Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at California State University-Dominguez Hills

CSU Dominguez Hills delivers exceptional value for nursing students, particularly those planning to work in California's healthcare system. With first-year earnings of $110,626—nearly 50% above the national median and surpassing three-quarters of all nursing programs nationwide—graduates command strong starting salaries while carrying just $18,750 in debt. That's one of the lowest debt loads in the country for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 that most programs can't match.

The state comparison reveals an important nuance: while CSUDH ranks in the 60th percentile among California nursing programs, this reflects California's unusually strong nursing market rather than any program weakness. Graduates still earn $10,000 more than California's median, and they do so with $6,000 less debt than typical state peers. The admission rate of 91% and high Pell grant enrollment (61%) suggest accessible pathways into a profession with immediate earning power.

The modest 4% earnings growth to year four is the only consideration that tempers enthusiasm, though the starting salary is high enough that this plateau matters less than it might elsewhere. For families prioritizing low debt and strong immediate returns—especially for students who might be first-generation college-goers—this program offers one of the clearest paths to financial stability in California nursing.