Analysis
Based on comparable business programs across California, first-year earnings of roughly $47,000 paired with an estimated $23,600 in debt creates a manageable financial starting point—better than the typical debt load that business graduates in the state carry. This 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means paying off loans shouldn't consume an outsized portion of early paychecks, which matters particularly for the 61% of students here receiving Pell grants who likely can't fall back on family support.
What's harder to assess is where this program lands within California's competitive business landscape. The top-performing programs in the state produce graduates earning $50,000 to $70,000+, suggesting significant variation in outcomes depending on the school. Without actual earnings data for CSU Dominguez Hills specifically, it's unclear whether its graduates cluster near the state median or fall below it. The school's 91% admission rate and commuter-heavy location in Carson may affect employer perception and networking opportunities compared to more selective or centrally-located alternatives.
The fundamentals look sound on paper—earnings align with what business majors typically make nationwide, and the estimated debt is lower than average. But you're betting on a specific school's track record without seeing its actual results. If your child has admission offers from other California business programs with reported outcomes, compare those numbers directly before deciding.
Where California State University-Dominguez Hills Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,064 | $46,958* | — | $23,624* | — | |
| $57,614 | $72,664* | $69,853 | $37,500* | 0.52 | |
| $17,488 | $57,020* | $56,664 | $47,236* | 0.83 | |
| $39,720 | $51,146* | $63,415 | $28,619* | 0.56 | |
| $56,134 | $46,958* | $84,175 | $24,000* | 0.51 | |
| $7,739 | $46,958* | $62,177 | $22,875* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 State University-Dominguez Hills, approximately 61% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.