At $5,671/yr net price, California State University-Stanislaus graduates earn $63,188/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,188/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,671 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,188/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,188/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,540 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,218/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,946/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,347/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,199/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,815/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $99,447 | $22,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $88,527 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | $28,372 |
| Education, General. | Master | $59,688 | $21,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $57,796 | $35,500 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $54,661 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $49,918 | $12,655 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Master | $49,644 | |
| Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
58.0% of students at California State University-Stanislaus 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-Stanislaus delivers solid financial returns at an strongly low cost, making it one of California's better ROI propositions for students who can handle its completion challenges.
Your biggest financial wins come from the health and nursing programs. Mental health services graduates earn over $100,000 annually, while nursing majors see nearly the same returns despite carrying $22,000 in debt. These programs justify their higher borrowing costs through strong regional healthcare demand in the Central Valley.
Business administration offers moderate returns at $73,949 yearly earnings but comes with concerning debt levels at $28,372. Education majors face the school's weakest financial outlook, earning under $60,000 while still carrying $21,000 in debt. You should seriously reconsider these programs unless you have strong personal motivations beyond financial returns.
The school's 58% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but may still carry debt. Your biggest threat is not completing your program, which makes choosing a major you can realistically finish more important than chasing the highest-paying field.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare careers or those needing an affordable path to a bachelor's degree while living at home in the Central Valley. The low net price of $5,671 annually means even modest career outcomes can generate positive returns.
You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want strong alumni networks, or plan to compete for jobs in major metropolitan markets where the CSU Stanislaus name carries less weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Stanislaus worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,671 per year and median debt of only $13,540, CSU Stanislaus offers solid value for most students. The 10-year median earnings of $63,188 provide a reasonable return on investment, especially for nursing and mental health programs that earn $99,000-$103,000.
What are the highest paying majors at California State University-Stanislaus?
Mental health services and nursing programs at CSU Stanislaus lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making $99,000-$103,000 ten years after graduation. Business administration graduates earn around $74,000, while general education majors see lower returns at about $60,000.
How much debt do California State University-Stanislaus graduates have?
CSU Stanislaus graduates leave with a median debt of $13,540, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The manageable debt load combined with decent earning potential makes this school a lower-risk choice financially.
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Stanislaus?
Only 58% of students graduate from CSU Stanislaus, which is below the national average. This means 42% of students leave without a degree, potentially wasting time and money, though the low cost reduces the financial risk.