At $11,276/yr net price, California State University-East Bay graduates earn $71,401/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,401/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,276 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,401/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,401/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,544 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,059/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,500/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,087/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,190/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,930/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. | Bachelor | $113,585 | $14,747 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $109,763 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $90,856 | $22,151 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $80,309 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $79,838 | $29,439 |
| Statistics. | Master | $78,785 | $25,847 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $70,456 | $39,757 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $68,918 | $35,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $65,387 | $11,000 |
| Education, General. | Master | $64,791 |
The Risk Factor
45.5% of students at California State University-East Bay 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-East Bay delivers strong financial returns for students who pick the right programs and finish their degrees. The low annual net price of $11,276 makes this one of the more affordable options in the expensive Bay Area market.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $113,585 annually while carrying only $14,747 in debt. Educational administration and construction management also provide solid returns. Business administration graduates earn nearly $80,000 but carry significantly higher debt loads at $29,439, which weakens the overall value proposition.
The biggest financial risk at Cal State East Bay is the 45.5% graduation rate. More than half of students who enroll never finish, meaning they pay costs without gaining the credential that unlocks higher earnings. The 78.6% retention rate suggests many students struggle after their first year.
This school works best financially for students targeting high-demand Bay Area fields like healthcare and construction, where the regional job market supports strong wages. If you can complete a nursing program here, you get excellent preparation for one of California's highest-paying career paths at a fraction of the cost of private alternatives.
Students considering lower-earning majors or those uncertain about their ability to persist through graduation should carefully weigh the risks. With less than half of students completing degrees, choosing Cal State East Bay requires confidence in your academic preparation and commitment to finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-East Bay worth the cost?
Cal State East Bay offers solid value with a low net price of $11,276 and median debt of only $16,544. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-East Bay?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $113,585, followed by educational administration at $109,763. Business administration graduates earn $79,838, which is respectable given the low debt levels.
How much student debt do California State University-East Bay graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $16,544, which is manageable compared to many universities. With 10-year earnings averaging $71,401, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Does California State University-East Bay have a good graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 45.5%, meaning more than half of students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate is the biggest risk to getting value from attending Cal State East Bay.