Human Resources Management and Services at California State University-Fresno

Cal State Fresno's HR program starts graduates $7,000 below the national median at $43,848, but here's what matters: by year four, earnings jump 34% to $58,531, surpassing both the national median and reaching the national 75th percentile. Among California's 24 HR programs, this places near the middle, though it still trails the stronger private options like Fresno Pacific and University of Massachusetts Global by significant margins.

The standout feature here is the debt picture. At $15,745, graduates leave with roughly $10,000 less debt than typical HR majors both nationally and in California. This means the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 is exceptionally manageable—graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than half a year's salary. For a university where 56% of students receive Pell grants, this accessibility matters enormously.

The trajectory from $43,848 to $58,531 suggests employers increasingly value these graduates' experience over time, which partially compensates for the slower start. While your child won't match earnings at top California programs, they'll build a solid career foundation without the debt burden that often accompanies HR degrees elsewhere. If they're committed to staying in California and need to minimize borrowing, this represents a pragmatic path into the field—just expect to invest a few years before seeing competitive compensation.