At $10,512/yr net price, California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $64,876/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,876/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,512 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,876/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,876/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,306/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,214/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,861/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,618/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,649/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 | $108,495 | $13,750 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $106,421 | $64,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,412 | $22,103 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,779 | $14,514 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $80,022 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $17,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $76,460 | $78,936 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,739 | $33,324 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,596 | $16,500 |
The Risk Factor
55.8% of students at California State University-Sacramento 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-Sacramento delivers solid financial returns for a public university, with graduates earning a median $64,876 after ten years while carrying just $15,000 in debt. The low net price of $10,512 annually makes this one of the better value propositions in California higher education.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings picture, with registered nurses pulling in over $108,000 annually. Construction and civil engineering also pay well at around $80,000, reflecting Sacramento's position as a growing metropolitan area with ongoing infrastructure needs. Educational administration graduates earn over $106,000, though they carry significantly more debt at $64,500.
The 55.8% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk here. Nearly half of students leave without a degree, wasting time and money. Your chances improve if you enter with strong academic preparation and can handle the transition from high school to college-level work.
Sacramento State works best for California residents who want professional training without the premium cost of UC schools. The location provides access to state government jobs, healthcare systems, and the broader Bay Area job market. Students targeting high-earning fields like nursing or engineering get excellent value.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or prefer smaller class sizes. The retention rate of 81% suggests many students struggle with the adjustment. Out-of-state students face much higher costs that erode the value proposition. Liberal arts majors may find better opportunities at schools with stronger alumni networks or more strong reputations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Sacramento worth the cost?
With a low net price of $10,512 and graduates earning $64,876 after 10 years, Sacramento State offers solid value for most students. The median debt of $15,000 is manageable relative to earning potential.
What majors at California State University-Sacramento have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning over $90,000, while engineering majors in construction and civil earn around $80,000. These programs justify the investment with strong job prospects and higher salaries.
How much debt do California State University-Sacramento graduates have?
The median debt is $15,000, which is relatively low compared to many four-year universities. With average earnings of nearly $65,000 ten years after graduation, most graduates can handle this debt load.
Why is California State University-Sacramento's graduation rate so low?
Only 56% of students graduate, which hurts the school's overall value proposition. Students who don't finish get little return on their investment, making completion critical for ROI.