At $6,480/yr net price, California State University-Fresno graduates earn $61,244/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,244/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,480 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,244/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,244/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,505 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,447/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,858/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,220/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,299/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,580/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. | Doctoral | $152,201 | $37,030 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $102,409 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $101,964 | $55,954 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,049 | $37,198 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $86,867 | $75,827 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $85,159 | $17,966 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $73,530 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $25,875 |
| Education, General. | Master | $69,490 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
54.8% of students at California State University-Fresno 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-Fresno delivers strong value with a $6,480 annual net price and median debt of just $14,505, making it one of the most affordable public universities in California. Your return on investment depends heavily on your major choice, with nursing programs generating over $150,000 in median earnings while carrying reasonable debt loads.
The nursing and business programs offer the strongest financial outcomes at Fresno State. Educational administration also pays well, though you'll graduate with significantly more debt. Rehabilitation programs present a mixed picture with solid earnings offset by the highest debt burden among top-paying majors at $75,827.
The biggest financial risk here is the 54.8% graduation rate, which means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees. If you struggle with large university environments or need extensive academic support, this could become costly. The Central Valley job market limits some career opportunities, particularly in tech and finance, though healthcare and education sectors remain strong.
Fresno State makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, business, or education and can handle the academic demands to graduate on time. The low sticker price means even moderate-earning majors can generate positive returns. You should look elsewhere if you need a high-touch academic environment or want access to major metropolitan job markets immediately after graduation.
With over half of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships are competitive but available. Your best strategy is choosing a high-earning major and staying on track for four-year graduation to maximize the value of this affordable education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Fresno worth the cost?
With a low net price of $6,480 per year and median debt of only $14,505, Cal State Fresno offers solid value for money. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Fresno?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $152,000 and $102,000 annually, followed by educational administration at $102,000. Business administration graduates earn around $90,000, while most other programs fall well below the $61,000 average.
How much debt do California State University-Fresno graduates have?
The median debt of $14,505 is relatively low compared to national averages. Given the school's affordable tuition and strong financial aid, most students graduate with manageable debt loads.
Does California State University-Fresno have a good return on investment?
ROI depends heavily on your major choice. Nursing and business programs offer strong returns, but the low graduation rate and average earnings of $61,000 make it a moderate investment overall.