Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's electrical engineering program starts graduates well below California's median but demonstrates something worth watching: earnings jump 44% by year four, closing much of that initial gap. While the $63,981 starting salary trails the state median by $14,000 and ranks in just the 25th percentile for California programs, graduates who stick with the field see substantial growth to $91,800. The exceptionally low debt load of $14,676—about $4,000 below even California's median and nearly $10,000 below the national average—means graduates enter with minimal financial burden while earnings accelerate.

The trajectory matters here. Starting behind programs like Berkeley ($137,295) or Cal Poly SLO ($90,576) becomes less concerning when considering that two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from lower-income backgrounds and may prioritize affordable access over immediate earning power. The 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio is among the best in the state for this field, giving graduates financial flexibility their first few years out. By year four, the $91,800 median approaches what many higher-ranked programs deliver initially, though it remains below California's competitive standard.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, this program offers a lower-risk entry point into electrical engineering. The minimal debt and strong growth pattern provide breathing room, though students should understand they'll likely start at smaller firms or different sectors than peers from more selective programs.