Economics at California State University-Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton's economics program starts graduates at just under $40,000—roughly $11,000 below the California median and in the bottom quarter of state economics programs. But that underwhelming first year masks an impressive earnings trajectory: within four years, graduates reach $71,000, jumping 78% and actually surpassing the state median. The $12,000 in typical debt is less than half the national median and among the lowest debt loads nationally, giving graduates breathing room during that slower initial career phase.

The core question is whether parents can stomach the patience this path requires. That first year salary—10th percentile nationally—means your graduate might be living at home or juggling multiple jobs while peers from Berkeley or UCLA are comfortably launching careers. But by year four, they're earning more than typical California economics graduates while carrying dramatically less debt. For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this represents a legitimate pathway to solid economics earnings without the crushing debt that often accompanies them. Nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the school understands its role serving cost-conscious California families.

The reality: this isn't the fast track to consulting or finance that elite programs provide. But if your child needs to minimize debt and you can support them through a modest start, they'll likely reach competitive earnings faster than the debt burden suggests—and do so without the financial stress that haunts many economics graduates.