Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at California State University-East Bay

Cal State East Bay's nursing program produces exceptional outcomes at a remarkably low cost. Graduates earn $124,392 in their first year—66% above the national median and matching the state's top performers like Sonoma State. The debt load of $18,875 is unusually light (below 75% of similar programs nationally and 25% less than California's typical nursing debt), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.15. That means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of work.

What makes this particularly compelling is the 97% admission rate combined with these elite outcomes. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within California (where nursing salaries run high across the board), it places in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning graduates out-earn peers at nearly every nursing program in the country. The earnings trajectory shows healthy 12% growth to $139,795 by year four, and the robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes.

For families worried about nursing school costs, this is about as close to a sure bet as higher education offers. Your child gets strong job placement in California's high-paying healthcare market without the crushing debt that often accompanies nursing degrees. The 44% Pell grant population suggests this institution successfully serves students across income levels, making these outcomes even more impressive.