Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at California State University-Fresno
Bachelor's Degree
fresnostate.eduAnalysis
Is $16,000 in debt reasonable for a health sciences bachelor's that puts you at $43,134 by the end of your first year? Based on comparable California State University programs, that debt load is well below the state median of $18,786, giving graduates significant financial breathing room. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means you'd owe roughly four and a half months of gross income—manageable territory for a field where credentials matter and steady employment is typical.
The earnings figure positions Fresno State competitively within California's crowded health sciences landscape. While top programs like National University and San Francisco State push into the mid-$50,000s, Fresno State's outcomes align closely with Sacramento State and East Bay, and substantially exceed the national median of $35,279. For a program serving a majority Pell-eligible population in the Central Valley, these results suggest solid career placement without the premium price tag of coastal alternatives.
The combination of estimated low debt and strong first-year earnings creates a viable entry point into allied health careers. The 96% admission rate means access isn't artificially restricted, yet outcomes remain solid—important for students who need a direct path to employment. Parents should recognize that while the debt figure is estimated from peer CSU programs rather than Fresno State's actual data, both the earnings performance and the school's track record suggest this is a program that delivers on its promise.
Where California State University-Fresno Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Fresno graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,980 | $43,134 | — | $16,399* | — | |
| $13,320 | $55,679 | $57,228 | $29,688* | 0.53 | |
| $7,424 | $47,367 | $52,807 | $18,000* | 0.38 | |
| $7,602 | $44,162 | $58,360 | $14,449* | 0.33 | |
| $7,055 | $42,602 | $56,148 | $17,000* | 0.40 | |
| $11,976 | $42,012 | — | $46,639* | 1.11 | |
| National Median | — | $35,279 | — | $26,690* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.