Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,146
63rd percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$28,619
10% above national median

Analysis

California Baptist University's business program produces graduates who earn solidly above state and national medians, though at debt levels that match the California average. First-year earnings of $51,146 outpace the national median by nearly $3,700 and exceed the California median by about $4,200. Among California business programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—putting it ahead of schools like Biola and the CSU campuses, though well below top performers like Redlands. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates typically carry about seven months of their first-year salary in loans, which is manageable for a business degree.

The 24% earnings growth to $63,415 by year four shows healthy career progression, suggesting the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions. With 41% of students on Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population of first-generation and lower-income students who see meaningful returns. The sample size here is robust, so these numbers represent a reliable picture of outcomes.

For families weighing options, this program delivers above-average results without excessive debt. It won't match the elite private schools, but it consistently produces graduates who out-earn the typical California business major while taking on debt that's entirely typical for the state. That's a straightforward value proposition for a business degree.

Where California Baptist University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How California Baptist University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
California Baptist University$51,146$63,415+24%
Saint Mary's College of California$46,958$84,175+79%
University of Redlands$72,664$69,853-4%
California State University-San Marcos$46,958$62,177+32%
Biola University$46,300$59,432+28%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$51,146$63,415$28,6190.56
University of RedlandsRedlands$57,614$72,664$69,853$37,5000.52
DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario$17,488$57,020$56,664$47,2360.83
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga$56,134$46,958$84,175$24,0000.51
California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos$7,739$46,958$62,177$22,8750.49
Biola UniversityLa Mirada$46,704$46,300$59,432$23,8750.52
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Baptist University, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 157 graduates with reported earnings and 204 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.