Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at California State University-Long Beach

Similar health sciences programs across California suggest CSULB graduates start around $40,000 annually with roughly $16,400 in debt—numbers that translate to a manageable debt burden of just five months' salary. That's substantially better than the national picture for this credential, where typical debt loads hit $26,690 against lower median earnings of $35,279. The financing looks solid, but the career trajectory matters more here.

The concern isn't affordability—it's what comes next. Health sciences bachelor's degrees serve vastly different purposes depending on the specific concentration. Some function as terminal credentials leading directly to mid-level clinical roles, while others are pre-professional stepping stones toward graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, or physician assistant studies. Based on peer programs in the CSU system, first-year earnings lag behind what other health science programs achieve—National University graduates report starting salaries near $56,000, and even comparable CSU campuses in Sacramento and Fresno produce outcomes in the low $40,000s.

Before committing, clarify exactly what this degree qualifies your child to do without additional training. If it's a bridge to graduate school, factor in those future costs. If it's a standalone credential, understand which specific roles it opens and whether those salaries justify even this modest debt load over time. The financing works, but only if the career path matches your child's actual plans.