Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,134
85th percentile
60th percentile in California
Est. Median Debt
$16,399
Est. from CA median (9 programs)

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California State University-FresnoFresno$6,980$43,134—$16,399*—
National UniversitySan Diego$13,320$55,679$57,228$29,688*0.53
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco$7,424$47,367$52,807$18,000*0.38
California State University-SacramentoSacramento$7,602$44,162$58,360$14,449*0.33
California State University-East BayHayward$7,055$42,602$56,148$17,000*0.40
Los Angeles Pacific UniversitySan Dimas$11,976$42,012—$46,639*1.11
National Median—$35,279—$26,690*0.76
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates

Health Education Specialists

Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.

$63,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

$51,030/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.