Business Administration, Management and Operations at California State University-East Bay
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal State East Bay's business program delivers solid value with exceptionally low debt burden. At just $17,140 in median debt—significantly below both national ($26,000) and California ($21,000) averages—students graduate with manageable financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans, making this one of the most debt-friendly business programs in the state.
The earnings picture is respectable but not spectacular. First-year graduates earn $51,549, which beats the national median by $6,000 and edges above California's median of $49,543. However, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among California business programs, meaning 40% of in-state options offer higher starting salaries. The 28% earnings growth to $65,830 by year four shows decent career progression, though you won't reach the heights of UC Berkeley or Cal Poly SLO graduates.
For families prioritizing affordability and debt minimization, this program offers excellent value. The combination of low debt and above-average earnings creates a strong financial foundation, even if it won't lead to top-tier salaries. Given the 97% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant population (44%), this represents an accessible path to a business degree without crushing debt—a smart choice for cost-conscious families seeking solid career prospects.
Where California State University-East Bay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-East Bay graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University-East Bay graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-East Bay | $51,549 | $65,830 | $17,140 | 0.33 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $90,008 | $123,780 | $12,195 | 0.14 |
| Golden Gate University | $77,752 | $87,027 | $33,968 | 0.44 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $71,876 | $85,332 | $17,000 | 0.24 |
| University of Southern California | $71,668 | $87,767 | $17,375 | 0.24 |
| Pepperdine University | $69,751 | $82,688 | $28,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $90,008 | $12,195 |
| Golden Gate University San Francisco | $31,243 | $77,752 | $33,968 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $71,876 | $17,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $71,668 | $17,375 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $69,751 | $28,000 |
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-East Bay, approximately 44% 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 520 graduates with reported earnings and 407 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.