Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at California State University-East Bay

Cal State East Bay graduates with this degree earn $50,433 after four years—significantly better than California's median of $31,802 for the same program. That 60th percentile ranking among state schools matters if you're weighing other CSU or UC options, though the program still trails specialized institutions like National University by about $7,000 annually.

The financial mechanics work well here. With just $15,944 in median debt—far below both the national ($27,000) and state ($17,500) medians—graduates face a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio. That first-year salary of $36,509 looks modest, but the 38% earnings jump to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing relatively quickly. The high admission rate (97%) and substantial Pell grant population (44%) indicate this program serves students who need an accessible pathway rather than those chasing elite credentials.

For a general studies degree, this delivers solid value within California's public university system. The low debt load is the real win—your child won't be financially hamstrung while they figure out their career direction. Just understand they'll be earning mid-$30,000s initially, which means living at home or having roommates in the Bay Area is probably necessary.