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 gives you one of the best cost-to-outcome ratios in California public higher education. You pay a net price under $6,000 a year and graduate with median debt below $14,000, which is less than many people spend on a used car. That low debt load is the single most important number here, because it means even a modest salary clears your loans quickly.
The nursing program is the clear winner. You earn around $86,000 a year while carrying just $12,500 in debt, so the return is close to immediate. Southern California's hospital demand keeps those jobs local and plentiful. Computer science and the engineering programs (electrical, mechanical, civil) all land in the low-to-mid $60,000s, which pairs well with Orange County and greater LA's tech and construction markets. Civil engineering stands out because it pays $60,000 while keeping debt around $13,000, whereas electrical and mechanical push debt near $19,000 for similar or slightly higher pay.
The risk here is major choice, not price. The listed high-earners are STEM and health fields. If you enroll in a program not on this list, you should assume your earnings could sit well below the $62,951 median, and the low sticker price won't rescue a degree with weak job demand.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $2,600 to $3,500 a year, and this school is one of the cheapest four-year paths to a middle-class salary you'll find. Above $110,000, your net price jumps to about $14,800, still reasonable but no longer a giveaway. The 85% retention and 69% graduation rates mean most people who start actually finish, which protects you from the worst outcome: debt without a degree.
Come here for nursing, engineering, or computer science. Look harder at the numbers if you're drawn to a lower-paying major.
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.