Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 sounds reasonable on paper, but the picture gets murkier when you realize both figures are national estimates rather than actual outcomes for Fresno State's health professions graduates. Similar bachelor's programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,500 and debt loads near $25,000—but California programs typically see lower debt (closer to $18,750 at the state median), which could mean this estimate overshoots or that Fresno State students face heavier borrowing than their in-state peers.
The bigger concern is what "health professions" actually encompasses here. This catch-all category can include everything from respiratory therapists earning solid middle-class wages to health information technicians with weaker prospects. Without knowing which career paths Fresno State's program emphasizes, you're navigating blind. The university serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (56%), making post-graduation earnings especially critical for families banking on upward mobility.
Before committing, pin down exactly which health profession this degree prepares students for and whether $38,500 first-year earnings align with that specific field's entry-level reality in California's Central Valley. The difference between a concrete career path and a generic health degree could be thousands of dollars in earning potential.
Where California State University-Fresno Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-FresnoFresno | $6,980 | $38,492* | — | $24,990* | — |
 California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson | $7,064 | $37,856* | $44,340 | $13,000* | 0.34 |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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-Fresno, approximately 56% 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 national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.