At $5,646/yr net price, California State University-Fullerton graduates earn $62,951/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,951/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,646 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,951/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,951/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,675/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,466/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,438/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,101/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,831/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 | $157,680 | $40,710 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $114,595 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $110,241 | $61,302 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $94,408 | $34,066 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $86,129 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $86,042 | $12,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,779 | $32,033 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $76,325 | $27,925 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at California State University-Fullerton graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cal State Fullerton delivers strong financial returns at a remarkably low cost, with nursing graduates earning over $150,000 annually while paying just $5,646 per year in net costs. The school's location in Orange County positions graduates well for California's high-paying job market, particularly in healthcare and technology.
Nursing stands out as the financial winner here, with some programs generating median salaries exceeding $150,000. Engineering majors also perform well, with computer engineering graduates earning $94,000 and mechanical engineering graduates pulling in $86,000. Educational administration offers strong earnings potential at $110,000, though it requires higher debt loads.
The main financial risk lies in choosing lower-earning majors at a school where the highest earners significantly outperform the median. With overall median earnings of $63,000, you want to target the specific programs that justify your time investment.
This school works best for California residents seeking practical, career-focused degrees without massive debt. The low net price makes it an excellent choice if you can get into competitive programs like nursing or engineering. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless they have specific program needs, as the cost advantage disappears.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the relatively low median debt of $13,750 keeps financial risk manageable. The 85% retention rate suggests most students find what they expected. Your success here depends heavily on program selection rather than the institution's overall reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Fullerton worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,646 per year and median debt of only $13,750, Cal State Fullerton offers solid value for most students. The 10-year median earnings of $62,951 provide reasonable returns, especially for nursing and engineering graduates who earn significantly more.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Fullerton?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $157,680 and $114,595 respectively, while computer engineering ($94,408) and mechanical engineering ($86,129) also provide strong returns. These programs justify the investment much better than lower-paying majors at the school.
How much debt do California State University-Fullerton graduates have?
The median debt is $13,750, which is manageable compared to many four-year colleges. With the low annual net price of $5,646, most students can graduate without excessive borrowing if they stay on track.
Does California State University-Fullerton have good job outcomes?
The 69% graduation rate is decent but not outstanding, and median earnings of $62,951 after 10 years are average for California. Outcomes vary significantly by major, with healthcare and engineering students doing much better than the overall average.