At $5,918/yr net price, California State University-San Bernardino graduates earn $59,977/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,977/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,977/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,977/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,715 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,298/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,311/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,337/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,250/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 | $88,739 | $17,963 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $86,356 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,214 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $65,066 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $64,358 | $34,166 |
| Social Work. | Master | $58,503 | $37,400 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $16,906 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,867 |
The Risk Factor
54.7% of students at California State University-San Bernardino 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-San Bernardino delivers strong financial value for most students, with a low net price of $5,918 annually and manageable debt loads that make the investment worthwhile despite moderate graduation rates.
Nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners, generating median earnings near $85,000 with reasonable debt burdens around $18,000. Educational administration also produces strong returns for those pursuing leadership roles in schools. Computer science graduates earn solid mid-career salaries at $71,015, making the program a safe bet in the growing Inland Empire tech sector.
Business administration presents a mixed picture at this campus. While graduates earn $72,214 annually, they carry significantly higher debt loads at $41,000, reducing the overall return compared to other programs. Liberal arts and social science majors may struggle more given the regional job market's emphasis on healthcare, education, and logistics.
The biggest risk comes from the 54.7% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a degree here require serious commitment to your studies and engagement with support services. Students who transfer in or attend part-time while working may face additional completion challenges.
This school works best for cost-conscious students who want quality professional programs without major debt. Nursing hopefuls get excellent training at a fraction of private school costs. Working adults benefit from flexible scheduling and proximity to San Bernardino and Riverside job markets.
Skip Cal State San Bernardino if you need extensive career services, want strong alumni networks, or plan to study fields where the regional job market offers limited opportunities. Students seeking highly competitive graduate school placement should also consider other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-San Bernardino worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,918 per year and graduates earning $59,977 after 10 years, CSUSB offers solid value for students who complete their degrees. However, the 54.7% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at California State University-San Bernardino?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $85,000-$88,000, followed by educational administration at $86,356. Business and computer science graduates earn $71,000-$72,000, making these programs the strongest financial investments at CSUSB.
How much debt do California State University-San Bernardino graduates have?
The median debt is $14,715, which is manageable given the low annual cost. With graduates earning nearly $60,000 after 10 years, most can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does California State University-San Bernardino have good job outcomes?
Graduate earnings of $59,977 after 10 years are reasonable but not exceptional for California's job market. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, which means many students invest time and money without getting a degree.