| Education, General. | Master | $74,576 | $20,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $69,757 | $39,187 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 | $20,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $67,324 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,320 | $16,589 |
| Social Work. | Master | $60,096 | $38,800 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at California State University-Dominguez Hills graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers solid financial returns at an strongly low cost, with graduates earning $57,162 annually while paying just $3,659 per year in net costs.
Nursing programs dominate the high-earning opportunities here, with graduates reaching $117,274 annually. Even with higher debt loads of $23,500, nursing majors see strong returns given the program's direct pipeline into Los Angeles-area hospitals. Clinical laboratory science also pays well at $86,867, positioning graduates for the region's biotech sector.
Education majors face a tougher financial picture despite earning $74,576, as teacher salaries in California struggle against high living costs. The 47% graduation rate signals completion challenges you need to consider seriously. Low retention rates suggest academic support may be limited compared to other CSU campuses.
This school works best if you live locally and can minimize housing costs while accessing LA's healthcare job market. The extremely low net price makes it viable even for moderate-earning majors, but you need realistic expectations about academic support and completion odds.
Financial aid reaches 61% of students, and the low sticker price means less reliance on loans. Most graduates leave with just $13,807 in debt, making this one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree in expensive Southern California. Your biggest risk is not finishing rather than overwhelming debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Dominguez Hills worth the money?
CSU Dominguez Hills offers strong value with a low net price of $3,659 per year and median debt of only $13,807. The nursing programs deliver excellent returns with graduates earning over $90,000, though other majors show more modest outcomes.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
Nursing programs at CSU Dominguez Hills lead in earnings, with some graduates making over $117,000 annually. Quality control and safety technology graduates earn around $110,000, while education majors typically earn $74,576.
How much debt do California State University-Dominguez Hills graduates have?
CSU Dominguez Hills graduates leave with a median debt of $13,807, which is manageable given the low attendance cost. This debt level is reasonable for most career paths, especially for nursing graduates who earn strong starting salaries.
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
Only 47% of students graduate from CSU Dominguez Hills within six years. This low completion rate means many students may not finish their degree, which significantly impacts the return on investment for those who don't graduate.