Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.2%
- Retention Rate
- 74.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $59,115
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,872
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $147/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,739 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $92,124 | $15,041 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,907 | $34,195 |
| Taxation. | Master | $86,867 | $41,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $83,669 | $18,875 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,756 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $80,493 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,863 | $38,464 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $75,204 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,047 | $16,250 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $73,769 | $41,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,070 | $16,382 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $18,346 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $70,536 | $20,500 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,608 | $67,919 |
Outcomes Overview
CSUN graduates enter the workforce with relatively manageable debt loads, owing a median of $13,872 compared to national averages exceeding $28,000. Monthly loan payments of $147 represent just 3% of typical graduate income after five years. The university's location in the San Fernando Valley provides access to entertainment, aerospace, and tech industries where many alumni find work. With 91.3% of graduates employed and median earnings reaching $59,115 within a decade, the debt-to-income ratio sits at a reasonable 23%. Alumni like pilot Chesley Sullenberger and actress Eva Longoria demonstrate the diverse career paths available. Despite modest graduation rates, CSUN delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable access to California's job market.